Osage Nation Advances Casino, Hotel Plans at Lake Ozarks

Despite Missouri voters rejecting a Bally’s Casino proposal at Lake Ozark, the Osage Nation is moving forward with plans to build a casino and hotel on tribal land in the same area, which does not require state voter approval. A Draft Environmental Assessment released by the Bureau of Indian Affairs outlines the preferred option for a 40,000-square-foot Class II gaming facility featuring up to 750 electronic gaming machines, a 150-room hotel, and various amenities such as dining and event spaces. The project is expected to generate over $100 million annually for the local economy and create approximately 455 permanent jobs, with construction potentially starting in 2025 pending federal approvals. Critical steps ahead include placing the land into federal trust and completing a "Two-Part Determination" under the Indian Gaming Regulatory Act to ensure the casino benefits the Osage Nation without harming the surrounding community. While some local business owners express concerns about workforce competition and tax advantages, others believe the casino could attract more visitors to the region. The proposal focuses on Class I and II gaming due to Missouri’s lack of a Class III gaming compact, and the tribe’s historical ties to the area have been recognized by the Interior Department, facilitating the land’s sovereign status.