Lang
2/6/25
The Iowa Racing and Gaming Commission has approved a license for a new Cedar Rapids Casino. The vote was 4-1, with the majority noting studies have shown the casino would mean a net gain in gaming and tax revenue for the state.
Thursday’s vote comes just days after a proposed five-year moratorium on new Iowa casinos was scrapped by the Iowa legislature.
The Cedar Crossing casino will be built at the former site of Cooper’s Mill, across the Cedar River from Quaker Oats just off Interstate 380. The Linn County Gaming Association has said the $275 million project will be the largest gaming project in Iowa’s history and one of the largest development plans in recent memory. The project includes 700 slot machines and 22 table games.
Other amenities include Clubhouse by Zach Johnson, developed with the former Masters champion. It is envisioned as a relaxed, chef-run steakhouse. A “World’s Fare” area will feature street food from various cultures, and River’s Edge Smokehouse and Tap will serve barbecue ribs, pub food, and feature live music.
The development will also implement flood protection infrastructure.
Other, failed attempts to bring a casino to Cedar Rapids date back almost 25 years.
The Riverside Casino and Golf Resort had opposed the new casino. A recent study indicated a Cedar Rapids casino would cut the Riverside’s profits by an estimated 26%.