A casino opposition group "Iowans for Common Sense" has emerged to challenge the proposed $275 million Cedar Crossing Casino resort in Cedar Rapids, claiming the public opposes gambling expansion in Iowa.

The opposition group recently launched a TV campaign featuring local residents expressing resistance to additional casinos. According to their commissioned poll by UpOne Insights, 66% of likely voters oppose new casinos while 30% support them, with opposition spanning across political affiliations.

The Cedar Crossing Casino proposal, a partnership between Peninsula Pacific Entertainment (P2E) and Cedar Rapids Development Group (CRDG), includes:

• 700 slot machines
• 22 live dealer tables
• Sports betting facilities
• 1,500-seat concert hall
• Multiple restaurants and bars
• STEM lab and cultural arts center
• 1,100+ parking spaces

The project promises 500+ full-time jobs, $80 million in annual gaming revenue, and over one million yearly visitors. The Linn County Gaming Association pledged to direct 8% of gross gaming revenue to nonprofits, exceeding the state's 3% minimum requirement.

Jonathan Swain from P2E disputes the opposition poll's credibility, suggesting it's an attempt by competitors to prevent new competition. He believes Elite Casino Resorts and Riverside Casino are funding the opposition campaign.

The Iowa Racing and Gaming Commission is reviewing two feasibility studies about the Cedar Rapids casino application, with findings expected in January. This comes after the state's moratorium on new gaming licenses expired in July 2024, though legislators may attempt to reinstate the ban in 2025.

Cedar Rapids, Iowa's second-largest city, has sought casino approval for over a decade. The Washington County Riverboat Foundation warns that a new casino could harm existing operations and their associated nonprofits in the region.

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