They are not waiting long to get the new casino project in Cedar Rapids, Iowa up and running.
Just one day after the Iowa Racing and Gaming Commission approved the application for Cedar Crossing Casino and Entertainment Center, planners will start construction today.
“We’ll be moving dirt tomorrow (Friday),” Cedar Rapids Mayor Tiffany O'Donnell said. “Wasting no time in getting this up and running. Linn County, Cedar Rapids deserves this. It’s only taken us 12 years to get here. Looking forward to a homecoming this afternoon and breaking ground tomorrow.”
IRGC members voted 4-1 in favor of the application from Cedar Rapids Development Group, LLC, and Linn County Gaming Association, LLC.
The Cedar Crossing Casino will be built at the former location of Cooper’s Mill on the west side of the Cedar River, directly across from Quaker Oats. Cedar Crossing is the largest gaming project in Iowa’s history.
Failure of the Moratorium Bill Cleared the Way
The Iowa Senate cleared the way for the vote after it decided not to consider a proposed five-year moratorium on new casinos in Iowa.
Senator Ken Rozenboom, chairman of the Senate State Government Committee, stated, "The bill doesn't have enough support from Senate Republicans to move forward."
With no pause in place, plans for a casino in Cedar Rapids were revived, and the license granted.
But there’s a catch. The bill has a retroactive clause, which means if it is brought up again, discussed, and passed later in the year, it could nullify the commission's approval of the Cedar Rapids casino project.
Opposition Group Not Happy With Vote
Iowans for Common Sense, a group lobbying against the casino proposal, shared a statement with KCCI-TV following the commission's vote.
"Today’s decision by the Iowa Racing and Gaming Commission to approve a new casino in Cedar Rapids is deeply disappointing and ignores the overwhelming 68-31 vote in the Iowa House to pass a moratorium," spokesperson Zachary Harnden said. "Iowa does not need more casinos. At a time when rural economies are struggling, adding another casino only puts more strain on local businesses, nonprofits, and families."
What Is Planned for Cedar Crossing Casino?
The Cedar Crossing Casino and Entertainment Center is a $275 million project set to be built in northwest Cedar Rapids. The facility will feature multiple entertainment options, including:
- 700 Slot Machines
- 22 Table Games
- Restaurants
- 1,500 Seat Entertainment Venue
- Arts and Culture Center
- STEM Lab
Mayor O'Donnell said the casino is part of the city's "revival" from the devastating floods that affected many Cedar Rapids residents in 2008. Since the area where the casino is being built is prone to flooding, project leaders plan to make improvements and reinforcements, ensuring the complex is built above the flood plain.
"This is truly a momentous day for Cedar Rapids and Linn County. Linn County and Cedar Rapids deserve this," she said.
What’s Next for the New Casino in Iowa?
Peninsula Pacific Entertainment is developing the casino project. They have until October 2027 to complete it, or they will incur a $61,000 daily fine for any delays.
The commission stated that the project should reach "substantial completion" by April 30, 2027.
