Will Cedar Rapids Get a New Casino in 2025?

Looks like the poker-faced politicos are gearing up for a high-stakes showdown over casino licenses in the 2025 legislative session! After letting a two-year casino moratorium slip through their fingers like a bad hand, some state lawmakers are ready to ante up for a fresh round of legislative action. 

What are they doing in Linn County to bring in a Casino?

The Corridor Business Journal reports that State Rep. Bobby Kaufmann, R-Wilton, the man with the plan, is all set to reintroduce a new casino moratorium bill once the legislative session kicks off. “I didn’t go through the hassle of pushing the amendment last year just to fold now,” Kaufmann declared. 

Last year’s attempt to extend the moratorium was a bit of a flop, thanks to the state Senate, who decided to sit out the debate. Sen. Jason Schultz, R-Schleswig, the Senate’s own dealer, wasn’t convinced that the casino industry needed a timeout. “I figured the industry could handle a bit of competition,” Schultz said, playing it cool. “But who knows? This year might be a different hand, and we’ll see if the caucus wants to go all-in or fold.” 

Since the moratorium expired on July 1, a Cedar Rapids casino development group—made up of the Linn County Gaming Association and the casino-operators-extraordinaire Peninsula Pacific Entertainment—has been eagerly working on their casino license application. If the new moratorium law gets the green light before their application is approved, Cedar Rapids' casino dreams might have to hit the pause button. 

Kim Pang, the vice president of development at Peninsula Pacific, is dealing out promises of local joy and economic benefits with their proposed Cedar Crossing casino. “A Cedar Rapids casino isn’t just about games and entertainment,” Pang said with a grin. “It’s also about giving back to the community with up to $5 to $7 million in annual nonprofit contributions. We’re ready to roll the dice and bring more tourism to the region!” 

Not everyone is for Linn County's Casino bid

State Rep. Ken Croken, D-Davenport, is eyeing this potential casino development with a cautious gaze. “I’m inclined to support another moratorium to protect our local casino industry from any potential fallout,” Croken said. “We need to do more research to see how a new casino might shake up the gaming scene in Iowa.” 

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Meanwhile, Cedar Crossing’s team is excited to put their best foot forward with their application to the Iowa Racing and Gaming Commission (IRGC) this October. “Linn County has been asking for a casino, and we’re ready to show the IRGC what we’ve got,” Pang said, already envisioning the grand opening. 

So, will the new casino moratorium make it back into the legislative spotlight? Will Cedar Rapids get their chance to roll the dice? Only time will tell in this thrilling game of legislative poker!