Iowa: Ponca Tribe expands Prairie Flower Casino, tripling gaming positions

The Ponca Tribe of Nebraska officially opened its expanded Prairie Flower Casino in Carter Lake, Iowa, with a ribbon-cutting ceremony on Monday. The newly developed facility is seven times larger than its original structure and now features 600 slot machines, a sportsbook, and electronic table games.

Tribal leaders emphasized that revenue generated from the casino supports critical programs, including housing, healthcare, and education for Ponca members and other Native Americans within the tribe’s designated service area.

Ponca Tribe of Nebraska Chairwoman Candace Schmidt highlighted these contributions, stating that the casino’s growth directly funds key services, including three healthcare clinics, with plans for further expansion in the Omaha metro area.

The expanded Prairie Flower Casino now stands as a major competitor in the Omaha-Council Bluffs gaming market, which already includes three casinos in Council Bluffs — Harrah’s, Ameristar, and Horseshoe — as well as the WarHorse Casino in Omaha, which is set for expansion later this year.

A recent market analysis by Marquette Advisors forecasts a redistribution of gaming revenue across the region due to the Prairie Flower expansion and ongoing casino developments in Nebraska. The report indicates that Prairie Flower primarily draws customers from the Omaha-Council Bluffs metro area, competing directly with Iowa’s established gaming venues.

Tribal leaders expect that the casino’s expansion will increase foot traffic and provide a greater financial boost to both the Ponca Tribe and the City of Carter Lake, which has received $4.6 million in voluntary contributions from Prairie Flower. These funds have been allocated for police, fire services, infrastructure, and community improvement projects.

The new 70,000-square-foot facility represents an expansion from the original 7,000-square-foot casino that opened in 2018. It now offers 600 gaming positions, tripling the previous number. Electronic table games and a sportsbook are also available, with plans for live Las Vegas-style table games in late 2025.

The Sky Bar and Grill features a sports lounge, betting kiosks, and a 40-foot LED screen for viewing events. The property also includes multiple dining options, such as River’s Edge Cafe, and a tribal gift shop showcasing Native American-produced items.

The 1031 Bar, named after October 31, 1990, marks the date when the Ponca Tribe regained federal recognition after its termination in 1962. The sportsbook allows betting on all sports, including Nebraska college teams, a feature not currently available at Nebraska-based casinos.

The Ponca Tribe of Nebraska has a designated service area covering 15 counties across Nebraska, Iowa, and South Dakota. Tribal members living within these areas qualify for services similar to those offered on reservations. Schmidt stated that the casino’s profits are reinvested into community programs rather than private gains.