Lake Ozark may soon become home to two separate casino projects as city officials and developers take major steps toward expanding the region’s gaming and entertainment offerings. At a recent meeting, the Lake Ozark Board of Aldermen voted to approve two casino-related projects — one led by the Osage Nation and the other proposed by a group of private investors. The session drew a large crowd of residents eager to hear updates on the city’s plans.
“We would certainly welcome both developments and wish them both well,” said City Attorney Christopher Rohrer following the unanimous approval of the two casino measures.
The first set of bills allows the Osage Nation to move forward with its long-planned entertainment district, which includes a hotel, casino, and event facilities at the corner of Bagnell Dam Boulevard and Osage Beach Parkway. According to the agreements, the Osage Nation will contribute 2.5% of adjusted gross gaming receipts and a 1% resort fee on hotel stays. The tribe also agreed to pay the standard city rates for water and sewer services, provide $100,000 annually for police services, and fund the addition of a new turn lane along Bagnell Dam Boulevard.
“We are committed to you and this partnership,” said Osage Nation CEO Kimberly Pearson during the meeting, according to Lake Expo.
Mayor David Ridgely described the project as a milestone for the city. “This partnership with the Osage Nation represents a defining moment for the City of Lake Ozark,” he said. “These agreements show what can be achieved when governments work together in good faith to strengthen our community and prepare for the future.”
The Osage Nation, which purchased 27 acres for the project in 2021, received federal clearance to operate under the U.S. Indian Gaming Regulatory Act. The development will feature a casino, hotel, meeting areas, and an event center, and the tribe has also discussed establishing an Osage Nation Welcome Center nearby.
Private Group Makes Another Casino Bid
While the Osage Nation’s project has cleared local hurdles, another casino proposal is being revived by private investors operating under the new name Lake of the Ozarks Community Gaming (LOCG). The group previously attempted to pass Amendment 5 in 2024, which sought to allow casino gaming on the Osage River, but the initiative failed with 52.5% of voters opposing it.
“Yes, we are getting the band back together,” said investor Andy Prewitt, confirming that the group has reassembled for another attempt. Prewitt noted that the group recently secured support from Miller County and was on the agenda for the Lake Ozark City Council meeting scheduled for November 12.
LOCG hopes to gather signatures for a new constitutional amendment by the end of November to qualify for the 2026 ballot. “So this time around, we have an extra 45 days to collect signatures,” Prewitt explained. “We should have more than enough time and more than enough signatures, which will allow us an additional four months of campaign time.”
Another member of the group, Tim Hand, emphasized persistence. “Just about every major initiative ever passed required more than one try at the ballot box — that’s just Missouri politics,” he said.
The new initiative would again propose allowing a state-licensed casino on the Osage River, downstream from Bagnell Dam, and dedicate state tax revenues from the facility to early childhood education.
Voter History and Regional Impact
The 2024 casino proposal was narrowly defeated, with 47.5% of Missourians voting in favor. Support was strongest in Kansas City and St. Louis, though all three primary Lake area counties — Camden, Miller, and Morgan — opposed the measure. The deepest opposition came from Miller County, where the proposed site would have been located.
Despite the setback, LOCG remains optimistic. The city’s recent resolution in support of their effort marks an early step toward reintroducing the measure in 2026.
“So, last year our signature collection started 45 days after this current spot,” Prewitt said, noting that the delay previously hampered their campaign. “We ended up having barely enough signatures and actually having to force a recount in congressional district two, which cost us four months of campaigning.”
The group’s renewed push also coincides with the Osage Nation’s own casino plans, potentially setting the stage for two major gaming destinations within the same region.
