In Missouri, the Lake Ozark board of aldermen voted unanimously to support a resolution in the state legislature that would allow a casino on the Osage River. Residents both for and against the proposed casino attended the meeting.
House Joint Resolution 23 would ask Missouri voters to change the constitution to allow riverboat gambling on the Osage River. It also would add an additional license to the current 10 allowed in Missouri.
The board expressed its support for a casino to be developed by a local investor group, Osage River Gaming. “It’s going to be brought to the people involved in the decision. The final decision will come from them. The only issue with this is that it’s not only going to come from the Lake community, it’s going to be statewide,” said Alderman Judy Neels.
However, the local investor group is not the only entity proposing a casino at the Lake of the Ozarks. The Osage Nation already has purchased and cleared acreage on Bagnell Dam. The tribe is a sovereign nation but its casino must be approved by the federal Bureau of Indian Affairs and the Missouri governor. The tribe has made substantial donations to Lake area charitable organizations.
In response to the board’s support of the local investor group’s proposal, Osage Casinos Chief Executive Officer Kimberly Pearson issued this statement: “We are proud of our work to bring a world-class entertainment center to the Lake of the Ozarks and appreciate the support we have received from the local community. We are grateful for the unanimous recognition by the Lake Ozark Board of Aldermen for the work we are doing to support the region.
“Everywhere Osage Nation has a presence, we are dedicated to giving back to the communities we call home by supporting local organizations. To date our philanthropic efforts have seen over $100,000 donated to law enforcement and other local charitable endeavors as part of our ongoing and long-term support of the Lake of the Ozarks community.”
At the board meeting, Lake Ozark Mayor Dennis Newberry mentioned the Osage Nation may make another donation specifically for roads. “I think the possibility of an upcoming donation is very real,” Newberry said.
