Elite Casino Resorts announced Tuesday the signing of a definitive agreement to acquire the assets and operations of Great River Entertainment, including Catfish Bend Casino and FunCity Resort located in Burlington, Iowa.
The transaction marks a homecoming for the Kehl family, owners of Elite Casino Resorts, which helped launch casino gaming in Burlington, Iowa, during the original riverboat era before selling to Randy Winegard.
“This feels like coming home,” Elite Casino Resorts CEO Dan Kehl said in a statement. “Our family’s history with Burlington and Southeast Iowa goes back to the earliest days of Iowa gaming. Bringing Catfish Bend and FunCity back into the fold allows us to honor that past while building toward an exciting future of growth, investment, and community partnerships.”
The Burlington property joins Elite’s portfolio, which includes Riverside Casino & Golf Resort in Riverside, Iowa; Rhythm City Casino Resort in Davenport, Iowa; Grand Falls Casino & Golf Resort in Larchwood, Iowa; Walker’s Bluff Casino Resort in Carterville; Illinois, Grand Island Casino Resort at Fonner Park in Grand Island, Nebraska; and Lake Mac Casino Resort and Racetrack in Ogallala, Nebraska.
In a news release, Elite Casino Resorts said it has pledged a smooth transition for all team members, who will continue in their roles with expanded opportunities for training and advancement. The company also intends to promote tourism and strengthen the economy of Southeast Iowa.
“Burlington and all of Southeast Iowa have always been close to our hearts,” Kehl said. “When Catfish Bend started in 1994, I moved my young family to Fort Madison to oversee riverboat operations. Now my sons are grown and part of the family business, and bringing this property back truly feels like a homecoming.
“Randy Winegard and Gary Hoyer have been great leaders for Catfish Bend and the community. We look forward to maintaining and building on their legacy.”
Catfish Bend and FunCity Resort are full-service destinations that combine gaming, hospitality, recreation, and family entertainment. Highlights include:
- The casino has 30,000 square feet of gaming with 600+ slot machines, 18 table games, sportsbook, poker, high-limit room, and lounge.
- Hotels featuring 241 rooms across FunCity Resort Hotel (132 rooms including family suites); Hampton Inn & Suites (69 rooms with business-friendly amenities); and Catfish Bend Inn & Suites (40 luxury adult-only rooms).
- FunCity Resort Entertainment Complex: Bowling alleys, indoor go-karts, laser tag, arcade zones, duckpin bowling, and a Ballocity soft play area.
- Dining and beverage has 14 outlets including full-service restaurants, casual quick-serve, coffee and smoothie bars, and specialty cocktail venues.
- Huck’s Harbor Water Park, a seasonal outdoor water park with slides, reef-entry pool, tiki bar, and snack shack.
- Facilities for events and meeting for groups up to 900, alongside meeting spaces.
- FunCity Courts has three collegiate basketball courts and four indoor pickleball courts for sports, recreation, and community events.
- A full-service spa and fitness center in all three hotels.
