Osage Nation Advances Plans for Casino Resort at Lake of the Ozarks

The Osage Nation is one step closer to bringing a casino and hotel resort to the Lake of the Ozarks with the release of an Environmental Assessment (EA) report by the U.S. Department of the Interior's Bureau of Indian Affairs (BIA). This report outlines three options for the 29-acre site at Osage Beach Parkway and Bagnell Dam Blvd. in Lake Ozark: a full-scale casino-resort, a hotel without gaming, or no action at all. The Osage Nation’s preferred plan involves building a 40,000-square-foot gaming floor with 750 Class II gaming devices, a 150-room hotel, food and beverage areas, and other amenities. The total facility would span 237,160 square feet, with construction set to begin in 2025 and completion expected within 12 to 18 months. The project is anticipated to generate 455 permanent jobs and contribute $100.6 million annually to the local economy.

Environmental Review and Legal Approvals

Before construction begins, the project must pass key environmental and legal approval stages, as is standard for new casinos in the U.S. The BIA has opened a public comment period for the EA, allowing stakeholders to voice concerns or support the project. The comments, due by September 2, 2025, will help the BIA determine whether additional environmental reviews are necessary. Additionally, the project must receive approval to place the land into federal trust and obtain a “Two-Part Determination” under the Indian Gaming Regulatory Act (IGRA), confirming the casino is in the best interest of the Osage Nation and will not harm the surrounding community. Missouri’s Governor Mike Kehoe must also approve this determination.

Legal Framework and Osage Nation’s Sovereign Status

The Osage Nation’s casino project bypasses the legal hurdles faced by other potential casino developers in Missouri due to the tribe’s sovereign status. In late 2021, the Osage Nation purchased the property with plans to build a casino. Unlike other investors, such as Osage River Gaming & Conventions, who faced state constitutional restrictions, the Osage Nation is not subject to Missouri’s limitation that casinos must be located near the state’s rivers. The tribe’s historical connection to the region, dating back to its land holdings before ceding them to the U.S. government in 1808, strengthens its position in the project.

Economic Benefits and Local Support

Local officials have strongly supported the Osage Nation’s plans, citing the potential economic impact on the area. In Miller County, where the casino is planned, tourism already generates nearly $41 million in economic activity and provides approximately 700 jobs. In Camden County, tourism contributes $187 million and supports nearly 4,000 jobs. The casino is expected to boost these figures, attracting more visitors and creating additional jobs. State lawmakers, including Senators Mike Bernskoetter and Justin Brown, have praised the project as a vital opportunity for economic growth.

Looking Ahead: Approval and Construction Timeline

The project’s future depends on final approvals from both federal and state authorities. If approved, construction is expected to begin in 2025, with the casino potentially opening within a few years, according to local news source Lake Expo. The Osage Nation remains committed to creating a regulated, sustainable gaming environment at the Lake of the Ozarks, ensuring long-term success for the community.

By GamesAndCasino