Iowa Cedar Rapids Casino Breaks Ground After Approval

Developers of the long-awaited Cedar Crossing Casino and Entertainment Center celebrated a major milestone on Friday, February 7, breaking ground on the site of the $275 million project following approval from the Iowa Racing and Gaming Commission (IRGC). The groundbreaking ceremony marks the next step in a decade-long journey that advocates for the project say will bring significant economic growth to Cedar Rapids and the state of Iowa.

The casino, which is expected to open its doors on New Year's Eve 2026, will feature a wide array of attractions. Plans include 700 slot machines, 22 table games, and a 1,500-capacity entertainment venue. The venue will also incorporate a STEM lab designed to educate and engage children. Additionally, 8% of the casino’s net adjusted gross revenue will be directed toward local non-profits—well above the state minimum of 3.5%. Stakeholders hope the project will serve as a key driver for both local and state economies.

 

The New Approval

The groundbreaking ceremony occurred just one day after the IRGC’s 4-1 vote in favor of granting the casino license. The approval followed extensive debates and concerns over the potential impact of a new casino on existing gambling operations. Commissioner Alan Ostergren was the lone dissenter, citing legal challenges to the project as his primary concern. Despite his opposition, the vote cleared the way for the project’s advancement.

For years, the Cedar Rapids casino proposal had been rejected due to fears that it would cannibalize the revenue of existing casinos in the state, including those located in nearby areas. With 20 commercial casinos and 4 tribal casinos already operating in Iowa, competition in the market was a major point of contention. Riverside Casino & Golf Resort, located about 40 miles from Cedar Rapids, was among the most vocal opponents, arguing that the new casino would hurt their bottom line.

However, two separate market studies conducted by Marquette Advisors and the Innovation Group concluded that Cedar Crossing would bring an additional $60 million in gaming revenue to the state and generate $10.5 million in extra tax revenue. These findings helped assuage concerns about revenue loss for existing casinos, although experts warned that a significant portion of Cedar Crossing’s revenue would indeed come from nearby facilities. Despite these concerns, state regulators ultimately determined that the potential for new economic benefits outweighed the risks.

Cedar Rapids Mayor Tiffany O’Donnell, a strong proponent of the casino, expressed optimism about the positive impact it would have on the city. “Iowa’s second-largest city has finally been given the opportunity that our residents, business leaders, nonprofits, and surrounding communities have sought for years,” she said. “Cedar Crossing will create new revenue for the state and bring new visitors every year—a solid win for every Iowan.”

The casino's approval also came at a critical juncture, as state lawmakers had been considering legislation that could have blocked new gaming licenses for several years. House File 144, a bill that would have imposed a five-year moratorium on new casino licenses, had gained traction in the statehouse in late 2024. However, the bill’s momentum stalled out in early February, thanks to a lack of support from Senate Republicans. The failure of the bill allowed Cedar Crossing to move forward, with no further legislative roadblocks in sight.

With construction now underway, developers are focused on the complex task of bringing the Cedar Crossing Casino and Entertainment Center to life. The project will be a significant undertaking, with plans for an entertainment complex that aims to rival existing Iowa casinos in both scale and offerings. Along with gaming options, the facility will include a variety of dining options, bars, and an event space designed to host a wide range of performances and events.

The casino will also incorporate community-focused amenities, such as the STEM lab, which aims to inspire young minds and foster an interest in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics. The inclusion of the lab highlights the developers’ commitment to integrating educational and entertainment elements within the casino’s broader offerings.

 

Cedar Crossing will create new revenue for the state and bring new visitors every year—a solid win for every Iowan.

 

The Future

With the approval and groundbreaking now behind them, developers and community leaders are eager to see the impact the new casino will have on Cedar Rapids and the broader Iowa economy. The project is expected to create hundreds of construction jobs over the next few years, and when the casino opens, it will provide long-term employment opportunities for local residents in various sectors, including hospitality, gaming, and event management.

As Cedar Crossing moves from concept to reality, the project is poised to become a major player in Iowa’s gambling industry, potentially reshaping the landscape of state gaming. As local officials and business leaders continue to rally behind the project, all eyes will remain on Cedar Rapids as the city prepares for its big debut in 2026.