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Missouri Constitution Article III - Legislative Department Section 39(e) Riverboat gambling authorized on Missouri and Mississippi rivers—boats in moats authorized.

located in any such artificial space shall be deemed to be authorized by the General Assembly and to be in compliance with this Section.

NOTICE: You are advised that the proposed constitutional amendment may be construed to change, repeal, or modify by implication Article III, Sections 39, 39(9), and 39(e).

(Adopted November 8, 1994) (Amended November 3, 1998)

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Missouri amendment 5, osage river gambling boat license initiative (2024).

Missouri Amendment 5



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Missouri Amendment 5 , the Osage River Gambling Boat License Initiative , was on the ballot in Missouri as an initiated constitutional amendment on November 5, 2024 . [1] The ballot measure was defeated .

A vote  allowing the Missouri Gaming Commission to issue one additional gambling boat license to operate on the portion of the Osage River from the Missouri River to the Bagnell Dam.

  • 1 Election results
  • 2.1 What would Amendment 5 have done?
  • 2.2 What were the rules regarding casinos in Missouri?
  • 2.3 Did Missouri voters previously decide on ballot measures regarding casinos?
  • 3.1 Ballot title
  • 3.2 Ballot summary
  • 3.3 Constitutional changes
  • 3.4 Readability score
  • 4.1 Supporters
  • 4.2 Arguments
  • 5.1 Opponents
  • 5.2 Arguments
  • 6.1 Support
  • 7.1 Status of gambling in Missouri
  • 7.2 Casinos in Missouri
  • 7.3 Previous gambling ballot measures in Missouri
  • 8.1 Process in Missouri
  • 8.2 Stages of this ballot initiative
  • 9.1 Poll times
  • 9.2 Registration
  • 9.3 Automatic registration
  • 9.4 Online registration
  • 9.5 Same-day registration
  • 9.6 Residency requirements
  • 9.7 Verification of citizenship
  • 9.8 Verifying your registration
  • 9.9 Voter ID requirements
  • 10 See also
  • 11 External links
  • 12 Footnotes
  • Election results

Missouri Amendment 5

Result Votes Percentage
Yes 1,371,524 47.57%

What would Amendment 5 have done?

The amendment would have permitted the Missouri Gaming Commission, the state agency responsible for regulating gambling, to issue an additional license for a gambling boat to operate on the Osage River, specifically between the Missouri River and the Bagnell Dam, near the Lake of the Ozarks. The location would have included an artificial space that contained water and would have needed to be within 500 feet of the 100-year base flood elevation as established by the Federal Emergency Management Agency. Under the measure, all state revenues derived from issuing gambling licenses would have been allocated to early-childhood literacy programs for elementary public schools. [1]

What were the rules regarding casinos in Missouri?

As of 2024, there were 13 licensed riverboat casinos in Missouri. In Missouri, casinos must be located on or near a body of water. The Missouri Gaming Commission oversees the licensing and regulation of these casinos. In 2008, Missouri voters approved Proposition A by 56.17%-43.83%, which limited the number of casinos in Missouri to those already built or under construction. [2]

Did Missouri voters previously decide on ballot measures regarding casinos?

Missouri voters previously decided six ballot measures regarding riverboat casinos. Out of these six measures, four were approved and two were defeated. Voters first approved on Proposition A in 1992, which authorized riverboat gambling excursions on the Mississippi and Missouri rivers. However, the law resulting from this proposition was struck down by the State Supreme Court. In April 1994, voters rejected Amendment 3, which would have permitted lotteries, gift enterprises and games of chance to be played on the Mississippi and Missouri Rivers on excursion gambling boats, but approved Proposition 6 in November 1994. Voters approved Amendment 9 in 1998, which expanded the floating gambling faculties to be on or adjacent to the Mississippi and Missouri Rivers, but rejected Amendment 1 in 2004, which would have expanded casinos to the White River. In 2008 voters approved Proposition A, which increased the state tax casinos pay to 21% and eliminating Missouri's $500 buy-in limit, as well as limited the number of casinos in Missouri to those already built or under construction.

Text of measure

Ballot title.

The official ballot title was as follows: [3]

Do you want to amend the Missouri Constitution to:

State governmental entities estimate one-time costs of $763,000, ongoing costs of $2.2 million annually, initial fee revenue of $271,000, ongoing admission and other fee revenue of $2.1 million annually, and annual gaming tax revenue of $14.3 million. Local governments estimate unknown revenue.

Ballot summary

The official ballot summary was as follows: [3]

A “yes” vote will amend the Missouri Constitution to allow the Missouri Gaming Commission to issue an additional gambling boat license to operate an excursion gambling boat on the Osage River, between the Missouri River and the Bagnell Dam. All state revenue derived from the issuance of the gambling boat license shall be appropriated to early-childhood literacy programs in public institutions of elementary education.

