During a noteworthy meeting on Wednesday, members of the Iowa Racing and Gaming Commission (IRGC) received an array of largely positive feedback regarding a proposed new casino in Cedar Rapids, although some apprehensions were voiced by representatives from the newly established group, Iowans for Common Sense, which opposes further casino expansion throughout the state.
The IRGC convened at the Kirkwood Center in Cedar Rapids, providing an opportunity for the public and various advocates to express their views on the ambitious Cedar Crossing Casino and Entertainment Center, which carries a hefty projected cost of $275 million and is proposed to be situated in the northwest region of Cedar Rapids.
The discussion around establishing a casino in Cedar Rapids is not new; in fact, the city faced a setback when the IRGC denied its casino application back in 2017. Further complicating matters, the state Legislature enacted a two-year moratorium on new gaming licenses in 2022, stalling any progress on casino proposals.
In a last-minute effort as the 2024 legislative session drew to a close, Rep. Bobby Kaufmann, R-Wilton, introduced a measure aimed at prolonging the moratorium; however, this initiative was not passed. Nonetheless, Kaufmann has expressed intentions to propose a new moratorium bill in 2025, keeping the conversation about gaming expansion alive.
Earlier this month, the advocacy group Iowans for Common Sense launched an advertising campaign along with a petition advocating for a statewide moratorium on new casinos, asserting that the state of Iowa does not require additional gaming establishments. The group cited a statewide survey by UpONE Insights, revealing that a significant 66% of Iowa voters are against the introduction of new casinos within the state.
Even if a new moratorium may receive approval in the coming legislative year, the IRGC currently faces no legal restrictions on authorizing new gaming projects, effective as of July 1. This scenario has spurred local government officials in Cedar Rapids, along with business owners and advocates from entities like Peninsula Pacific Entertainment (P2E) and the Linn County Gaming Association, to actively lobby for the IRGC’s endorsement of the Cedar Crossing proposal in recent months.
Cedar Rapids Mayor Tiffany O’Donnell passionately implored the IRGC to grant the community a “fair shot” at establishing a casino, emphasizing the overwhelming support for the initiative among Cedar Rapids residents. O’Donnell pointed to the success of gaming referendums passed by Linn County voters in 2013 and 2021 as clear evidence of this local enthusiasm.
“I get to be the voice of the people who aren’t in this room, here to tell you that we want this,” O’Donnell said, showcasing the strong community desire for the project. “And all we’re asking for from you is an opportunity and a fair shake. Because what’s happening on the outside, it’s not us.”
Opponents of the proposed casino also voiced their concerns during the public hearing, arguing that building a new casino would not contribute new revenue or attract tourism for the state. Instead, they claimed it would siphon customers away from existing gaming facilities across Iowa.
Eric Bertch, representing Lost Island Themepark in Waterloo, articulated that their collaboration with Isle Casino Hotel Waterloo would face adverse effects if a new casino opens in Cedar Rapids, which would, in turn, impact other businesses reliant on the tourism draw created by the Waterloo casino.
“As Iowa business owners, we believe in free, enterprising competition,” Bertch remarked, emphasizing the importance of collaboration. “We also believe in collaboration. Working together to enhance the state the wide variety of unique attractions will have a far greater impact on regional tourism than duplicating efforts. This is why we strongly oppose adding a casino in Linn County.”
Proponents of the Cedar Crossing casino contended that it would not take away from nearby gaming facilities and pointed to a study commissioned by P2E, which anticipated that the new casino could generate $80.2 million in additional revenue for the state while only having a minor $27.8 million impact on existing Iowa casinos.
The IRGC is scheduled to cast its vote on whether to approve the Cedar Crossing proposal on February 6, 2025, marking a crucial milestone in the ongoing debate over casino expansion in Iowa.
What are the projected economic impacts of the Cedar Crossing Casino for Cedar Rapids?
**Interview with Cedar Rapids Mayor Tiffany O’Donnell on the Proposed Cedar Crossing Casino**
**Interviewer:** Thank you for joining us today, Mayor O’Donnell. During the recent meeting of the Iowa Racing and Gaming Commission, you voiced strong support for the proposed Cedar Crossing Casino. Can you share what you think are the key benefits this casino would bring to Cedar Rapids?
**Mayor O’Donnell:** Absolutely, and thank you for having me. The Cedar Crossing Casino is not just about gaming; it’s about boosting our local economy. With a projected investment of $275 million, this casino has the potential to create thousands of jobs and generate substantial tax revenue that can support our city’s infrastructure and community services. Additionally, it could attract visitors from surrounding areas, thereby benefiting local businesses.
**Interviewer:** While there seems to be strong local support, there are also concerns expressed by groups like Iowans for Common Sense. How do you respond to the apprehensions about expanding gaming in Iowa?
**Mayor O’Donnell:** I understand that there are concerns regarding casino expansion, and it’s important to have those discussions. However, I believe the evidence shows that Cedar Rapids is ready for this opportunity. The referendums we passed in 2013 and 2021 demonstrate significant public support for gaming in our area. The overwhelming majority of our residents want this casino, and I see it as my responsibility to advocate for their voices and interests.
**Interviewer:** It’s been noted that Cedar Rapids previously had its casino application denied in 2017. What sets this proposal apart from that previous attempt?
**Mayor O’Donnell:** This proposal is much more comprehensive and has garnered substantial backing from local government, businesses, and community organizations. We’ve learned a lot since 2017, and our planning includes robust community engagement and support measures. Moreover, we’re now operating under different circumstances with the IRGC, which has recently lifted some previous restrictions on new gaming licenses.
**Interviewer:** With a new moratorium bill potentially on the table for 2025, do you fear this could further complicate the Cedar Crossing initiative?
**Mayor O’Donnell:** There is always a sense of uncertainty in politics, but what I focus on is the immediate support we have from our community. While I recognize the concerns about a moratorium, I plan to continue advocating for Cedar Rapids. The IRGC currently does have the legal ability to authorize new projects, and that allows us to push forward while garnering public support.
**Interviewer:** what message do you want to convey to the people of Cedar Rapids regarding the Cedar Crossing Casino proposal?
**Mayor O’Donnell:** I want the residents to know that their voices matter, and I am here to represent them. This casino is about opening doors for our community, harnessing economic opportunities, and enhancing our quality of life. Let’s ensure that Cedar Rapids gets its fair shot at this exciting development.
**Interviewer:** Thank you, Mayor O’Donnell, for sharing your insights on this important issue.
**Mayor O’Donnell:** Thank you for having me. Together, we can make Cedar Rapids an even better place to live and work.