Elite Casino Resorts, LLC, based in Riverside, Iowa, has signed a definitive agreement to acquire the assets and operations of Great River Entertainment, LLC, which include Catfish Bend Casino and FunCity Resort in Burlington, Iowa. This acquisition represents more than just business growth for the company — it marks a symbolic return for the Kehl family, who were instrumental in the early days of casino gaming in Burlington during the riverboat era before selling the property to Randy Winegard.

Commitment to Team Members and Local Growth

The deal also brings together over 1,200 Iowa unitholders, many of whom are from Burlington and Fort Madison, making the return a community-focused event. This Burlington property now joins Elite Casino Resorts‘ expanding portfolio, which includes Riverside Casino & Golf Resort in Riverside, Rhythm City Casino Resort in Davenport, Grand Falls Casino & Golf Resort in Larchwood, Walker’s Bluff Casino Resort in Illinois, Grand Island Casino Resort at Fonner Park, and Lake Mac Casino Resort and Racetrack in Nebraska.

“This feels like coming home,” said Dan Kehl, CEO of Elite Casino Resorts, in the company’s press release (pdf). “Our family’s history with Burlington and Southeast Iowa goes back to the earliest days of Iowa gaming. Bringing Catfish Bend and FunCity back into the fold allows us to honor that past while building toward an exciting future of growth, investment, and community partnerships.”

Elite Casino Resorts emphasized that a seamless transition is a top priority. All current team members will retain their roles, with expanded opportunities for training and career development as the company integrates Catfish Bend and FunCity into its network. The operator also reiterated its commitment to boosting tourism and driving economic growth throughout Southeast Iowa.

“Burlington and all of Southeast Iowa have always been close to our hearts,” Kehl noted. “When Catfish Bend started in 1994, I moved my young family to Fort Madison to oversee riverboat operations. Now my sons are grown and part of the family business, and bringing this property back truly feels like a homecoming.”

Acknowledging the leadership of those who have maintained the property in recent years, Kehl added, “Randy Winegard and Gary Hoyer have been great leaders for Catfish Bend and the community. We look forward to maintaining and building on their legacy.”

Catfish Bend and FunCity Resort: A Premier Destination

Catfish Bend and FunCity Resort stand as a full-service destination combining gaming, hospitality, recreation, and entertainment. The casino spans 30,000 square feet and features over 600 slot machines, 18 table games, a sportsbook, a poker room, a high-limit area, and a lounge.

Guests have access to a range of accommodations across three properties: the FunCity Resort Hotel with 132 rooms, including family suites; Hampton Inn & Suites, which provides 69 rooms tailored to business travelers; and Catfish Bend Inn & Suites, offering 40 upscale, adults-only rooms.

The entertainment complex at FunCity offers an extensive mix of family-friendly activities such as bowling, indoor go-karts, laser tag, arcade games, duckpin bowling, and a Ballocity soft play area. Dining options are equally diverse, with 14 outlets ranging from full-service restaurants to casual eateries, coffee and smoothie bars, and specialty cocktail lounges.

Seasonal guests can enjoy Huck’s Harbor Water Park, which features a reef-entry pool, water slides, a tiki bar, and a snack shack. For events and meetings, the resort provides facilities for groups of up to 900 people, along with flexible spaces for smaller gatherings. Additionally, FunCity Courts include three collegiate-level basketball courts and four indoor pickleball courts, making the venue a hub for sports and recreational events. For relaxation and wellness, all three hotels offer spa and fitness amenities.