A “no” vote will not amend the Missouri Constitution regarding gambling boat licensure.

If passed, this measure will have no impact on taxes.

Constitutional changes

The ballot measure would have amended Article III, Section 39(e) of the Missouri Constitution . The following underlined text would have been added and struck-through text would have been deleted: [1]

Note : Use your mouse to scroll over the text below to see the full text.

Riverboat Gambling Authorized on Missouri and Mississippi Rivers--Boats in Moats Authorized

The general assembly is authorized to permit upon the Mississippi and Missouri Rivers only, which shall include artificial spaces that contain water and that are within 1000 feet of the closest edge of the main channel of either of those rivers, lotteries, gift enterprises and games of chance to be conducted on excursion gambling boats and floating facilities. Any license issued before or after the adoption date of this amendment for any excursion gambling boat or floating facility located in any such artificial space shall be deemed to be authorized by the General Assembly and to be in compliance with this Section.

Readability score

The Flesch-Kincaid Grade Level (FKGL) score gives a score designed to be equivalent to the estimated number of years of U.S. formal education required to understand a text (e.g., 9 for a U.S. 9th grade student).

The Flesch Reading Ease (FRE) formula gives a score from negative numbers up to 100, with the highest score (100) representing a 5th-grade equivalent reading level and more difficult reading levels resulting in lower scores. A score of 0 was designed to represent a college graduate reading level, with negative scores representing difficulty above that.

The FKGL for the ballot title is grade level 14, and the FRE is 24. The word count for the ballot title is 133.

The FKGL for the ballot summary is grade level 15, and the FRE is 29. The word count for the ballot summary is 88.

Osage River Gaming and Convention (Yes on 5) is the campaign supporting the initiative. [5]

Corporations

  • Bally's Corporation

Organizations

  • Missouri AFL-CIO
  • John Hancock: "Unlike many places in the state, the Lake of the Ozarks is familiar to everybody. I think everybody will appreciate that a year-round entertainment area is going to be just a tremendous enhancement to that whole experience that is the Lake of the Ozarks."

American Indian Tribes

  • Osage Nation
  • Meg Cunningham, reporter at The Beacon: "The amendment comes amid an effort from Osage Nation to build a casino at the Lake of the Ozarks. Osage Nation acquired land at the Lake of the Ozarks in 2021 and officially launched a plan to build a casino, which requires coordination with the federal government and clearance from the governor."

Campaign finance

The Osage River Gaming and Convention (Yes on 5) was the campaign registered in support of the initiative.

Cash Contributions In-Kind Contributions Total Contributions Cash Expenditures Total Expenditures
Support $10,300,298.84 $2,317.50 $10,302,616.34 $10,285,498.04 $10,287,815.54
Oppose $0.00 $0.00 $0.00 $0.00 $0.00

The following table includes contribution and expenditure totals for the committees in support of the measure.

Committees in support of Amendment 5
Committee Cash Contributions In-Kind Contributions Total Contributions Cash Expenditures Total Expenditures
Yes on 5 $10,300,298.84 $2,317.50 $10,302,616.34 $10,285,498.04 $10,287,815.54
Total $10,300,298.84 $2,317.50 $10,302,616.34 $10,285,498.04 $10,287,815.54

Status of gambling in Missouri

As of 2024, there are certain forms of gambling in Missouri that are legal:

  • Casino gambling : As of 2024, there were 13 licensed riverboat casinos in Missouri. The casinos must be located on or near a body of water. The Missouri Gaming Commission oversaw the licensing and regulation of these casinos. [2]
  • Lottery : The Missouri Lottery was created in 1985. The proceeds from the lottery support public education in the state. [6]
  • Charitable gaming : Charitable games, including licensed bingo, pull-tabs, merchandise coin boards, was restricted to qualified licensed religious, charitable, fraternal, veteran, and service organizations. All bingo tax was deposited into the Proceeds for Education Fund. [7]
  • Daily Fantasy Sports : Daily Fantasy Sports was legalized in Missouri in 2016. DFS operators must be licensed by the Missouri Gaming Commission and adhere to regulations designed to protect consumers. Operators include DraftKings, FanDuel, and others. [8]

As of 2024, sports betting was illegal in the state. Illegal gambling, including unlicensed games, was prohibited. The Missouri Gaming Commission was responsible for enforcing gambling laws and regulations in the state. [2]

Casinos in Missouri

As of 2024, there were 13 casinos operating in Missouri. They were:

