Des Moines, Iowa (RI) — The Iowa Racing and Gaming Commission has granted a state license for a casino in Cedar Rapids. The vote was four-to-one. Cedar Rapids Mayor Tiffany O’Donnell says there will be a groundbreaking tomorrow (Friday) for the Cedar Crossing project.
Iowa Racing and Gaming Commission chairman Daryl Olsen says the Cedar Crossing project is far different from two previous casino projects the commission rejected in 2014 and 2017.
Amy Burkhart — one of the “yes” votes on the commission — cited studies indicating the state would collect more gambling taxes once the Cedar Rapids casino opens — but tax revenue will decline without it.
Gaming commission member Julie Andres (an-DRASE) acknowledged the decision would be unpopular with existing casinos — but she voted to grant the license.
An attorney for the Riverside casing says a lawsuit will be filed today challenging the commission’s decision. The legal argument? The Linn County gambling referendum approved in 2021 was worded incorrectly and the casino application should not have been considered.
