Governor Mike Parson holds the cards to make or break plans for a Native American tribe to build another casino at the Lake of the Ozarks. But, he is not talking about it or is not showing any signs of whether he is in support or against the proposed $60 million casino by the Osage Nation tribe based in Oklahoma.
The federal Indian Gaming Regulatory Law of 1988 indicates that Native American tribes can build casinos under specific conditions. Under these conditions, a native tribe can build a casino outside its reservations as long the land in question is in the tribe’s historic region.
The whole of Missouri qualifies as Osage Nation’s historic region. Thus, the tribe can build a casino there. But, the state’s governor has to approve a casino project before the tribe can begin construction.
The Casino Project
Last week Osage Nation announced its plans to build a new entertainment property. This would include a hotel complex, restaurants, a casino, and an entertainment venue at the Lake of the Ozarks.
The tribe said that it was expecting to finish the casino project in several phases. Through a news release, the tribe indicated it would use approximately $60 million to complete the project. The release also indicated that the project would create jobs, revenue and attract tourists to the Lake of the Ozarks.
The project will cover improving infrastructure, land, add lodges and parking space, and an entertainment venue. The tribe’s chief, Geoffrey Standing Bear, added that his tribe already had a good relationship with communities in Missouri. He said that he looked forward to having a property in his homeland.
Mirroring previous similar projects, the tribes will give back to the neighboring communities. This includes contributing to law enforcement, local schools, local charities, first responders, and improvement projects.
This is not the first time Osage Nation is eyeing a casino in Missouri. In 2017, the tribe contributed $52,000 to then-governor Eric Greitens’ opening festivities fund. The tribe’s goal was to get its project approved to build a casino in Cuba, Missouri, in St. Louis on Interstate 44.
The Tribe Is Well Prepared
Osage Nation has seven casinos in Oklahoma. They are distributed in Pawhuska, Ponca City, and Tulsa.
Armed with the former Missouri House Speaker and other lobbyists, the tribe uses them to represent its needs in the Capitol. Steve Tiller is a friend of Parson and has played a big part in raising money for his campaign.
Tilley is also equipped with all the knowledge he needs as he represents Gaming and Leisure Properties Inc. This Pennsylvania-based brand owns every real estate for casinos in Kansas City and St. Louis.
The Governor’s Office Is Yet to Respond to the Proposed Casino Project
Yesterday, through its spokeswoman Kelli Jones, the governor’s office said it would not respond to the Post-Dispatch about the governor’s position on the proposed casino. She noted that the tribe had yet to contact the governor, saying it was not through email if it did.
A public records request by the Post-Dispatch shows no communication between the governor’s office and the Osage Nation. Although Parson is yet to respond, other state officials are supporting the proposed project.
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