Cedar Rapids developers are making a third attempt to secure a casino license in [2025], hoping to launch a project called Cedar Crossing that would bring hundreds of jobs, tens of millions of dollars in new revenue, and an 8% profit share for local nonprofits—twice the percentage required by state law.
City developers have tried and failed twice before in 2014 and 2017, when the Iowa Racing and Gaming Commission (IRGC) denied applications, citing fears of market oversaturation.
This time, supporters believe momentum is on their side. Voters in Linn County have overwhelmingly approved a second gambling referendum, and developers project that Cedar Crossing could capture money increasingly flowing out to neighboring states such as Nebraska, Illinois and Wisconsin.
