Published on: November 12, 2025, 09:45h.
Updated on: November 12, 2025, 09:45h.
- Local entrepreneurs in Lake Ozark are committed to their casino venture
- An imminent tribal casino run by the Osage Nation is in the pipeline
Tonight, the Lake Ozark Board of Aldermen is anticipated to finalize a deal with the Osage Nation of Oklahoma, paving the way for the establishment of a tribal casino in this popular recreation area. However, local business leaders envision that Osage Casino won’t be the only option available to visitors.
In the previous November, residents of Missouri cast their votes against a statewide ballot change that sought to modify the Missouri Constitution to permit riverboat casino gaming along or in proximity to the Osage River. Currently, gaming establishments are sanctioned solely near the Missouri and Mississippi rivers.
Amendment 5 faced defeat, with 52.5% of voters opposing the proposal. The Osage River Gaming & Convention Committee is already strategizing for a resurgence in 2026.
‘Reuniting the Team’
Andy Prewitt, a partner and spokesperson for Osage River Gaming, has announced the committee’s revival for another attempt to establish a casino in Lake Ozark.
“We’re reuniting our team,” Prewitt shared with Lake Expo. “We have secured support from Miller County and are set to be on the agenda for Lake Ozark.”
As the Board of Aldermen evaluates the Osage Nation agreement, they are also expected to review the Osage River Gaming & Convention Committee’s proposed ballot initiative for 2026.
Previously, the committee collaborated with Bally’s Corporation to present a comprehensive casino project that aimed to feature a 20-story hotel, a convention center, and a variety of resort facilities, such as indoor and outdoor pools, a fitness center, and multiple dining options.
The proposed location for the casino resort is a former quarry site directly across the Osage River from the iconic “Hollywood-style” Lake of the Ozarks sign at the intersection of Highway 54 and Route 242. This area lies less than a mile from the Osage Nation’s designated property where they plan to create their tribal resort, situated on the previously demolished Quality Inn site from 2022.
Osage River Gaming has not disclosed whether they will once again collaborate with Bally’s, which is navigating financial hurdles; however, the recent third-quarter results were more favorable than anticipated, leading to the company’s removal from Fitch’s “Rating Watch Negative” outlook.
Path to the 2026 Referendum
Similar to their 2024 efforts, the Osage River Gaming & Convention Committee must first receive approval for their petition language from the Missouri Secretary of State to place the casino question on the ballot. The next step will involve canvassing voters to gather signatures from at least 8% of the total votes from the last gubernatorial election across at least six of the eight congressional districts in the state.
For the 2026 initiative, that equates to securing at least 170,215 verified signatures.
If everything proceeds as planned, Missourians will once again be asked whether they permit riverboat casino gambling on the Osage River and approve a gaming license near Bagnell Dam.