Cedar Rapids casino still questioned

Commissioners are still struggling to make up their minds regarding a new casino for downtown Cedar Rapids.

US.- Despite the Iowa Racing and Gaming Commission (IRGC) being scheduled to vote on casino proposals for downtown Cedar Rapids on November 16 in Dubuque, commissioners are still struggling to review the possible applications.

Brian Ohorilko, the commission administrator, said that members are expected to spend the last few days reviewing applications: “They’re going back through those applications. Looking through their notes and trying to make the best decision that they can make.”

The IRGC is considering three proposals: two from Cedar Rapids Development Group, which submitted a similar proposal three years ago. One of the facilities would be a US$196 million development on the west side of the Cedar River, whilst Cedar Crossing Central would be located downtown and would cost US$106 million. The third option is from Wild Rose Entertainment, which calls for a US$42 million boutique casino next to the Skogman building.

Jeff Lamberti, a former commission chair and current member, said: “We’re kind of all allowed to make our own decision. I’ve talked to a couple of the commissioners. What I will say is, what we expected is– people are struggling with making a decision and probably won’t decide until the very end.”

Last month, it was reported that a study warned about all three proposals for a new casino in the city as they would cannibalise on the other venues in the area.

Nevertheless, Cedar Rapids Development Group said in a statement that they’re hopeful the commissioners would carefully review all of the data which shows a Cedar Crossing casino would generate significant new revenue for the State and accelerate economic development in Cedar Rapids.