Industry Resources

Proposition A to Increase Tourism and Funding for Schools

When voters passed Proposition A in November 2008, they approved a measure that will make the state more competitive for casino tourism dollars and provide additional funding to Missouri schools.

Proposition A passed with more than 1.57 million votes, or 56 percent of votes cast. The measure eliminated the $500 buy-in or loss limit, the only restriction of its kind in the United States; created a new state education fund with annual audits to ensure that gaming tax revenues reach the schools; increased the state gaming tax paid by casinos to 21 percent; and capped the number of casinos in Missouri to those in place or being built.

"Now Missouri can compete on a level playing field with neighboring states while also generating more money for the schools," said Mike Winter, executive director of the Missouri Gaming Association. "This is a win for the state’s economy and for our schools."

According to the Missouri State Auditor’s office, passage of Proposition A will generate new gaming tax revenue for elementary and secondary education, higher education, early childhood development, veterans and other important programs. Local governments that receive gambling revenue will also benefit as a result of additional gaming tax revenue.

Missouri casinos provide more than 12,000 local jobs. Each year, casinos attract 25 million visitors and generate hundreds of millions of dollars in economic activity or Missouri.