CARTER LAKE, IA – The Ponca Tribe of Nebraska officially cut the ribbon to open the expanded Prairie Flower Casino, increasing its overall square footage by seven-fold, tripling the total number of gaming positions, adding a sportsbook, and ushering in Las Vegas-style electronic table games. Unlike casinos based in Nebraska, Prairie Flower Casino’s sportsbook can take wagers on Nebraska sports teams when they play at home.
“The expansion of Prairie Flower Casino is a milestone event for the Ponca Tribe of Nebraska, as it represents a future that offers more sustainable funding for critical tribal programs that serve our members, like healthcare, transportation, job training, cultural preservation, and the delivery of meals for elders,” said Ponca Tribe of Nebraska Chairwoman Candace Schmidt. “We appreciate the partnership of the city of Carter Lake, our dedicated staff who helped make this possible, and most importantly, our members, elders, and ancestors whose sacrifices and perseverance led the tribe to this celebratory day.”
The tribe’s history and culture are noticeable throughout the facility. The casino is named after Ponca Tribe of Nebraska Chief Standing Bear’s daughter, Prairie Flower, who died on the Trail of Tears in 1877. The casino’s street address, 1031 Avenue H, and the name of the main bar inside, is a nod to the date in which the federal government restored the Ponca Tribe of Nebraska – October 31, 1990. Inside, artwork made by Ponca Tribe of Nebraska member, Terry Taylor, will hang on the walls.
“Prairie Flower Casino staff are thrilled to welcome our loyal guests and new patrons into this exciting, new, expanded casino,” said Ernie Dellalverson, Prairie Flower Casino General Manager. “With hundreds of new slot machines, expanded dining and drink menus, a sportsbook, and electronic table games like blackjack, roulette, poker, and craps, our guests are going to love the entertainment variety in what will feel like a boutique gaming facility.”
The expanded casino, located adjacent to the existing facility, will be open 24 hours. The original casino facility, which opened on November 1, 2018, will transition to an administrative and back-office workspace.
In addition to attracting millions of visitors to Carter Lake, Prairie Flower Casino has contributed more than $4.6 million to the city of Carter Lake to support police, fire, infrastructure, and general community improvements. Amid the construction of the expansion, the Ponca Tribe of Nebraska also spent millions to mitigate storm water flooding on Avenue H in Carter Lake, protecting city infrastructure and neighboring private properties.