ROCKAWAY BEACH, Mo. (AP) – The mayor of a once-thriving southwest Missouri lake town says a billionaire is willing to put up big money to bring a riverboat casino there.

Missouri voters rejected a bid in 2004 by Rockaway Beach to bring a casino to the community of about 850 residents 11 miles northeast of Branson. But Mayor Don Smith says the town’s chances might be better this time around because of the crumbling local economy and support from a rich casino supporter he declined to name.

The Springfield News-Leader reports Missouri’s constitution allows only 13 casino licenses for facilities that must be on either the Mississippi or Missouri river.

A majority of voters would have to cast ballots in favor of loosening current restrictions for a casino to be allowed there.