A Lake of the Ozarks casino isn’t in the cards for Missouri, but sports betting is
Missouri voters faced six ballot measures in the recent election, making key decisions on issues like gambling, sports betting, and other statewide concerns. Among the notable measures was Amendment 5, which proposed allowing an additional casino license, specifically at the Lake of the Ozarks. However, the measure has failed.
Missouri currently limits casino licenses to 13, and this amendment would have increased the cap, paving the way for a new casino in the popular lake area. However, with almost all precincts reporting by early Wednesday morning, just over half of voters had opposed the amendment, signaling a likely rejection.
Despite this outcome, a casino might still be on the horizon for the Lake of the Ozarks, as the Osage Nation has expressed interest in opening one nearby, even without state approval for a new license.
On the other hand, Amendment 2, which aimed to legalize sports betting in Missouri, garnered more support. The proposal received backing from major sports teams like the St. Louis Cardinals and Kansas City Chiefs, highlighting significant interest in regulated sports betting across the state.
Preliminary results with nearly all precincts counted showed that a majority of the Show Me State voters approved the measure. Should this become law, adults 21 and older would be able to place sports bets both online and at in-person locations such as casinos and dedicated sports betting zones.
While past legislative sessions saw similar sports betting efforts fail, Amendment 2’s success at the ballot box suggests strong public interest in making Missouri a part of the expanding landscape of legal sports betting in the US. The measure could lead to new avenues of revenue and entertainment for Missouri residents, reflecting shifting attitudes toward gaming in the state.
These results from Missouri’s ballot measures indicate changing perspectives on gambling-related issues among voters, with a clear divide between interest in sports betting and expansion of traditional casinos.
