The Iowa Racing and Gaming Commission (IRGC) has granted a long-awaited casino license to Cedar Rapids, marking a milestone in a 12-year pursuit. During a vote held at Prairie Meadows in Altoona, the commission approved the application from Cedar Rapids Development Group, LLC, and Linn County Gaming Association, LLC, with a 4-1 decision.

The newly approved Cedar Crossing Casino will be developed at the former Cooper’s Mill site on the west side of the Cedar River, directly opposite Quaker Oats. Cedar Rapids Development Group president Jonathan Swain confirmed that groundbreaking is set for Friday at 11 a.m., a moment he has anticipated for over a decade. “I’ve been at this for 12 years; I’ve been planning a groundbreaking for 12 years,” Swain remarked, according to KCRG.

Mayor Tiffany O’Donnell echoed Swain’s enthusiasm, emphasizing the city’s readiness to proceed immediately. “We’ll be moving dirt tomorrow,” she stated. “Linn County, Cedar Rapids deserves this. It’s only taken us 12 years to get here.”

Commissioner Amy Burkhart, who supported the license, acknowledged the difficulty of the decision given the concentration of casinos in southeastern Iowa. “At the end of the day I have to ask myself ‘what is my job and what is my role here?’” Burkhart said, ultimately concluding that the casino would result in “net gain in terms of tax revenues for our state.”

Not all IRGC members agreed. Commissioner Alan Ostergren was the lone dissenting vote, arguing that the commission lacked the legal authority to approve Linn County’s license. Ostergren pointed to an ongoing legal dispute initiated by Riverside Casino and the Washington County Riverboat Foundation, which challenges the validity of the 2021 Linn County gambling referendum. The IRGC previously declined to rule on the referendum’s legitimacy, leaving the matter open to judicial review.

Legal Challenges Loom as Opponents Push Back

Opponents, particularly existing casino operators, have long fought against the introduction of a Cedar Rapids casino, warning of revenue losses and job cuts at nearby facilities. Market studies suggest that while the new casino could generate millions in fresh revenue, it may also siphon earnings from other Iowa casinos, particularly Riverside Casino.

Mark Weinhardt, attorney for Riverside Casino, confirmed that a lawsuit challenging the IRGC’s decision would be filed. He argued that the commission exceeded its authority in issuing the license. “Whether the commission is authorized to issue a gaming license in Linn County is after today a question for the courts, not the commission,” Weinhardt stated, according to The Gazette.

In response to concerns about competition, IRGC Chair Daryl Olsen emphasized that the Cedar Rapids project is distinct from other casinos, offering amenities beyond gambling. “It provides amenities, restaurants, a 1,500-person venue for entertainment, arts and culture center, STEM lab. It is so much more. It’s unique and it provides much more than gaming and that’s so important to me,” Olsen said.

A Controversial Approval With Broad Implications

The Cedar Rapids casino’s approval comes amid attempts by Iowa lawmakers to block new gaming licenses. Last month, the Iowa House passed a bill proposing a five-year moratorium on additional casinos, but the Senate declined to advance it. Republican House Speaker Pat Grassley expressed disappointment, suggesting the issue could resurface if more communities push for casinos.

Meanwhile, casino proponents, including Cedar Rapids business leaders and labor unions, hailed the decision as a victory for economic growth. The project is expected to generate 792 construction jobs and employ 365 full-time workers once operational. The economic impact over its first decade is projected to exceed $2.25 billion.

Once completed, Cedar Crossing Casino & Entertainment Center will feature 700 slot machines, 22 game tables, multiple dining establishments, an entertainment venue, and an arts and cultural center. Despite lingering opposition and pending legal challenges, construction is set to begin immediately, with an estimated completion timeline of 18 to 22 months.