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Bally Corporation and Osage River Gaming and Convention (ORGC) have partnered to plan a new casino project at the Lake of the Ozarks in Missouri. Although ORGC doesn't require a traditional riverboat casino, it needs approval before proceeding with the project.
In a letter sent to The, ORGC disclosed Bally's involvement in the project, which took place a few days ago in Osage Beach City at Lake of the Ozarks. The letter outlined the location planned by the gaming group for the casino, indicating it would occupy approximately 20 acres of the 90-acre property, known as Eagles Landing Phase IV. ORGC's letter also mentioned the remaining portion of the area would be redeveloped into a hotel, conference center, restaurants, and shops.
For reference, Eagles' Landing is a development area operated by Gary Prewitt, situated on both sides of Highway 54 along the Lake of the Ozarks. Currently, there are various shops on one side of the Eagles' Landing real estate development, while the other side of the Phase IV property is a quarry.
ORGC is not obligated to become a traditional riverboat casino. Despite Missouri laws primarily involving riverboat casinos, they are also permitted to be built on the shore as long as certain conditions are met. Missouri defines legal casinos as "excursion gambling boats." However, the term has been broadly interpreted by the state, with a revision in 2021 to include "non-floating facilities."
Nevertheless, casino operators must adhere to certain regulations. As mentioned earlier, excursion gambling boats can dock onshore, as long as they are within 1,000 feet of the Missouri or Mississippi River (Eagles' Landing in Phase IV of Osage River must also be within 1,000 feet of the edge of the Osage River floodplain).
Additionally, casino equipment needs approval from the Missouri Gaming Commission, with the state currently issuing only 13 licenses to various companies. Finally, gambling establishments must have a reserve of at least 2,000 gallons of water on-site or underground, stored in a sturdy or semi-sturdy container, tank, or structure.
However, ORGC still needs to apply for amendments to construct the property on the Osage River. |
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