Cedar Crossing Casino & Entertainment Center is set to open in mid-November 2026 in Cedar Rapids.
It will not only be the largest single casino investment in Iowa history, but the project is also ahead of its original construction schedule.
Stefan Huba, chief development officer at Peninsula Pacific Entertainment told KWWL News, "We have been fortunate to partner with many Iowa contractors and trade unions to work on the build of Cedar Crossing Casino & Entertainment Center. A strong plan, good architecture, strategic procurement, local labor and favorable weather have helped keep work ahead of schedule."
The announcement comes just a few months after The Hawkeye State closed its last riverboat casino. The Bally's Marquette began a new era in casino gaming along the Mississippi River.
Peninsula Pacific Entertainment (P2E) developed Cedar Crossing. The $275 million project brings a new kind of gaming and entertainment destination to Eastern Iowa.
What Is Cedar Crossing Casino?
Cedar Crossing Casino is being built on the former Cooper’s Mill site along the Cedar River in northwest Cedar Rapids. It will feature around 700 slot machines and 22 table games on a 40,000-square-foot gaming floor.
Gaming and Entertainment
- Casino floor: 700 slots, 22 table games
- Event Center: 1,100–1,500 seats for concerts, MMA, comedy, and more
- Jocko’s Comedy Club: Year-round stand-up shows
Restaurants and Bars
- Cedar Crossing will debut several on-site dining concepts, including:
- Zach Johnson’s Clubhouse – A steakhouse by the PGA golfer and Cedar Rapids native
- River’s Edge Smokehouse – BBQ, brisket, ribs, and pub fare
- Center Court Sports Bar – Game-day viewing and casual drinks
- Strings Guitar Bar – Live music and nightlife
- World’s Fare – Global street food (tacos, crispy chicken, wraps, crêpes, churros)
Community-Focused Spaces
- Arts & Cultural Center – Rotating exhibits, including National Geographic partnerships
- STEM Lab – Educational space for local students, with a separate entrance for under-21 access
The goal has always been to make the facility more than just a casino. The property is designed as a mixed-use destination with dining, live events, comedy, and community spaces.
Iowa's Regulatory Framework for Casinos
Iowa’s regulatory framework for new commercial casinos is strict and multi-layered. To launch a new casino, a project must go through several steps, including:
- Win local voter approval through a county referendum, ensuring community support before any state-level review begins.
- Be sponsored by a qualifying organization that meets state requirements.
- Must receive formal approval from the Iowa Racing and Gaming Commission (IRGC), which oversees licensing, background checks, and compliance for all gambling operations in the state.
This process played out against a shifting policy backdrop: a two-year moratorium on new casino licenses was in effect from 2022 to 2024, and lawmakers attempted to extend restrictions into 2025, but Cedar Crossing’s application ultimately moved forward and secured IRGC approval despite the debate.
Opening Timeline and Grand Celebration
Cedar Crossing is now expected to open in mid-November 2026, about six weeks ahead of its original New Year’s Eve target. A grand opening celebration is scheduled for December 4–5, 2026.
Cedar Crossing announced its first Event Center bookings through spring 2027, including:
- Pork Tornadoes – Nov. 25, 2026
- Old Dominion – Dec. 5, 2026
- Steve-O, Brooks Wheelan, Josh Blue – Dec. 12, 2026
- WFC Fight Night (MMA) – Jan. 16, 2027
- Eli Young Band, Switchfoot – Jan. 22–23, 2027
Later acts include Ying Yang Twins & Paul Wall, Parmalee, The Commodores, Carrot Top, Billy Gardell, and more.
Cedar Crossing Casino Economic Impact and Jobs
Cedar Crossing is expected to create roughly 350 jobs, with a strong emphasis on hiring locally. The project is projected to draw more than 1 million visitors annually to Cedar Rapids.
It also includes a commitment to donate 8% of casino revenue to area nonprofits, the highest such pledge among Iowa casinos, estimated at $6.3 million per year.
Iowa currently has 19 commercial casinos, and new full licenses have been limited by past moratoriums. Cedar Crossing will become the state’s 20th licensed casino and the most significant new-build project in years.
Other Noticeable Iowa Casino Developments in 2026
Iowa’s casino industry is undergoing a major transformation in 2026 as operators shift from historic riverboat properties to modern, land-based facilities.
- Q Casino & Resort (Dubuque): Ongoing expansion with a new family entertainment zone, updated sportsbook, and boutique hotel
- Bally’s Marquette: Transitioning from riverboat to a $21M land-based facility in March.
- Ameristar Council Bluffs: Planning a major move from riverboat to land-based operations starting in 2026
These individual projects reflect a broader, industry-wide trend: Iowa’s last riverboat casino is expected to close by the end of 2026, as nearly all major operators complete the shift to land-based operations to stay competitive and meet modern regulatory and market demands.
Why Cedar Crossing Matters for Iowa Casinos
Cedar Crossing stands out because it combines gaming with a full entertainment and community experience. Its focus on non-gaming amenities—restaurants, live events, arts, and education—sets a new standard for what an Iowa casino can offer.
For players and visitors, it means more reasons to visit beyond the slots and tables. For the industry, it signals a shift toward destination-style properties that compete on experience, not just gaming.
