Elite Casino Resorts gets approval for acquisition of Catfish Bend Casino and FunCity Resort
The Iowa Racing and Gaming Commission has approved the transaction, which is expected to close in January.
US.- Elite Casino Resorts has announced that the Iowa Racing and Gaming Commission has approved its planned acquisition of Great River Entertainment, operator of Catfish Bend Casino and FunCity Resort in Burlington, Iowa. The transaction is expected to close on January 27, 2026.
Elite Casino Resorts signed an agreement to acquire the assets and operations of Great River Entertainment in August. The move will see the Kehl family return to ownership. The operator said on Facebook that it would rebrand Catfish Bend as Great River Casino Resort.
Dan Kehl, chief executive officer of Elite Casino Resorts, said: “This is a meaningful day for our family and our more than 1,200 Iowa unitholders. We are deeply grateful to the Iowa Racing and Gaming Commission for their support and approval. Returning to Burlington feels like coming home, and the Great River Casino Resort name reflects the pride we have in this community and its strong river heritage.”
“We appreciate the leadership and care that have guided this property. We look forward to collaborating with local stakeholders as we transition to the Great River Casino Resort and continue supporting the communities that make this region special.”
Elite’s portfolio includes Riverside Casino & Golf Resort and Rhythm City Casino Resort in Iowa, Grand Falls Casino & Golf Resort in South Dakota, Walker’s Bluff Casino Resort in Illinois, Grand Island Casino Resort and Lake Mac Casino Resort and Racetrack in Nebraska.
