Osage Nation Edges Closer to First Missouri Casino
Osage Nation has taken a step closer to securing full approval to develop and open its first land-based casino in the state of Missouri.
Lake Ozark board of aldermen signed off on the agreement, enabling the tribe to access local infrastructure and services. News outlet KY3 said the tribe is now working with the federal government to get its gaming facility approved.
Located in the Lake Ozark region, the venue will run as a casino, hotel, and entertainment complex. The project is expected to cost around $100 million.
Should the development go ahead as planned, it would be the first Osage Nation casino outside Oklahoma.
Osage Nation Pledges Hundreds of New Jobs
Osage Nation CEO Kimberly Pearson welcomed the approval. She said it will have a positive impact on the Lake Ozark region and wider Missouri community.
“It is about being that good community partner, but for us it’s about coming home,” Pearson said. “Everything in this area is called Osage. I think lots of people forgot it was a people and that we’re still here.
“That’s what we want to show to everybody, that we’re a thriving people. We’re excited to be back in our homeland.
“We will be supporting the lake area with about 2.5% of our gross revenues, 1% in resort fees from our hotel, and $100,000 for police services.”
City Administrator Harrison Fry added that the development will create new jobs in the local area.
“The ability to create hundreds of jobs is something we don’t take lightly,” Fry said. “To know that that’s going to be one of, if not the largest, employer near our footprint is tremendous.”