  • Ameristar Casino Resort Spa: Located in St. Charles, Missouri [9]
  • Ameristar Casino Hotel: Located in Kansas City, Missouri [9]
  • Argosy Casino Hotel & Spa: Located in Riverside, Missouri [9]
  • Bally’s Kansas City: Located in Kansas City, Missouri [9]
  • Century Casino Cape Girardeau: Located in Cape Girardeau, Missouri [9]
  • Century Casino Caruthersville: Located in Caruthersville, Missouri [9]
  • Harrah’s North Kansas City: Located in North Kansas City, Missouri [9]
  • Hollywood Casino St. Louis: Located in Maryland Heights, Missouri [9]
  • Isle of Capri Casino Hotel: Located in Boonville, Missouri [9]
  • Horseshoe St. Louis: Located in Downtown St. Louis, Missouri [9]
  • Mark Twain Casino: Located in La Grange, Missouri [9]
  • River City Casino & Hotel: Located in Lemay, Missouri [9]
  • St. Jo Frontier Casino: Located in St. Joseph, Missouri [9]

Previous gambling ballot measures in Missouri

  • Missouri Amendment 4, Management and Advertisement of Bingo Games Amendment (2018)
  • Missouri Gambling Loss Limits, Proposition A (2008)
  • Missouri Floating Gambling Facilities, Amendment 1 (August 2004)
  • Missouri Bingo Operation, Amendment 2 (2000)
  • Missouri Charity Raffles, Amendment 8 (1998)
  • Missouri Gambling Boats, Amendment 9 (1998)
  • Missouri Riverboat Gambling, Amendment 6 (1994)
  • Missouri Riverboat Gambling, Amendment 3 (April 1994)
  • Missouri Simulcasting of Horse Races, Amendment 3 (1992)
  • Missouri Riverboat Gambling, Proposition A (1992)
  • Missouri Bingo Regulations, Amendment 1 (August 1990)
  • Missouri Horse Racing, Amendment 8 (August 1986)
  • Missouri Horse Racing Commission, Amendment 7 (1984)
  • Missouri Authorization of Bingo, Amendment 3 (1980)

Path to the ballot

Process in missouri.

In Missouri, the number of signatures required to qualify an initiated constitutional amendment for the ballot is equal to 8 percent of the votes cast for governor in the previous gubernatorial election in six of the eight state congressional districts. Signatures must be filed with the secretary of state six months prior to the election.

The requirements to get an initiated constitutional amendment certified for the 2024 ballot:

  • Signatures : The smallest possible requirement was 171,592 valid signatures . The actual requirement depends on the congressional districts in which signatures were collected.
  • Deadline : The deadline to submit signatures was May 5, 2024.

Once the signatures have been filed with the secretary of state, the secretary copies the petition sheets and transmits them to county election authorities for verification. The secretary of state may choose whether the signatures are to be verified by a 5 percent random sample or full verification . If the random sampling projects between 90 percent and 110 percent of required signatures, a full check of all signatures is required. If more than 110 percent, the initiative is certified, and, if less than 90 percent, the initiative fails.

Stages of this ballot initiative

  • The petitions, submitted by Greta Box, were approved for circulation on November 28, 2023. [10]
  • The Osage River Gaming & Convention committee said it submitted over 320,000 signatures on May 5, 2024. [11]
  • On August 13, 2024, Secretary of State Jay Ashcroft (R) reported that the ballot initiative did not meet signature requirements. [12]
  • On August 30, 2024, a Cole County judge ruled that the initiative had enough valid signatures in six of the eight congressional districts, and should appear on the ballot. [13]

Sponsors of the measure hired Second Street Associates to collect signatures for the petition to qualify this measure for the ballot. A total of $3,988,939.00 was spent to collect the 171,592 valid signatures required to put this measure before voters, resulting in a total cost per required signature (CPRS) of $23.25.

How to cast a vote

Click "Show" to learn more about current voter registration rules, identification requirements, and poll times in Missouri.

How to cast a vote in Missouri

In , all polling places are open from 6:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. Central Time. An individual who is in line at the time polls close must be allowed to vote.

.

To vote in Missouri, one must be 18 years old, a United States citizen, and Missouri resident. An applicant may print an application, pick one up from a county clerk's office, or request that an application be mailed. The completed application must be returned by mail. All returned applications must be postmarked at least 27 days prior to Election Day in order to be processed. An applicant may also register to vote online.

Missouri does not practice .

Missouri has implemented an online voter registration system. Residents can register to vote by visiting .

Missouri does not allow .

To register to vote in Missouri, you must be a resident of the state. State law does not specify the length of time for which you must have been a resident to be eligible. Voters may file change-of-address forms after the registration deadline, up to and including Election Day, provided that they can present photo identification upon doing so.

Missouri does not require proof of citizenship for voter registration. An individual applying to register to vote must attest that they are a U.S. citizen under penalty of perjury.

The allows residents to check their voter registration status online.


Missouri requires voters to present photo identification while voting.

The following were accepted forms of identification as of April 2023.

