Osage Nation Plans Casino and Hotel at Lake of the Ozarks

Tribal leader signs agreements with local city to advance development project.

Feb. 4, 2026 at 6:47pm

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Osage Nation Principal Chief Geoffrey Standing Bear has signed two intergovernmental agreements with the City of Lake Ozark, Missouri, taking a major step forward in plans to develop an Osage Casino and Hotel at the Lake of the Ozarks.

Why it matters

The proposed casino and hotel development would bring economic opportunities and tourism to the Lake of the Ozarks region, which is a popular vacation destination. It also represents an expansion of the Osage Nation's gaming and hospitality operations beyond its existing properties in Oklahoma.

The details

The two agreements signed by Chief Standing Bear and the City of Lake Ozark lay the groundwork for the Osage Nation to proceed with planning, permitting, and construction of the new casino and hotel complex at the Lake of the Ozarks. The project is still in the early stages, but the signed agreements mark a significant milestone in making the development a reality.

  • On February 3, 2026, Osage Nation Principal Chief Geoffrey Standing Bear signed the two intergovernmental agreements with the City of Lake Ozark.

The players

Osage Nation

A federally recognized Native American tribe based in Osage County, Oklahoma, with a long history and culture. The Osage Nation operates several casinos and hotels in Oklahoma.

Geoffrey Standing Bear

The current Principal Chief of the Osage Nation, who signed the agreements with the City of Lake Ozark to advance the proposed casino and hotel development.

City of Lake Ozark

A city located in the Lake of the Ozarks region of Missouri, which has partnered with the Osage Nation on the proposed casino and hotel project.

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What’s next

The next steps will involve the Osage Nation and the City of Lake Ozark continuing to work together on the planning, permitting, and construction of the new casino and hotel complex at the Lake of the Ozarks.

The takeaway

This proposed development represents an exciting opportunity for the Osage Nation to expand its gaming and hospitality operations beyond Oklahoma, while also bringing new economic and tourism benefits to the Lake of the Ozarks region of Missouri.