The future developers of a proposed casino project in Linn County, Iowa, are once again preparing to take a gamble and apply for a license with the state’s gambling regulator. This latest move is part of an extensive, multi-year effort aimed at expanding land-based gambling within the county.
History of Proposals and Regulatory Roadblocks
The Iowa Racing and Gaming Commission (IRGC), the state’s vigilant gambling watchdog, has previously declined two proposals over the past decade to develop a casino in Linn County. At the time, the regulator expressed concerns that a new casino could cause an economic pile-up, creating a bottleneck that would cannibalize revenue from existing brick-and-mortar venues in the area.
Despite these setbacks, the residents of Linn County cast their votes in favor of casino gambling in November 2021. Yet, the cards fell differently the following year when state lawmakers enacted a two-year moratorium, halting new casino developments in their tracks.
Legislative Turnaround and Renewed Momentum
Fast forward to this April, lawmakers convened to discuss the moratorium but ultimately decided not to extend its duration. With the moratorium set to expire on June 30, companies like Peninsula Pacific Entertainment (P2E) and Linn County Gaming Association (LCGA), both eager to roll the dice on a new project, reaffirmed their intention to submit casino gaming license applications with the IRGC, according to announcements made in the Corridor Business Journal.
LCGA’s president, Anne Parmley, shared her excitement in an interview earlier this year, praising Iowa lawmakers for deciding against extending the moratorium. “We still strongly believe that Linn County deserves the opportunity to build and operate a gaming operation,” she stated. Parmley also emphasized the palpable energy in Linn County: “There’s a lot of momentum in Linn County, and we want to build on that.”
The Vision for Cedar Crossing
The proposed casino project, ambitiously titled Cedar Crossing, was first announced in May 2022. If all the stars align, this $250 million venture will bring world-class gambling, entertainment, and dining options to Cedar Rapids.
The envisioned site for Cedar Crossing is a property on the west side of the Cedar River, formerly home to the Best Western Hotel and Cooper’s Mill restaurant. The development is guided by an exclusive memorandum of understanding between LCGA and the Cedar Rapids Development Group (CRDG).
This memorandum demands a considerable ante—an investment of at least $150 million—and outlines the creation of a gaming floor that spans a minimum of 125,000 square feet. Developers are also tasked with creating a minimum of 1,500 parking spaces and incorporating amenities such as restaurants.
Voices from the Board
In a resounding call for action, P2E’s board member, Jonathan Swain, declared it high time to reshape the local gaming landscape. “The time is now for Cedar Crossing. Linn County residents have overwhelmingly passed two gaming referendums, and they have been patient,” he remarked. Swain acknowledged both the residents’ steadfast support and their patience. “With the moratorium expiring soon, we look forward to bringing an unprecedented casino gaming and entertainment destination to Cedar Rapids,” he added.
Upcoming Stakes
As players in the industry eagerly await the end of the two-year moratorium, which will expire at the end of this month, the stage is set for the IRGC’s next meeting, scheduled for July 8. The commission is expected to deal the final hand, discussing the applications from the aspiring casino developers.
The future of gambling in Linn County hangs in the balance, awaiting the next roll of the dice from the IRGC. Will it be a jackpot for Cedar Rapids, or will the cards spell another delay? One thing remains certain—the stakes have never been higher, and all eyes are on the potential game-changer that is Cedar Crossing.
