Cedar Rapids is set to face potential blockade of its casino dreams as new legislation emerges. A bill preventing new casino construction in Iowa is expected to be introduced early in the legislative session starting Monday.

Representative Bobby Kaufmann (R-Wilton) confirms the bill will mirror last year's attempted legislation, which passed the House but stalled in the Senate. While broadly written, the bill primarily targets Cedar Rapids' casino aspirations.

Cedar Rapids Development Group seeks to build the $275 million Cedar Crossing Casino on city-owned land, with state gaming regulators set to vote on February 6. The project has strong local support, with Cedar Rapids residents twice voting in favor of casino gaming in Linn County, most recently in 2021.

Industry opposition centers on market saturation concerns, particularly with Nebraska's recent gaming legalization. Studies indicate a Cedar Rapids casino would:

• Generate $80 million in new taxes
• Divert $68 million from existing casinos in Riverside, Waterloo, and Dubuque

Rep. Jeff Cooling (D-Cedar Rapids) argues against legislative interference, stating the process should respect local consensus. However, an opposition poll by Iowans for Common Sense suggests two-thirds of state residents oppose casino expansion.

Kaufmann, whose district includes the Riverside Casino & Golf Resort, cites job protection as a key concern. The bill is expected to move through committees by the session's second week, with Kaufmann noting growing support despite mixed opinions.

With the regulatory vote approaching in February, the timing of this legislation becomes crucial for both supporters and opponents of the Cedar Rapids casino project.

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