Key Moments:
- ORGC confirmed plans to revive its campaign for a casino along Highway 54 near the Osage River
- Last year’s Amendment 5 was defeated with 52.5% voting no and 47.5% voting yes
- If the proposal reaches the 2026 ballot, Initiative Petition Reform could introduce new hurdles
Fresh Push for Osage River Casino After Narrow Loss
A private group of investors, Osage River Gaming and Conventions (ORGC), is renewing its bid to establish a casino near the Osage River, undeterred by its narrow defeat at the polls last year. The team believes that shifting local sentiment may provide them with a better shot at success this time around.
Strategic Adjustments and Next Steps
ORGC has confirmed intentions to again seek an amendment to Missouri’s constitution, pinpointing a site along Highway 54 near the Osage River. According to investor Andy Prewitt, the organization has regained the support of Miller County officials and expects to present its updated proposal to the Lake Ozark City Council this week. Should they receive the council’s approval, the group aims to start gathering petition signatures before the end of November, as reported by Lake Expo.
Last year, ORGC invested significant resources in supporting Amendment 5, which would have permitted a casino below Bagnell Dam. The measure was narrowly defeated, with 52.5% of voters opposing it and 47.5% in favor. Prewitt emphasized that this year’s approach involves revising the ballot’s language and intends to submit the latest version to the Missouri Secretary of State soon.
Legal Landscape and Legislative Risks
ORGC faces significant legal and legislative hurdles in its renewed campaign. Investor Tim Hand highlighted the necessity of persistence, noting that many successful ballot initiatives in Missouri have required multiple attempts. Hand also pointed out that if their proposal appears on the 2026 ballot, Initiative Petition Reform may complicate the process of enacting constitutional changes—especially those concerning new casino licenses outside of the Missouri and Mississippi rivers.
Missouri currently only allows casinos on the Missouri and Mississippi rivers, with strict limitations on the number of licenses issued. The previous ORGC proposal sought to expand these boundaries by creating a new license for the Osage River, with the promise that tax revenues from the casino would fund early childhood education programs.
Voter Sentiment and ORGC’s Optimism
Support for last year’s casino measure was stronger in urban centers like Kansas City and St. Louis, while significant opposition emerged from rural areas in southern Missouri. Notably, even Lake of the Ozarks area counties, where the casino would have been located, voted against the plan. Despite setbacks, ORGC is relying on changing economic conditions, strengthened relationships with local leaders, and increased community engagement to shift public opinion in their favor.
Next Steps for the Osage River Casino Campaign
If ORGC successfully overcomes both political and regulatory obstacles, Lake Ozark could become the focal point of Missouri’s next major casino contest. The group’s continued efforts underscore its determination to broaden gaming opportunities within the state.
| Key Initiative | Status | Next Steps |
|---|---|---|
| Amendment 5 (2022) | Defeated (52.5% no / 47.5% yes) | Language revision and resubmission |
| Lake Ozark City Council Approval | Pending | Presentation scheduled this week |
| Petition Collection | Planned | Targeting start by end of November |
Prewitt said the team remains optimistic:
“We’re taking lessons from last year’s campaign and engaging with local stakeholders to ensure that this proposal aligns with community interests while also supporting economic growth and public programs.”
- Author
Daniel Williams
