Iowa: Cedar Rapids casino backers undeterred by possible moratorium

Thursday, July 25, 2024 8:25 PM
Photo:  Cedar Crossing Casino (Linn County Gaming Association/Cedar Rapids Development Group courtesy photo)
  • Marissa Payne, The Gazette

Iowa lawmakers may quickly consider a moratorium halting new casinos at the start of the legislative session in 2025, potentially thwarting Cedar Rapids’ third bid for a gambling facility just weeks before state regulators are slated to vote on awarding a gaming license.

But local casino backers say they remain focused on the process of obtaining a gaming license from the five-member Iowa Racing and Gaming Commission, which is scheduled to decide the fate of a Cedar Rapids casino license Feb. 6, 2025.

Commissioners have twice rejected offers by Linn County gaming interests for a state license — in 2014 and 2017.

Iowa lawmakers in 2022 passed a two-year moratorium blocking new licenses, halting Cedar Rapids’ third attempt.