RIVERSIDE

Meeting a September 2024 deadline for new casino applications, the licensing process moves forward for a new casino in Cedar Rapids. The window is now open for comments from the public; they must be submitted before February 6, 2025.

Earlier this fall a petition was filed jointly by the Riverside Casino and Golf Resort, Inc, and the Washington County Riverboat Foundation, Inc, arguing that the Iowa Racing and Gaming Commission (IRGC) does not have the authority to issue a gambling license in Linn County as the county’s 2021 gambling referendum, passed by voters, contained legally defective language. The petition also requested a stay on the consideration of license applications until the issue is resolved; however, the Commission denied the request for stay.

On Dec. 18, the IRGC set a schedule for resolving the petitioners’ declaratory order that is in line with previous like situations. Briefing deadlines are set for Jan. 8 and 16; oral arguments will be heard at the Jan. 23 regular meeting. A verbal vote will also occur at this time, followed by a written statement no later than Jan. 27.

Should the licensing process continue as planned, market studies will be publicly presented on Jan. 23; the Commission expects to vote on the casino application on Feb. 6.

In Washington County, there is concern that the proposed Cedar Crossing Casino and Entertainment Center would reduce the revenue of the Riverside Casino; a recent market study projected an 11.6% impact, which could affect the area economy.

“Economic development-wise, like I said, a lot of the amenities that we have here currently we probably wouldn’t have had without our casino. And then the more amenities we have here, the more people that are drawn to our region,” Mary Audia, Washington Economic Development Group Director, said in an interview with KCII Radio. “It just makes a huge difference for families to relocate here. You know, they’ll come and look and they’ll go, ‘Wow! You know, you’ve got a great library or a great, you know, Y.’ Or, you know, it just makes a big difference in I think the draw of people coming to this area. Also, the casino is one of our larger employers in our county. And so a lot of people make a living at the casino.”

In addition, the Washington County Riverboat Foundation, the nonprofit license holder for the Riverside Casino, could see an impact to the competitive and municipal grants awarded each year. To date, the WCRF has awarded $70,380,749 since 2006.

To submit written comments to the IRGC regarding the proposed Cedar Rapids casino, email irgc@iowa.gov or mail Iowa Racing and Gaming Commission, 6200 Park Ave., Ste 100, Des Moines, IA 50321 before the Feb. 6, 2025 deadline.