Legislation Would Expand River Boat Gambling To Osage River Near Lake Of The Ozarks

A Missouri Senate Committee is considering a bill that would allow river boat gambling on part of the Osage River. The proposed legislation is sponsored by Republican Sen. Justin Brown of Rolla who says if it makes it through the Legislature, Missouri voters would ultimately decide…

Senate Joint Resolution 14 differs from the Osage Nation wanting to build a casino at the Lake of the Ozarks as their tax structure is different given that tribal lands are considered wholly separate from the U.S. and State of Missouri. Brown says the proposed resolution would allow Missouri to rake in tax revenue from a state-licensed location versus one that’s entirely separate. An opposing argument made in committee was it wouldn’t bring in new money to the region and that it could negatively affect the area, citing comparisons to Las Vegas, Nevada. The committee hasn’t taken up a vote on the bill yet.

(From Missourinet)