Voters can present the following forms of information:

If a voter does not have an ID, he or she can obtain one for free by filling out .




External links

  • Missouri Initiative Petitions (2024)
  • ↑ 1.0 1.1 1.2 Missouri Secretary of State , "Initiative Petition," accessed December 1, 2023
  • ↑ 2.0 2.1 2.2 Missouri Gaming Commission , "Rules and Regulations," accessed August 29, 2024
  • ↑ 3.0 3.1 Missouri Secretary of State , "2024 Ballot Measures," accessed August 28, 2024
  • ↑ 4.0 4.1 4.2 Note: This text is quoted verbatim from the original source. Any inconsistencies are attributable to the original source. Cite error: Invalid <ref> tag; name "quotedisclaimer" defined multiple times with different content
  • ↑ Yes on 5 , "Homepage," accessed November 1, 2024
  • ↑ MO Lottery , "About," accessed August 29, 2024
  • ↑ Missouri Gaming Commission , "Charitable Gaming Division," accessed August 29, 2024
  • ↑ Missouri Gaming Commission , "Fantasy Sports Contest Operators," accessed August 29, 2024
  • ↑ 9.00 9.01 9.02 9.03 9.04 9.05 9.06 9.07 9.08 9.09 9.10 9.11 9.12 Missouri Casinos , "Casino Locations," accessed September 14, 2024
  • ↑ Missouri Secretary of State , "2024 Initiative Petitions Approved for Circulation," accessed November 28, 2023
  • ↑ Missouri Independent , "Backers of a new Missouri casino near the Lake of the Ozarks submit signatures seeking ballot slot," May 6, 2024
  • ↑ KRCG , "Missouri voters will get to decide abortion, minimum wage, sports betting in November," August 13, 2024
  • ↑ KY3 , "Judge rules ballot initiative to build casino at Lake of the Ozarks should appear on November ballot," August 30, 2024
  • ↑ Missouri Secretary of State - Elections and Voting , "Frequently Asked Questions," accessed April 4, 2023
  • ↑ 15.0 15.1 15.2 Missouri Secretary of State , "Register to Vote," accessed April 4, 2023
  • ↑ 16.0 16.1 16.2 NCSL , "State Profiles: Elections," accessed August 27, 2024
  • ↑ BillTrack50 , "MO HB1878," accessed April 4, 2023
  • ↑ Missouri Secretary of State , "FAQs Voter Registration," accessed August 27, 2024
  • ↑ Missouri Secretary of State , "How To Vote," accessed August 27, 2024
  • ↑ Missouri Secretary of State , "Do I need an ID to vote?" accessed April 3, 2023
  
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where is riverboat gambling legal in missouri

where is riverboat gambling legal in missouri

Missouri Amendment 5: What to know about the Lake of the Ozarks casino ballot question

Bally's casino in Kansas City, Missouri.

In November's election, Amendment 5 will ask Missouri voters if they want to allow a casino — plus a hotel, convention center and restaurants — on the Osage River near the Bagnell Dam at the Lake of the Ozarks. The plan is led by Bally’s, which operates a casino in Kansas City.

Missourians, long restricted to sites along the Missouri or Mississippi rivers for casino gambling, will decide whether to add another river to that list during the Nov. 5 election.

Amendment 5 will ask Missouri voters if they want to allow an additional casino on the Osage River, near the Bagnell Dam at the Lake of the Ozarks, on the south side of U.S. 54.

The plan is spearheaded by Bally’s, which operates a casino in Kansas City, and RIS Inc., a developer based in Eldon . The amendment is the result of a 10-year effort to build a casino and entertainment center at the lake. The site is part of the Eagles’ Landing development, which sits on both sides of U.S. 54.

The proposal would amend the Missouri Constitution to allow an additional casino on the Osage River. The plan also includes a hotel, a convention center, restaurants and other attractions. It would override a state law that only allows 13 casino licenses by adding a 14th dedicated to the Osage River proposal.

The proposal needs a simple majority statewide to pass. The revenue from the state’s gaming tax, estimated to be $14.4 million annually, will be allocated toward early childhood literacy efforts.

Official ballot title:

“Do you want to amend the Missouri Constitution to:

  • allow the Missouri Gaming Commission to issue one additional gambling boat license to operate on the portion of the Osage River from the Missouri River to the Bagnell Dam;
  • require the prescribed location shall include artificial spaces that contain water and are within 500 feet of the 100-year base flood elevation as established by the Federal Emergency Management Agency; and
  • require all state revenues derived from the issuance of the gambling boat license shall be appropriated to early-childhood literacy programs in public institutions of elementary education?

State governmental entities estimate one-time costs of $763,000, ongoing costs of $2.2 million annually, initial fee revenue of $271,000, ongoing admission and other fee revenue of $2.1 million annually, and annual gaming tax revenue of $14.3 million. Local governments estimate unknown revenue.”

