The Linn County Gaming Association (LCGA) has announced its intention to apply for a casino license in Cedar Rapids, Iowa once the current moratorium on new casino licenses in the state ends in 2023. This decision comes on the heels of a recent feasibility study commissioned by the LCGA that found overwhelming support for a casino in the area.
The study, which was conducted by an independent research firm, surveyed residents of Linn County and found that 82% of respondents were in favor of a casino being built in the area. Additionally, the study found that a casino in Cedar Rapids could generate up to $100 million in annual revenue for the local economy and create over 1,000 new jobs.
The LCGA, a non-profit organization dedicated to promoting economic development and tourism in Linn County, believes that a casino would be a major boost to the local economy and help attract visitors to the area. In a statement, LCGA President Jane Smith said, “We believe that a casino in Cedar Rapids would be a game-changer for our community. Not only would it create new jobs and generate significant revenue, but it would also help put Cedar Rapids on the map as a premier entertainment destination in the Midwest.”
The LCGA has already begun the process of securing a casino license, which will involve submitting a detailed proposal to the Iowa Racing and Gaming Commission outlining their plans for the facility. The commission will then review the proposal and determine if the LCGA meets the necessary criteria to be awarded a license.
While there is still a long road ahead for the LCGA in their quest to bring a casino to Cedar Rapids, the organization remains optimistic about their chances. Smith added, “We have done our due diligence and are confident that we have a strong proposal that will be attractive to the Iowa Racing and Gaming Commission. We are excited about the possibility of bringing a world-class casino to Cedar Rapids and the opportunities it will create for our community.”
If the LCGA is successful in obtaining a casino license, construction on the facility could begin as early as 2024, with an expected opening date in 2026. In the meantime, residents of Cedar Rapids and Linn County eagerly await the outcome of the commission’s decision and the potential economic benefits a casino could bring to their community.
