Iowa casino advocates bring Cedar Rapids proposal to state gambling regulators
The new destination would house 700 slot machines and 22 table games.
Key Points
- Regulators said they want more time to review the application
- They plan to make a site visit next month
Local officials in Iowa have pitched a plan to the state’s gambling regulator regarding a proposed casino project, according to a local news report in The Gazette.
The estimated $275m casino development, proposed by the Linn County Gaming Association and its partner Peninsula Pacific Entertainment, would bring a new casino to the Cedar Rapids area.
The completed destination would be home to a casino with 700 slot machines and 22 table games. The site would also feature a 1,500-seat entertainment venue, several restaurants, bars and an arts and cultural center.
Upon receiving the proposal, Iowa regulators said they would need more time to review the application and ask questions during a future site visit scheduled for November 20.
Iowa Racing and Gaming Commissioner Alan Ostergren told local news, “There’s a lot of homework that we have to do to work through all that.”
Good to know: The Iowa Racing and Gaming Commission oversees 19 active casinos statewide
Until recently, the state had a two-year moratorium in place on new gaming licenses. However, the moratorium expired in July.
Cedar Rapids has attempted to bring another casino to the city multiple times throughout the years. However, the city has faced opposition.
Linn County voted to approve casino expansion more than 10 years ago, setting up Cedar Rapids for the possibility of a third casino.
After legislation was passed in 2013, Cedar Rapids applied for a casino license. Its application was denied by the state’s Racing and Gaming Commission.
But, that did not stop the city from filing again in 2017. However, the state regulator once again denied Cedar Rapid’s application.
Two years ago, Cedar Rapids tried again, this time pitching a proposal for a $250m gaming facility that would sit across the river.
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