Residents are rallying around the proposed Cedar Crossing Casino and Entertainment Center. Planned by Peninsula Pacific Entertainment (P2E) in collaboration with the Linn County Gaming Association, this ambitious $275 million development aims to breathe new life into a previously undeveloped area impacted by flooding since 2017. The site is set for transformation, and community leaders are eager to see it become a vibrant hub of entertainment and economic growth.

Recent studies indicate that the casino could bring in an estimated $80.2 million in new revenue to the state of Iowa, a figure that has gained attention and sparked optimism. During a press conference announcing the project, officials highlighted that this potential influx of revenue would significantly benefit local businesses and the wider community. The casino is not just about gambling; it promises to offer a variety of attractions, including multiple restaurants, an entertainment venue with a capacity for 1,500 guests, and even a STEM lab and arts center. And while such impressive steps are being taken for physical casinos, online gambling is still to catch up in Iowa.

Local players in need of online gambling solutions must look outside of the state. Luckily, there are many no KYC (Know Your Customer) casinos available to Iowa-based gamblers. These sites do not require you to submit any personal information when signing up (source: https://nokyc.com/). This provides a private gaming experience, which is great for iGamers who like to remain anonymous. These sites provide a good alternative while the Cedar Crossing Casino is being built.

Community support for the project is strong. Local leaders point to past gaming referendums that overwhelmingly passed in 2013 and 2021, demonstrating that residents are eager for a casino in Cedar Rapids. Kirsten Running-Marquardt, chair of the Linn County Board of Supervisors, expressed the community’s hope for approval from the Iowa Racing and Gaming Commission, emphasizing that Cedar Rapids deserves a fair chance at establishing a casino. This sentiment resonates deeply within the community, where many see the project as a pathway to economic revitalization and job creation.

The road to realizing this vision has not been entirely smooth. Cedar Rapids has faced setbacks in previous attempts to establish a casino, with the Iowa Racing and Gaming Commission denying proposals in 2014 and 2017. Concerns were raised about the potential negative impact on existing casinos in nearby cities like Waterloo, Riverside, and Dubuque. These previous decisions weighed heavily on community leaders and supporters, who are optimistic that the current landscape is more favorable.

A recent study conducted by Convergence Strategy Group, commissioned by P2E, suggests that Cedar Crossing would have a lesser impact on existing casinos compared to earlier estimates. While some effects on nearby casinos are expected, the overall gaming revenue in the state has increased since the pandemic, allowing for more competition in the market. Jonathan Swain, president of P2E, believes that the dynamics have shifted significantly since the last proposal, emphasizing that the time is ripe for Cedar Rapids to secure its casino license. And as we see Mega Millions prices going up, players might wish to find alternative ways to gamble in the future.

Local officials are keen to present a united front as they push for the commission’s approval. Cedar Rapids Mayor Tiffany O’Donnell remains hopeful that the commission may have a different perspective this time around. O’Donnell reminded everyone that this is a project that the community has consistently supported, and local leaders are committed to following the necessary processes to ensure it moves forward.

The Linn County Gaming Association and P2E have submitted their application for a gaming license to the Iowa Racing and Gaming Commission, which is set to vote on the proposal in February 2025. This timeline has created a buzz in the community, with many residents eager to see how the commission will respond to the renewed proposal. Local businesses hope that a successful vote will lead to increased foot traffic and economic activity in the area.