JEFFERSON CITY — Missouri’s governor holds the power to make or break plans by a Native American tribe to build a casino at the Lake of the Ozarks.
And he’s not showing his cards.
Gov. Mike Parson’s office is not saying whether he supports a proposal by the Oklahoma-based Osage Nation tribe to build a $60 million gambling complex in Miller County, making it difficult to determine whether the tribe will get the necessary approval to begin work.
Under the , Native American tribes under certain circumstances can establish casinos in states outside their reservations, if the land in question is a part of the tribe’s historical territory.
All of Missouri qualifies for Osage Nation. But a key portion of the law requires the governor of the state in question to approve the project.
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Parson spokeswoman Kelli Jones said Thursday that the office would have no immediate response to Post-Dispatch questions about the governor’s position.
And if the tribe has contacted Parson, it has not used email. A public records request submitted by the Post-Dispatch did not turn up any correspondence between the governor’s office and the tribe.
The tribe announced last week that it plans to develop a new entertainment district at the Lake of the Ozarks including a new hotel complex that will feature a casino, restaurants and an entertainment venue.
In a news release, the tribe said the project is expected to be completed in multiple phases with an estimated $60 million investment in the region, bringing new jobs, tourism and revenue for the Lake of the Ozarks community.
In addition to the entertainment center, the project will include infrastructure and land improvements, additional lodging and long-term parking.
“We have established very good relationships with several communities in Missouri and seek to have a presence back in our homeland,†Osage Chief Geoffrey Standing Bear said.
Historically, the Osage Nation once had a population of as many as 200,000 members at its height. The lake is the result of a dam on the Osage River.
As they have done in similar projects, Osage Nation plans to give back to the surrounding communities through philanthropic contributions to local schools, law enforcement and other first responders, local charities and community improvement projects, the news release noted.
It’s not the first time the tribe has eyed a location in Missouri for a casino. In 2017, it contributed $52,000 to former Gov. Eric Greitens’ inaugural festivities fund as it attempted to get approval for a casino in Cuba, Missouri, located southwest of St. Louis on Interstate 44.
The Osage Nation currently operates seven casinos in Oklahoma, including locations in Tulsa, Ponca City and Pawhuska.
The tribe has hired former Missouri House Speaker Steve Tilley and his team of lobbyists to represent them in the Capitol. Tilley is a longtime ally of Parson and has helped raise funds for his campaign.
Tilley also represents Pennsylvania-based Gaming and Leisure Properties Inc., which owns the real estate of every casino in the St. Louis area and two in the Kansas City area.
GLPI, which spun off from casino operator Penn National Gaming Inc. in 2013, leases casino properties to operating companies.
Tilley also represents Wildwood-based Torch Electronics, which has placed unregulated slot machines in gas stations and liquor stores across the state, despite court rulings deeming the machines illegal.
Although Parson is staying silent, other state officials are expressing support for the proposal.
“I am happy the Osage Nation is exploring economic development opportunities in their ancestral homeland,†said Sen. , R-Jefferson City. “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.â€
“This is a tremendous opportunity for the Lake Region and our entire state,†said Sen. , a Republican from Rolla. “I look forward to working with the Osage Nation, community leaders and my colleagues in the Legislature to make this a reality and welcome the Nation home.â€
Some state lawmakers in the region are opposed.
“Right now there is a workforce shortage, so I don’t think that will help,†said Rep. , R-Lebanon. “I think it brings a certain element of crime with it. I think Lake of the Ozarks should be more family oriented.â€
The Missouri Gaming Association, which represents the state’s 13 casinos, declined to comment on the project.
Pollock said she believes residents in the region should have a say on whether the project moves forward.
“I think it should be a local vote of the people in Miller County and the surrounding area,†Pollock said.