Published on: November 13, 2025, 09:29h.
Updated on: November 13, 2025, 09:29h.
- Prospective addition of two casinos to Lake Ozark
- A recreational haven in Missouri
The Board of Aldermen in Lake Ozark has approved plans for potentially introducing two new casinos in the area.
During a recent Wednesday session, the local governing body approved plans for a tribal casino by the Osage Nation of Oklahoma. They endorsed an agreement ensuring that 2.5% of the Gross Gaming Revenue (GGR) will be allocated to the city.
The Osage Nation will also allocate 1% of hotel room revenue to the city and contribute $100,000 annually to the Lake Ozark Police Department. It is expected that this casino initiative could generate nearly $2 million per year for local government.
The Osage Nation is currently awaiting federal approval for the casino to be built on the previous site of the Quality Inn, located at the intersection of Bagnell Dam Boulevard and Osage Beach Parkway.
The ambitious $100 million project proposes a sprawling 40,000-square-foot casino featuring 750 electronic bingo machines, a 150-room hotel, 6,000 square feet for events, and various dining options. This enterprise is being developed under the authority of the federal Indian Gaming Regulatory Act, which means it won’t include standard slot machines, live dealer games, or sports betting typically available at Missouri’s riverboat casinos.
Commercial Support
Nearby on Bagnell Dam Blvd., Lake Ozark Aldermen learned about local investors’ renewed efforts to bring a commercial riverboat casino to the area. This group previously attempted a statewide amendment in November 2024 to allow gambling on the Osage River, which did not succeed.
Now rebranded as Lake of the Ozarks Community Gaming, this committee seeks voter support to establish a casino resort on a former quarry located east of Highway 54, near the Lake of the Ozarks sign.
Initially, they partnered with Bally’s Corporation for the 2024 campaign, but the casino operator is not involved in this new initiative for 2026.
The Lake of the Ozarks Community Gaming group noted that selecting Bally’s last year contributed to the defeat of Amendment 5, as the Osage Nation mobilized a $10 million opposition campaign, resulting in nearly 52.5% of the votes opposing the initiative to expand riverboat gaming on the Osage River.
Following the presentation of the group’s plans for the 2026 referendum, the aldermen unanimously endorsed the commercial project.
Current Status
The Osage Nation requires federal acknowledgment of its 29 acres of land into trust before they can commence the construction of their tribal casino. Meanwhile, Lake of the Ozarks Community Gaming aims to amend the state constitution via a statewide ballot in November 2026 to enable casino operation on the Osage River.
A federal government shutdown has delayed the Bureau of Indian Affairs’ review of the Osage Ozarks Environmental Review, a necessary approval to establish the sovereignty of the land.