A Missouri judge has giventhe green light for a proposal to bring in a Lake of the Ozarks casino to appear on the upcoming election ballot, according to an Associated Press report.
Cole County Circuit Judge Daniel Green ruled in favor of the campaign, following controversy regarding if the campaign had reached the signature requirements to bring the motion before Missouri voters.
The Secretary of State Jay Ashcroft’s office had determined the casino proposal failed to gain enough signatures to make the ballot this fall.
However, the Osage River Gaming and Convention maintained that the group had collected the signatures needed.
Four petitions were originally in circulation to bring the new casino to the area. However, at least 170,000 signatures are required on only one of them to make the ballot.
The current law on the books allows the Missouri Gaming Commission to distribute 13 gaming licenses. However, these can only go to gaming facilities that are located on the Missouri River and Mississippi River.
If voters approve allowing for a 14th license, the proposed $10m casino project would be located below Bagnell Dam along the Osage River. Tax revenue from wagers would be used for “education-related spending, ranging from early childhood literacy programs to teacher salaries,” the local report said.
In addition to voting for a Lake of the Ozarks casino, Missouri voters will have the chance to pull the lever for statewide legalized sports betting.
Secretary of State Jay Ashcroft’s office confirmed that Amendment 2, which could bring sports betting to the state, will be on the ballot, due to reaching the required number of signature in six congressional districts.