To read the full text of the amendment, click here.

The details of Amendment 5’s casino plan

Members of the Osage River Gaming and Convention Committee are the main backers of the proposal. The group has been eyeing a casino at the lake for years, toggling between pursuing the effort through the legislature or via a citizen-led initiative petition.

Since lawmakers have the power to place questions on the ballot for voter approval, that was one path the committee started pursuing in 2020, after it announced its plan for the Lake of the Ozarks development.

Former state Rep. Rocky Miller, a Republican from Osage Beach, initially spearheaded the legislative path to changing the constitution. After the bill failed in 2022 and 2023, the committee announced it would pursue the change through the initiative petition process.

Backers of the proposal say the destination will create 500 construction jobs and create 700 to 800 permanent jobs.

The city of Lake Ozark gave its backing to the plan in December. Local governments are estimated to receive around $2.1 million annually in admission and other fee revenue.

The state estimates it will take in $14.3 million in gaming tax revenue annually, which will be dedicated to supporting early childhood literacy efforts.

The amendment comes amid an effort from Osage Nation to build a casino at the Lake of the Ozarks. Osage Nation acquired land at the Lake of the Ozarks in 2021 and officially launched a plan to build a casino, which requires coordination with the federal government and clearance from the governor.

The years-long effort to get Amendment 5 on the ballot

After a 2009 fire destroyed a gambling riverboat, the backers of Amendment 5 saw an opportunity to launch a casino at the Lake of the Ozarks, the Springfield News-Leader reported .

The group of investors huddled with the intention of pursuing an additional license and getting voter approval to build on a new river.

By 2018, the investor group was ready to launch a citizen-led initiative petition effort to get voter approval for gambling on an additional river. But Miller suggested the legislative route because it would cost less.

After legislation struggled to get off the ground for a number of years, in part due to heavy opposition from Osage Nation, investors turned back to the initiative petition route, which was successful in 2024.

This story was originally published by The Beacon , a fellow member of the KC Media Collective.

Copyright 2024 KCUR 89.3

Missouri Casinos: Map of Places to Gamble at in Missouri

Jane Shaw

We count on Jane to inform our readers about the latest slot games in the US market. With her passion for video games and a degree in engineering, she's our gambling tech expert . Jane's also active in our blog section, where she tackles the curiosities and changes in the industry.

The great state of Missouri, known well for its waterways, is a particularly interesting place to take to the casinos. One of the biggest reasons being that all thirteen of the available casinos exist on water! ... The Missouri casinos are of course legal, and while the state has seen some recent decline in demand, there is still plenty on offer. There are also many bingo halls available throughout the state for all our bingo lovers out there. Join us as we go through everything you need to know about all the best casinos in Missouri!

  • Missouri Casino List & Map
  • Missouri Gambling and Games
  • Missouri Legal Situation
  • Missouri Resorts and Trips
  • Need more info? FAQ & About MO

Missouri Casino Map - List of Gambling Locations

  • Best Casinos (4)
  • Biggest Casinos (3)
  • Indian Casinos (0)
  • Racinos (0)
  • Cruise Ships/Riverboats (1)
  • To See the Full List Casinos (16)

The Best Casinos in Missouri

Missouri Best Casinos

  • Fitness Center
  • Live concerts
  • Show entertainment

The Biggest Casinos in Missouri

Missouri Biggest Casino

Are There Indian Casinos in Missouri?

Indian casinos are those that are run and regulated by Indian tribal governments and exist on reservations. Indian tribal governments and their regulation of Indian gaming is fully recognized by federal law.

While there are no Indian casinos in MO, there are other categories that may interest you, such as the riverboat experience at Century Casino Caruthersville, which is a particularly unique experience.

Racinos are similar to normal casinos except that they include a racetrack and host various races to bet on. Missouri gambling doesn’t include Racinos at this point but there are plenty of riverboat and commercial casinos as well as bingo halls to enjoy.

Are There Cruise Ship or Riverboat Casinos in Missouri?

A riverboat casino, as the name implies, is a casino on a boat on the river. While all Missouri casinos are technically on a barge or riverboat, only one considers itself a true riverboat casino – Century Casino Caruthersville . Check the next section for the full list of casinos in MO.

Full Missouri Casino List

Here’s the full list of all 13 Missouri casinos, starting in Kansas City and moving out. Be sure to try out at least a couple to get the full experience of gambling in Missouri!

