The Cedar Rapids Casino just got over what may be its last hurdle.
An Iowa judge has ruled in favor of the Iowa Racing and Gaming Commission (IRGC), allowing the development of a new casino in Linn County. This decision follows a lawsuit filed by Riverside Casino and the Washington County Riverboat Foundation (WCRF) challenging the gaming license granted to Linn County.
Riverside Casino and WCRF filed a lawsuit against the IRGC on February 6, the same day the commission granted Linn County a gaming license.
They argued the IRGC lacked the authority to issue the license due to problems with the 2021 ballot measure, which they claimed did not validly permit new gaming operations. Furthermore, they expressed concerns about the potential negative impact of a new casino on Riverside Casino and the nonprofit groups linked to it.
This decision comes as lawmakers still consider whether or not all casinos in Iowa should be smoke-free.
Ruling Clears Way for Cedar Rapids Casino
Judge Michael J. Schilling denied the lawsuit, stating that the IRGC's decision was not "an erroneous interpretation of law." He also indicated that Riverside Casino and WCRF failed to demonstrate that the commission neglected to assess how a casino in Cedar Rapids might affect Riverside Casino.
Studies by Marquette Advisors suggest that while the Cedar Crossing Casino would boost the state's economy by millions, Riverside Casino could experience losses of $34 million annually. Other affected casinos include Meskwaki Casino and Isle Casino in Waterloo.
Cedar Crossing Casino's Construction Progress
Developers of the Cedar Crossing Casino have confirmed that the construction is progressing as planned, with an anticipated opening date of December 31, 2026. Anne Parmley,
The president of Linn County Gaming Association celebrated Judge Schilling’s decision, describing it as the "best possible outcome" for Linn County. The project, managed by Cedar Rapids Development Group in partnership with Peninsula Pacific Entertainment (P2E), continues to make headway at its construction site in Cedar Rapids.
Future Prospects for the Cedar Rapids Community
The Cedar Crossing Casino project is poised to bring significant benefits to the local community.
Developers have committed to a minimum assessment of $50 million for the facility, projecting $2 million a year in local property taxes.
Additionally, 8 percent of the casino's annual net adjusted gross revenue will be dedicated to nonprofit organizations. Cedar Rapids Mayor Tiffany O’Donnell expressed her optimism for the project's potential to revitalize the area.
Once it's finished, the Cedar Crossing Casino will feature 700 slot machines, 22 table games, and a variety of restaurants and bars.
The venue will also include entertainment amenities such as a STEM lab for kids and a venue that can host up to 1,500 people. These offerings aim to provide a comprehensive entertainment experience while contributing to the local economy.
As construction continues toward its grand opening in late 2026, the Cedar Crossing Casino is set to become quite the addition to the Iowa gaming landscape.
