Mogul joins effort to build casino close to Branson

ROCKAWAY BEACH, Mo. -- A Missouri trucking mogul has partnered with Southwest Casino and Hotel Corp. to bring a casino to Lake Taneycomo.

Robert Low, founder of Prime Inc., told the Springfield News-Leader he would help build, own and operate the $100 million riverboat with Southwest in Rockaway Beach. Low would not, however, disclose how much he is investing.

The casino must still be approved. Statewide voters could be asked in November to amend the constitution to allow the gambling boat on Lake Taneycomo.

Jim Druck, president of Southwest, said Low's knowledge of casinos brings more than just financial clout. Low built the Palace Casino Resort in Biloxi, Miss.

"He brings great financial strength plus experience and a good reputation in our business," Druck said. "He's been through the licensing process, and he's a locally prominent and well-respected businessman."

Rockaway Beach officials chose Southwest to build the project.

Alderman Denny Howard said Low's participation is good news.

"I think the fact that he's a local resident will benefit us," Howard said. "People who say they're worried about all the money leaving the state should be more comfortable. This way, it won't even be leaving the area."

The Missouri Gaming Commission estimates the Rockaway casino would gross $205 million a year. Of that, $40 million to $49 million would go to the state board of education, and $10 million to $12 million would go to the town.

But the board of directors of the Branson/Lakes Area Chamber of Commerce voted last year to oppose a casino in the area. Chamber members will travel to Jefferson City on Monday to voice their support for a Senate bill now in committee. That bill would require county resident to approve the casino in a vote should a statewide vote be successful.

Chamber director Ross Summers has said he believes Taney County voters would reject the project.

Rockaway Beach voters passed a non-binding resolution in November 2001, asking city officials to pursue a casino.

In March, Southwest delivered 190,182 signatures to the Missouri secretary of state's office in an effort to get the issue on a statewide ballot. The measure would ask for approval of a constitutional amendment allowing a casino on Lake Taneycomo within the city limits of Rockaway Beach.

Statewide, voters have approved three of four gambling-related referendums in the 1990s.

Branson business owner Don Kirkland thinks a casino won't hurt and might help bring more customers to town. Kirkland owns The Plantation and Dockers restaurants.

The 1,000 year-round jobs produced by the casino might tighten the labor market for Branson, he said. "But Lord only knows that Rockaway needs some help."

Low said he's prepared to finance a campaign to win approval.

"We have great confidence in the common sense of the people of Missouri," Low said. "They're good, solid salt-of-the-earth folks, and when they understand the economic opportunity ... they'll step up and support it."