3200 North Ameristar Drive, Kansas City, 64161 Commercial Kansas City
777 NW Argosy Casino Pkwy, Kansas City, 64150 Commercial Kansas City
Bally's Kansas City Casino 1800 E Front St, Kansas City, 64120 Commercial Kansas City
1800 E Front St, Kansas City, 64120 Commercial Kansas City
100 Isle of Capri Blvd, Boonville, 65233 Commercial Kansas City
777 Winners Cir, St Joseph, 64505 Commercial Kansas City
1 Ameristar Blvd, St. Louis, 63301 Commercial St. Louis
1 Riverboat Dr, St. Louis, 64116 Commercial St. Louis
777 Casino Center Dr, St. Louis, 63043 Commercial St. Louis
Horseshoe St. Louis 999 N 2nd St, St. Louis, 63102 Commercial St. Louis
999 N 2nd St, St. Louis, 63102 Commercial St. Louis
777 River City Casino Blvd, St. Louis, 63125 Commercial St. Louis
777 E 3rd St, Caruthersville, 63830 Cruise Ships/Riverboats St. Louis
Century Casino Caruthersville 777 E 3rd St, Caruthersville, 63830 Commercial St. Louis
777 North Main Street, Cape Girardeau, 63701 Commercial St. Louis
104 Pierce St, La Grange, 63448 Commercial St. Louis

Expected New Casinos

While there are no definitive plans for a new casino in the works in MO, a bill has been put forward in February of this year to add the Osage River to the list of rivers legally allowed to host gambling riverboats on. If successful, we may see the Ozarks join the list of gambling towns in MO!

Gambling in Missouri

Gambling in Missouri is a unique and fulfilling experience. There are 13 casinos to choose from, all with their own charms. There are a plethora of casino games on offer, and with a 24/7 open door policy, you can be a winner all day long!

Missouri Gambling Topics Gambling Facts for Missouri
Number of Casinos 13
Casino Types Commercial, Riverboat
Casino Games Offered Slots Casino Poker Poker Cash and Poker Tournaments Roulette Blackjack Dice Games Lottery Games Other Games
Age 21+ to bet with cash
Smoking Yes/No* *Smoking inside is prohibited but there are external smoking areas in each Missouri casino
Drinking Yes/No* *Drinking while playing is allowed, but no free alcoholic drinks are served
Opening Hours Some casinos are closed on Easter and Christmas. Check the brands pages for more info
Betting Limit Min 0.01$ - Max 25000$
Taxation of Winnings Yes/No for additional details

Casino Games in Missouri

Missouri gambling has stacks of great games on offer in all popular categories. Whether you enjoy casino poker, blackjack, a good game of Roulette, or others, there’s something here for you. Here’s the game list and some useful details about each.

  • Colossal Wizards
  • Spartacus Gladiator of Rome
  • Forbidden Dragons
  • Queen of the Wild II
  • Lazer Lock Ice Sapphire
  • 19200+ slots
  • Types: Traditional, video reel, and much more
  • Slot providers such as: WMS and Everi
  • Let it Ride
  • Limit Holdem
  • No Limit Holdem

Additional Details 6 of the 13 casinos offer a combined total of 10 poker rooms with stakes running as high as $30 in cash games

  • Crazy 4 Poke
  • Fortune Pai Gow
  • Sharp Shooter

Additional Details No limit holdem is the most popular and frequent poker tournament held in Missouri

  • American Roulette
  • European Roulette

Additional Details Both electric and table roulette are available

  • Any 2 Card Blackjack
  • Hand-Held Deck
  • Shoe Game, Single Deck
  • Double Deck
  • 85+ Blackjack tables with up to $500 bets
  • Chuck-A-Luck

Additional Details Ameristar in Kansas city is the most highly rated Missouri casino for craps

  • 75 Ball Bingo
  • 90 Ball Bingo
  • Daily Lotto Draws
  • Mini Lottos
  • Tickets available from age 18
  • Electronic Craps
  • Electronic Blackjack
  • Electronic Roulette
  • Electronic 3-Card Poker

Additional Details For those who prefer electronic gambling, there’s a long list of popular games in the electric category

  • no legal sports betting options

Gambling Legal Situation in Missouri

Taxation of winnings.

Each state has a separate method for taxing winners. As it stands, Missouri expects 4% additional tax on top of federal tax on winnings above 600$. For more on the federal taxes

Missouri Gambling Laws

Missouri gambling laws are similar to those of many other southern states. Some are quite unique though. Casinos are strictly regulated and held to account. As long as the law is adhered to, there’s nothing to worry about. Here are a few of the most interesting laws to be aware of. Or, you can check out our dedicated section on gambling laws and regulations in the US for more general information on the topic.

Undue losses from gambling may be recovered through civil action by the one who experiences the undue loss

Those who are under age or in any other way, not legally gambling, are not entitled to any winnings made.

Unless otherwise approved by the commission, all card decks are to be standard, and deviation is illegal.

Missouri is one of the states defined by gambling laws that limit casinos to boat facilities on two main rivers, or on artificial bodies of water within 1000 feet of those rivers. The state long feared the infiltration of criminal activity if gambling was to be allowed and was thus a considerable late comer to the gambling table.

