On November 2, voters in Linn County, Iowa will determine if the Cedar Rapids Development Group (CRDG) and its operating partner, Los Angeles-based Peninsula Pacific Entertainment, will move forward with their proposed $329 million casino.
Twice before, Cedar Rapids has been denied a long-sought casino. In 2014 and 2017 the Iowa Racing and Gaming Commission declared a casino in Cedar Rapids would cannibalize casinos within a 2-hour drive, including those in Riverside, Dubuque and Waterloo.
But Cedar Rapids/Iowa City Building and Construction Trades Council President Mike Sadler said, “A casino will serve as an anchor attraction that will provide more nightlife and entertainment opportunities while increasing tourism in our community. The first step Linn County needs to take together is to get out and vote yes for Public Measure G on November 2.”
If the measure passes, the exclusive agreement between the city of Cedar Rapids and CRDG would be in effect through October 2029. Also, CRDG and P2E could apply for another Linn County gaming license from the Iowa Racing and Gaming Commission in the future. However, if the measure fails, the operation of “gambling games on a gambling boat or structure will end within 60 days.”
CRDG also recently signed a memorandum of understanding with the Cedar Rapids/Iowa City Building & Construction Trades Council, representing 18 building trade unions on the area. The agreement is dependent on the success of the referendum.
P2E President Jonathan Swain said the company has not settled on a location or an architect for the Cedar Rapids project, though he said a downtown location is preferred. “We’re going to exhaust all opportunities to put it in the city of Cedar Rapids. The first thing is this referendum and that guarantees us the opportunity, and that’s what we’re really focused on,” Swain said.
Despite the IRGC’s previous rejections of a Cedar Rapids casino, Swain said, “We think that the opportunity’s still is strong to build a large facility here in Cedar Rapids.” He noted the 5-person commission is composed of individuals who were not on the board when the city was denied a gaming license. Also, with expanded gambling in Nebraska and Illinois, the IRCG may now support a casino in Cedar Rapids as a way to keep more revenue in the state.
