Would a Cedar Rapids casino cannibalize Iowa’s gaming industry? State panel asks to study market

Monday, July 8, 2024 7:33 PM
Photo:  Linn County Gaming Association/Cedar Rapids Development Group (courtesy)
  • Marissa Payne, The Gazette

State regulators said Monday they would commission a market study and soon consider a timeline to take applications for a Linn County gaming license after a two-year state pause on new licenses recently expired, opening the door for Cedar Rapids to try again for a casino.

The five-member regulatory commission met Monday at Prairie Meadows Casino and Hotel, where the panel directed staff to seek a vendor to conduct a study on how a Linn County casino would impact Iowa’s gaming industry.

The Iowa Racing and Gaming Commission, which oversees Iowa’s 19 state-licensed casinos, also set a special virtual meeting for Friday morning to discuss details about the application for a Linn County gaming license.