ALTOONA — While the Iowa Gaming Association (IGA) respects the Iowa Racing & Gaming Commission (IRGC) and its role in overseeing Iowa’s gaming industry, the IGA is concerned over the decision to issue a new casino license in Linn County.

The IGA, representing the interests of the state’s existing licensed
casinos, has continually expressed concerns that this license will significantly destabilize the Eastern Iowa
gaming market.

Market studies have consistently shown that the majority of revenue for a Cedar Rapids casino will come at the expense of existing casinos in Eastern Iowa.

Riverside Casino & Golf Resort alone is projected to lose more than $34 million in annual revenue, a destabilizing shift that threatens jobs, economic contributions, and charitable giving in communities that rely on established gaming venues.

Given these concerns, the Iowa Gaming Association has strongly supported, and continues to support, a legislative five-year moratorium on new casino licenses to protect the stability of the state’s gaming industry.

The IGA extends its sincere gratitude to the Iowa House of Representatives for passing House File 144 with an overwhelming majority last week.

The IGA will continue to advocate for measures that ensure Iowa’s gaming market remains stable while also encouraging ongoing economic development at existing casino properties. Preserving the health of our industry is critical to sustaining the jobs, tourism, and economic benefits that our casinos provide to communities across
the state.