Cedar Rapids Casino Ban Bill Set for Early Legislative Session
A bill preventing new casino construction in Iowa is expected to be introduced early in the legislative session starting Monday, primarily aimed at blocking Cedar Rapids' casino aspirations.
House Rep. Bobby Kaufmann (R-Wilton) confirmed the legislation will mirror last year's attempt, which passed the House but stalled in the Senate. The bill would halt new casino development until 2029.
Man in business suit at table
Cedar Rapids Development Group is seeking approval for a $275 million Cedar Crossing Casino project, with state gaming regulators set to vote on February 6. The project has strong local support, with Cedar Rapids residents twice voting in favor of casino gaming in Linn County, most recently in 2021.
However, Iowa's existing gaming industry opposes expansion, citing market saturation and potential revenue cannibalization. Studies indicate a Cedar Rapids casino would generate $80 million in new taxes while diverting $68 million from existing casinos in Riverside, Waterloo, and Dubuque.
Rep. Jeff Cooling (D-Cedar Rapids) argues the legislature should respect local consensus, while opposition group Iowans for Common Sense claims two-thirds of state residents oppose casino expansion.
Kaufmann, whose district includes the Riverside Casino & Golf Resort, expects the bill to move through committees by the session's second week. While support remains mixed, Kaufmann reports growing momentum for the moratorium.