The Oklahoma-based Osage Nation is moving forward with its plans to develop a $60 million casino at the Lake of the Ozarks, in Missouri. The tribal nation first announced last year its intention to build the project, set to be part of a new district, which will also include restaurants, entertainment, long-term parking, and infrastructure and land improvements.
But the new casino and hotel may be coming sooner than expected, says KRMS. The tribe has now posted a public notice in an Eldon newspaper, requesting proposals for “qualified demolitions contractors.”
The casino would be developed on a 28-acre site, and the tribe has described it as “one of the most substantial economic development initiatives for the region in years.” The plan is set to be completed in multiple phases, and would bring new jobs, tourism and revenue for the Lake of the Ozarks community.
The Osage Nation is now seeking to demolish the vacant motel and accessory buildings on the location at Bagnell Dam Blvd, the tribe said in its public notice in the Eldon Advertiser, dated January 3. It comes three months after the announcement of the casino.
Proposals to demolish and remove improvements at 3501 Bagnell Dam Blvd will be accepted until 3 p.m. Feb. 15 at Osage Casino Central Services in Tulsa, Oklahoma, reports Lake Sun. RFPs were available starting Jan. 27 and are to be emailed to Christopher Standing Bear: Osage Casinos has the right to accept or reject any and all proposals.
Osage Casino and Hotel in Tulsa, Oklahoma.
In October, Byron Bighorse, Osage Casinos CEO, told Osage News that the tribe is still working on its application for the land trust, a process that could take several months. Federal approval by the US Department of Interior for a Class II gaming license might take a year or more. The DOI would then transfer the casino land into federal trust, granting sovereignty to the land and casino gaming rights that are exempt from Missouri laws and regulations.
While the Missouri constitution limits the number of casino licenses to 13, federally-approved Indian gambling facilities do not need a license or state approval if similar gaming is already approved in the state. The Osage Nation casino would be the 14th in Missouri.
The tribe claims it has established “very good relationships” with several communities in Missouri, and sees this as an opportunity to “have a presence back” in its homeland. The nation is currently headquartered in Oklahoma.
Missouri state and local officials, as well as tourism leaders and other major stakeholders, have expressed support for the project, the tribe claims. “It sounds like a promising opportunity to bring jobs to Missouri and I am looking forward to working with the Osage Nation as this project develops,” said State Senator Mike Bernskoetter (R- Jefferson City).
The tribe claims it plans to give back to the surrounding communities through “philanthropic contributions,” as well as leveraging local vendors and local businesses “whenever possible” to provide products and services for the facilities. The Osage Nation currently operates seven casinos in Oklahoma.
