Development Approved for Cedar Crossings' Casino Project
Finally, Cedar Crossing Casino & Entertainment Center is clear to open in 2026, as a judge recently tossed out Riverside Casino & Golf Resort's lawsuit aiming to block it.
The Iowa District Court ruled against Riverside and the Washington County Riverboat Foundation, who argued the Iowa Racing and Gaming Commission (IRGC) messed up the rules when handing out the license for the $275 million Cedar Crossing Casino & Entertainment Center.
Riverside Casino's main issue was the specific wording on the ballot, which asked voters if gambling games could continue, only applied if there was already a casino operating there. Since Linn County had never had a legal casino before, Riverside claimed the entire 2021 vote was pointless.
Judge Michael Schilling wasn't convinced. He stated the challenge lacked legs, especially since it hinged on reconsidering the 2021 Linn County referendum, which paved the way for slots, table games, and sports betting in the region.
Now, the project, headed by casino developer Cedar Rapids Development Group (a subdivision of Peninsula Pacific Entertainment, or P2E), will commence in the latter half of 2025. Although it might take up to $28 million in revenue from the other casinos in Iowa, the Cedar Crossing Casino & Entertainment Center is expected to create hundreds of local jobs and pump over $6 million annually into community organizations.
Once up and running, the casino is predicted to generate $108 million in total gaming revenue, producing $80.2 million in new, taxable money for Iowa by 2029. Casino-goers can look forward to 700 slot machines, 22 table games, a sportsbook, three restaurants, a 1,500-seat concert venue, an arts and cultural center, and even a separate STEM lab.
According to P2E Chairman Brent Stevens, "This is going to be the best one yet. More amenities, more places to become a part of this community, and more places to be entertained. And we promise to make you very, very proud with this development."
Although Riverside Casino's objections centered on anticipated economic harm and improper regulatory process, the court found that the gaming commission acted within its authority and properly considered those factors, leading to dismissal of the suit. [1][2]
The opening of Cedar Crossing Casino & Entertainment Center in 2026, initially challenged by Riverside Casino, is now confirmed as the Iowa District Court dismissed Riverside's lawsuit against the casino. This ruling asserts the casino's culture, featuring casino games such as slot machines, table games, and sports betting, will be a significant addition to the casino-and-gambling landscape of Las Vegas-like entertainments in various cities.
