Iowa Casino Challenges Cedar Rapids Resort Application Over Gambling Authorization

Iowa Casino Challenges Cedar Rapids Resort Application Over Gambling Authorization

By Michael Davidson

November 21, 2024 at 06:35 AM

A Cedar Rapids casino proposal faces new opposition as Riverside Casino & Golf Resort petitions the Iowa Racing and Gaming Commission (IRGC) to dismiss the application, citing legal concerns about gambling authorization in Linn County.

Riverside Casino argues that the 2021 Linn County gaming referendum didn't properly authorize new gambling operations, but merely extended provisions from a 2013 referendum. Since no gambling currently exists in Linn County, they contend there were no games to "continue" as stated in the referendum language.

Petition seeking Iowa gambling license clarification

Petition seeking Iowa gambling license clarification

The proposed $275 million Cedar Crossing Casino project includes:

  • 700 slot machines
  • 22 table games
  • Sports betting facility
  • 1,500-seat concert venue
  • Multiple restaurants and bars
  • STEM lab
  • 500+ full-time jobs

Impact studies show the new casino would:

  • Generate $80 million in new gaming revenue for Iowa
  • Redirect 26% of revenue from existing casinos
  • Reduce Riverside Casino's revenue by 11.6%

Cedar Rapids Mayor Tiffany O'Donnell criticized the opposition, calling it an attempt to "unfairly influence" the IRGC and circumvent voter wishes. Meanwhile, state lawmakers are considering introducing legislation to halt new casino licenses when the Iowa Legislature reconvenes in January.

The IRGC is scheduled to vote on the Cedar Crossing Casino proposal on February 6. If approved before any new legislation passes, the project would be grandfathered into law despite any subsequent moratorium on new gaming licenses.

The Linn County Gaming Association would receive 8% of the casino's gross revenue for charitable programs, exceeding the state's minimum requirement of 3%.

Related Articles

Previous Articles