In a surprising move, the St. Louis Post-Dispatch has endorsed a “yes” vote on Amendment 5, which would bring a new casino to the Ozarks region of Missouri. The endorsement comes after months of debate and controversy surrounding the proposed casino, with opponents citing concerns about increased gambling addiction and crime rates.
The newspaper’s editorial board, however, argues that a casino in the Ozarks could bring much-needed economic development to the region. They point to successful casino projects in other parts of the state, such as St. Louis and Kansas City, as evidence that casinos can be a boon to local economies.
The editorial also highlights the potential job opportunities that a casino could bring to the Ozarks, which has struggled with high unemployment rates in recent years. Supporters of the amendment argue that the casino could create thousands of jobs in construction, hospitality, and other industries, helping to revitalize the region’s economy.
In addition to the economic benefits, the Post-Dispatch points out that the casino could also attract tourism and provide a new source of revenue for local governments. Proponents of the amendment believe that the tax revenue generated by the casino could fund much-needed infrastructure projects and social services in the Ozarks.
Despite the newspaper’s endorsement, the decision to approve Amendment 5 ultimately lies with the voters. The amendment will be on the ballot in the upcoming election, and residents of Missouri will have the opportunity to weigh in on whether or not they want to see a casino in the Ozarks.
Opponents of the casino have vowed to continue their fight against the amendment, arguing that the potential social costs of increased gambling outweigh any economic benefits. It remains to be seen whether the Post-Dispatch’s endorsement will sway voters towards a “yes” vote on Amendment 5, or if concerns about the casino will prevail in the end.