For a casino to be licenced and operate legally it has to exist on a boat on the two allocated rivers or on an artificial moat 1000 feet near them. In the past these riverboats had to actually cruise and gambling time was limited to every two hours at boarding. The laws have since changed to allow boats to remain docked and thus many of the Missouri casinos are now on barges that never move.

Missouri history image

1980 – 1992 Gambling was first legalised in 1980 when charitable bingo was introduced. In 1984 track betting was legalised too. 8 years later in 1992 riverboat casinos were legalised by way of a mass vote. Shortly after the vote past, in August of that year, Missouri’s first ever casinos, four big riverboat casinos, sprang to life. That number has since grown to 13 where it holds steady.

1993 – Present Online gambling remains a bit of a grey area in MO however. Fantasy Sports betting is allowed as of 2016, but short of that, there is no legal allocation for online gambling yet.

Upcoming Changes in the Gambling Regulation

In February this year, a bill was proposed, that if approved, would add the Osage River to the list of approved gambling rivers in Missouri. This would essentially allow a swath of new terrain to legally house a gambling riverboat, including areas like the Ozarks .

Missouri Casino Resorts and Trips

Resort casinos are casinos that offer accommodation and other amenities outside of gambling such as a spa, tours, etc. Most of the Missouri casinos are in fact resort casinos with their own hotels. Two even have spa facilities.

Casino Resorts

Missouri is packed with casino resorts for all-comers. From resorts with in-house spa facilities, to a list of entertainment options second to none, there’s something for everyone. Here are our top 3 resort picks for you.

Number of Rooms184
Price Range ($)149-529
Special Packages"10% Discount For Aaa & Aarp Members"
Additional ServicesSPA, Parking, Entertainment
Number of Rooms258
Price Range ($)139-650
Special Packages"Slotplay and stay"
Additional ServicesSpa, Parking, Entertainment
Number of Rooms502
Price Range ($)99-279
Special Packages"Eat Stay Play package"
Additional ServicesHollywood Live, Parking, Pool

Casino Trips

Casino trips are an interesting way to experience the gaming culture in Missouri. Here are the best options if you’re looking to tour your way through the state’s casinos.

Provider CTA Trips Packages
Mid American Coaches 
Huskey Trailways 

Disclaimer: While every effort has been made to provide only accurate and up-to-date information, please be aware that casinos.us shall not be held responsible for any inaccuracies in the offer packages or other details listed.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do i ban myself from casinos in missouri, which missouri casino has the best payout, why do casinos in missouri have to be on water, about missouri.

The state of Missouri is a culturally and historically rich place in Midwestern United States with much to offer and many stories to tell. It is the 18th most populous state with Jefferson City as its capital. Here’s a little about Missouri you may want to know.

State Image

Capital Jefferson City 
Largest Cities Kansas City, St. Louise, Springfield 
Size 69 704,2 mi² 
Population 6,137m 
Time Zone GMT +5 (CDT) 
Abbreviation MO 
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Metro Voice News Celebrating Faith, Family & Community

where is riverboat gambling legal in missouri

Missouri voters may decide on riverboat gambling near Lake of the Ozarks

January 12, 2020

The Lake of the Ozarks is a popular spot for boating, water skiing or just relaxing. Riverboat gambling may join that list if a state lawmaker has his way.

Rep. Rocky Miller, R- Lake Ozark, is proposing a change to the state Constitution that would allow gambling along the Osage River. Miller got into some hot water in 2019 for spreading vicious rumors about another legislator.

Current law allows riverboat gambling along only the Mississippi and Missouri Rivers.

riverboat

Rep. Rocky Miller, R-Lake Ozark. Missouri House of Representatives photo

“When the first riverboat gambling came out in the 90s, I thought ‘Well gosh, why isn’t the Osage River part of the Missouri and Mississippi riverboat gaming license?’” he said. “I have no idea why it wasn’t, but I thought we really should be.

“I’ve never thought that Lake of the Ozarks is really a family friendly destination. There are things that families can do, and I love having them there. There are great things you can do there –- there’s water parks, there’s skeeball. But honestly, compared to Branson, we’ve always been an adult entertainment area.”

However, Miller said his intention is not to expand gambling in the state.

“I think that right now, we just need to right the wrong,” he said. “I truly would like to see a casino in Lake of the Ozarks, but I think the problems that we have, if we open those flood gates up, we’d have every casino fighting, and I think we would end up getting nothing done.

“This is just a pragmatic, sort of level-headed way of doing it. Let’s add the Osage River. In the future, if a license becomes available, then we’re there to make a pitch for it.”

The state gaming commission already has licensed 13 casinos, the maximum allowed by law in Missouri. If passed by the legislature and people, the measure would let a potential riverboat casino pursue a license along the Osage, if one becomes available.

