Iowa judge rejects Riverside Casino & Golf Resort’s claim against Cedar Crossing
The court’s has ruled that the Iowa Racing and Gaming Commission properly issued the licence.
US.- Iowa District Court Judge Michael Schilling has dismissed Riverside Casino & Golf Resort’s attempt to invalidate the gaming licence for Cedar Crossing Casino & Entertainment Center. He ruled that the Iowa Racing and Gaming Commission (IRGC) properly issued the licence on February 6.
Cedar Crossing Casino & Entertainment Center is a $275m project developed by the Linn County Gaming Association (LCGA) and Cedar Rapids Development Group (CRDG). The court found that when awarding the gaming licence to LCGA and CRDG, the IRGC carefully considered 420 written comments and heard from local residents, and that each of the IRGC commissioners fairly and independently evaluated the project. It also affirmed the project was in the best interests of Linn County and the State of Iowa.
Cedar Rapids mayor Tiffany O’Donnell said: “Today’s ruling is a victory for the people of Cedar Rapids. Our residents knew exactly what they were voting for: A transformational project that will create jobs, generate revenue, and add vibrancy to our city. We’ve always said we would follow the will of the voters, and now, with this decision, we can move forward with confidence and unity toward the future Cedar Rapidians chose.”
The Cedar Crossing Casino & Entertainment Center will have 700 slot machines, 22 game tables, restaurants, bars, an entertainment venue with a capacity of 1,500 people, an arts and cultural centre and a STEM lab for children.
At a groundbreaking ceremony in February 24 hours after the Iowa Racing and Gaming Commission (IRGC) approved a licence for the venue, developers Peninsula Pacific Entertainment (P2E) and LCGA announced a planned opening date of New Year’s Eve 2026.
