The Iowa Racing and Gaming Commission (IRGC) made a unanimous decision to review a petition submitted by the owners of Riverside Casino and Golf Resort. This petition aims to disqualify Linn County and Cedar Rapids as potential locations for a commercial casino. The challenge is based on a local ballot referendum passed by Linn County voters in 2021, which Riverside claims has flawed language.
Riverside argues that the 2021 referendum did not actually authorize gambling but only extended gaming provisions from a 2013 referendum. Since Linn County did not have any existing gambling operations, the 2021 referendum had no real effect. The IRGC has agreed to review this petition and instructed its staff to establish a timeline for the process.
On the other hand, the Cedar Crossing Casino project, backed by the Cedar Rapids Development Group, the Linn County Gaming Association, and Peninsula Pacific Entertainment, is still under consideration by the state gaming agency. The IRGC decided not to delay the review of this project, which is set to be finalized on February 6 when a decision on the casino license will be made.
Iowa’s gaming law does not limit the number of casino licenses that can be issued by the IRGC. However, projects can only receive gaming concessions in counties where a local ballot referendum supports the inclusion of slot machines, table games, and sports betting. Furthermore, Iowa mandates that a percentage of each casino’s annual gross gaming revenue must go to charity, with a minimum of 3% required by law.
The developers of the Cedar Crossing Casino have pledged to donate 8% of their gross gaming win to charity, exceeding the state’s requirement. The outcome of these proceedings will have significant implications for the gambling landscape in Iowa and the potential economic benefits for local charities. Governor Kim Reynolds has yet to take a stance on the casino issue, awaiting further guidance from the Legislature.
In conclusion, the review of the Cedar Crossing Casino proposal and the challenge to the 2021 referendum in Linn County will shape the future of gambling in Iowa. The decisions made by the IRGC and the state lawmakers will determine the establishment of new casinos, their impact on local communities, and the charitable contributions they will provide. The upcoming months will be critical for stakeholders involved in the gaming industry in Iowa.
