Proposition A Missouri: Quick Facts
Proposition A in Missouri was the law that authorized riverboat casinos. Here are the quick facts on Proposition A:
| 📄 Casino Bill Text: | Proposition A |
| 📄 Games of Chance Bill Text: | Amendment 6 |
| 📚 Casino Licenses: | 13 |
| 💰 License Fees: | $50,000 Application Fee; $25,000 Initial License Fee |
| ⚖️ Casino Gaming Tax: | 21% On GGR + $2 Admission Fee Per Riverboat Excursion |
| 🏛️ Casino Gambling Regulator: | Missouri Gaming Commission |
| 📆 Last Verified: | February 21, 2025 |
Below, we expand on what you need to know about Proposition A, which is one of the oldest Missouri gambling laws, and Amendment 6.
Proposition A Casino Licenses
State law allows for 13 casino riverboat licenses, and all of those licenses are filled. Here are the current list of licensed casinos in the state:
- Ameristar Kansas City
- Ameristar St. Charles
- Argosy Riverside
- Bally's Kansas City
- Century Casino Caruthersville
- Century Casino Cape Girardeau
- Harrah's Kansas City
- Hollywood Casino St. Louis
- Horseshoe St. Louis
- Isle of Capri Boonville
- Mark Twain
- River City Casino
- St. Jo Frontier
Proposition A allows these riverboat casinos to embark on gambling excursions only on the Mississippi and Missouri rivers.
Casino License Fees in Missouri
Casino license fees can vary depending on how many key employees are investigated prior to licensure. Here's how casino licenses break down in Missouri:
- $50,000 per application fee (or $15,000 per person to be investigated)
- $25,000 initial license fee
- $25,000 per license renewal (annually)
Casino Gaming Tax
Casino gaming is taxed at 21% of gross gaming revenue (GGR) with an additional $2 admission fee per riverboat excursions. Revenues from gambling taxes are allocated to education, local public safety programs, problem gambling treatment, veterans' programs and early childhood programs.
If you have additional questions regarding taxes in the Show-Me State, feel free to check out our Missouri gambling tax calculator page.
Casino Gambling Regulator
Proposition A established the Missouri Gaming Commission as the regulator for casino gambling in the Show-Me State. The commission oversees the licensing and regulating duties as well as ensuring that games are conducted in a fair manner. In addition to overseeing riverboat casinos, the MGC also carries out similar responsibilities for the state's daily fantasy sports, charitable bingo, and soon-to-be Missouri sportsbooks.
What is Proposition A in Missouri?
Proposition A in Missouri, also known as the Missouri Riverboat Gambling Proposition, was a 1992 ballot initiative that authorized casino gambling on riverboats in Missouri. However, it wasn't until the passage of Amendment 6 that legal casino games were finally allowed on riverboats.
After Proposition A was passed, the law was struck down by the Missouri Supreme Court in the Harris v. Missouri Gaming Commission case, which ruled that games of chance can only become legal through a change to the state's constitution.
The first effort to amend the Missouri Constitution to allow games of chance came with Amendment 3 as part of a Special Election in April 1994, though this was defeated by a slim margin. A few months later, Amendment 6 was passed by a wider margin, allowing riverboats to finally host casinos.
Did Proposition A Pass in Missouri?
Yes, Proposition A passed in Missouri as part of a referendum but was later overturned in the Harris v. Missouri Gaming Commission case.
When Did Proposition A Pass?
Proposition A Missouri passed on November 3, 1992.
What is Amendment 6 in Missouri?
Amendment 6, also known as the Missouri Riverboat Gambling Amendment, was a ballot measure to amend the Missouri Constitution in order to legalize games of chance. This was enacted in response to Harris v. Harris v. Missouri Gaming Commission which overturned an earlier bill that legalized casinos in the state.
The passage of Amendment 6 meant that riverboats were finally able to offer casino games.
Did Amendment 6 Pass in Missouri?
Yes, Amendment 6 passed in Missouri and was initiated as a constitutional amendment, allowing games of chance on riverboat casinos.
When Did Amendment 6 Pass?
Amendment 6 Missouri passed on November 8, 1994.
Proposition A Missouri FAQ
Proposition A was a Missouri ballot initiative in 1992 that authorized casino gambling on riverboats. This was also known as the Missouri Riverboat Gambling Proposition.
Yes, Proposition A passed in Missouri on November 3, 1992. However, the resulting law was later struck down in the Harris v. Missouri Gaming Commission case.
Proposition A allows for up to 13 casino licenses in the state of Missouri. Today, each of these licenses are fulfilled, with 13 riverboat casinos in operation.
Casino license fees in Missouri cost an initial $50,000 per application, $25,000 for an initial license and $250,000 for annual license renewals.
Author
The veteran team of Missouri sports betting experts behind BetMissouri.com.