Miller was previously known this year for spreading what was determined to be a false rumor that an employee of the House of Representatives was having an affair with another lawmaker.

After a months-long investigation, the House Ethics Committee determined that his conduct was “unbecoming of a state legislator … entrusted with authority over the legislative process.”

The panel also found Miller’s conduct “may have compromised the ability of the House to provide a respectful, professional work environment.”

Miller was forced to attend additional sexual harassment training and has written a letter of apology to the staffer.

–Alan Goforth | Metro Voice

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where is riverboat gambling legal in missouri

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IMAGES

  1. Newest Missouri Sports Betting Bill Takes Aim At Riverboat Casinos

    where is riverboat gambling legal in missouri

  2. Riverboat Gambling In The USA

    where is riverboat gambling legal in missouri

  3. Missouri Gambling Laws

    where is riverboat gambling legal in missouri

  4. Newest Missouri Sports Betting Bill Takes Aim At Riverboat Casinos

    where is riverboat gambling legal in missouri

  5. Where Is Riverboat Gambling Legal In Missouri

    where is riverboat gambling legal in missouri

  6. Casino Queen, Riverboat Casino, Mississippi River, St. Louis, Missouri

    where is riverboat gambling legal in missouri

COMMENTS

  1. Missouri Constitution Article III § 39(e)

    The general assembly is authorized to permit upon the Mississippi and Missouri Rivers only, which shall include artificial spaces that contain water and that are within 1000 feet of the closest edge of the main channel of either of those rivers, lotteries, gift enterprises and games of chance to be conducted on excursion gambling boats and floating facilities.

  2. Missouri Amendment 5, Osage River Gambling Boat License Initiative

    Status of gambling in Missouri. As of 2024, there are certain forms of gambling in Missouri that are legal: Casino gambling: As of 2024, there were 13 licensed riverboat casinos in Missouri. The casinos must be located on or near a body of water. The Missouri Gaming Commission oversaw the licensing and regulation of these casinos.

  3. Missouri Gambling History

    The return of riverboat gambling to Missouri. Reprising its history with 19th-century steamboats, Missouri introduced legal riverboat casinos in the 1990s. In 1989, Iowa was the first state to legalize riverboat gambling. Then, Missouri voters approved a 1992 referendum to authorize gambling on boats on the Mississippi and Missouri rivers.

  4. Missouri Amendment 5: What to know about the Lake of the Ozarks casino

    Amendment 5 will ask Missouri voters if they want to allow an additional casino on the Osage River, near the Bagnell Dam at the Lake of the Ozarks, on the south side of U.S. 54. The plan is spearheaded by Bally's, which operates a casino in Kansas City, and RIS Inc., a developer based in Eldon. The amendment is the result of a 10-year effort ...

  5. Amendment 5: Riverboat gambling license for Lake of the Ozarks

    Here's what Amendment 5 could mean for you. A yes means Missouri will grant an additional gaming boat license on the Osage River. A no vote will change nothing meaning no casino. ST. LOUIS ...

  6. Missouri Casinos: Map of Places to Gamble at in Missouri

    Be sure to try out at least a couple to get the full experience of gambling in Missouri! Choose a City. Choose a Type. All. Commercial. Cruise Ships/Riverboats. All Casinos in Kansas City. Ameristar Kansas City. 3200 North Ameristar Drive, Kansas City, 64161.

  7. Missouri voters may decide on riverboat gambling near Lake of the

    Missouri voters may decide on riverboat gambling near Lake of the Ozarks. January 12, 2020. The Lake of the Ozarks is a popular spot for boating, water skiing or just relaxing. Riverboat gambling may join that list if a state lawmaker has his way. Rep. Rocky Miller, R- Lake Ozark, is proposing a change to the state Constitution that would allow ...

  8. BREAKDOWN: Casinos, The Lake Of The Ozarks Community, And How We Got

    State Rep. Rocky Miller filed a resolution to change the Missouri Constitution to open up the Osage River for riverboat gambling, but it—like so many others—got the 2020 treatment: it never ...

  9. III Section 39(e)

    Revised Statutes of Missouri, Missouri law . III Section 39(e). Riverboat gambling authorized on Missouri and Mississippi Rivers — boats in moats authorized. — The general assembly is authorized to permit upon the Mississippi and Missouri Rivers only, which shall include artificial spaces that contain water and that are within 1000 feet of the closest edge of the main channel of either of ...

  10. Missouri Gambling Regulation

    Persons under the age of 21 are prohibited from gambling. The riverboat casinos can offer slots and table games but accepting bets on the outcomes of sporting events is off-limits. All gambling devices on the premises should have an average theoretical return of at least 80%, according to Section 313.805 (12).