CEDAR RAPIDS, Iowa — A $275 million casino and entertainment center is in the works for Cedar Rapids, with developers prioritizing community involvement and local benefits.
Peninsula Pacific Entertainment, in partnership with the Linn County Gaming Association, talked to dozens of Iowans at Thursday’s open house to discuss the Cedar Crossing project. The developers answered questions and gathered feedback, saying they are committed to ensuring community voices are heard.
Several residents told Iowa’s News Now at Thursday’s open house at Ellis Golf Course Clubhouse they support the plans, noting the potential economic benefits for Cedar Rapids and surrounding areas.
The casino is pledging 8% of its revenue to be set aside for community causes, which is expected to significantly support local nonprofits with an estimated $6 million or more a year. That’s more than twice what the state requires casinos to contribute to nonprofits.
P2E said it will consider the feedback received during the construction process and continue to prioritize public opinion.
Developers stressed the importance of putting Iowa first by using local ingredients in dining facilities and sourcing things locally when possible.
The feedback from Thursday’s event was overwhelmingly positive, P2E said, and it plans to continue conversations with the community.
If you missed the open house, you can let developers know your feedback or questions by submitting a form on the casino’s website.
In addition to a gaming floor, the project will feature an arts and culture center, a STEM science lab for families, an entertainment venue for concerts and events, as well as restaurants and bars.
Despite recent challenges at the state capitol and in court, developers say they remain focused on opening the casino and entertainment center on New Year’s Eve 2026.
The Cedar Rapids Development Group will meet Riverside Casino and the Washington County Riverboat Foundation in a virtual court hearing on Friday.
The Riverside legal team claims in court documents that the state gaming commission was mainly considering the positive impacts for Linn County when making the license decision, and the commission did not consider the negative impacts on surrounding casinos.
“The Iowa Racing and Gaming Commission’s issuance of a license for the Linn County Casino is a gross abuse of authority, unlawful, and unreasonable. The Court should prevent this abuse of power and unlawful act,” court documents in a motion for judicial review from Riverside say. “It should stay the effect of the issuance of the license, and then reverse the issuance of the license.”
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