Casinos in Ozark being on boats is a result of the specific casino laws in the state of Missouri. While the creators of the TV show “Ozark” did incorporate this aspect into their storyline, they took some creative liberties and fudged the details a bit. In reality, the reason why casinos in Missouri are on boats is due to a 1994 constitutional amendment.
In Missouri, casino gambling was illegal until the mid-1990s. However, a constitutional amendment was passed in 1992 that allowed for a state lottery. This amendment also included a provision for “games of chance” to be played on boats on the Mississippi or Missouri Rivers. This opened the door for the establishment of riverboat casinos in the state.
The idea behind this provision was to tie the casinos to the rivers, as a way to maintain the historical connection between gambling and riverboats. Historically, riverboats were often associated with gambling, especially during the 19th century when they were a popular form of transportation and entertainment. By requiring the casinos to be on boats, Missouri aimed to preserve this connection while also allowing for the economic benefits that casinos can bring.
However, it’s important to note that the boats themselves don’t necessarily have to be actively cruising on the rivers. They can be permanently docked, as long as they are located on the designated rivers. This means that the “boat” aspect of the casinos is more of a legal requirement than a practical one.
In recent years, there have been further changes to Missouri’s casino laws. In 2008, another constitutional amendment was passed, allowing for the expansion of casino gambling beyond the riverboats. This amendment permitted the establishment of “casinos” instead of just “riverboat casinos,” meaning that land-based casinos are now allowed in the state as well.
The decision to have casinos in Ozark on boats is a result of Missouri’s specific casino laws and the desire to maintain a connection to the historical association between gambling and riverboats. While the TV show “Ozark” may have taken some creative liberties with this aspect, it does reflect the general idea behind the state’s casino regulations.