Coalition "Iowans for Common Sense" speaks out against proposed $275 M Cedar Rapids casino

A new group is publicly opposing plans to bring a new casino to Cedar Rapids. Iowans for Common Sense, a grassroots coalition, is campaigning against the proposed $275 million facility in Cedar Rapids. The group said a poll from UpONE Insights shows 2/3 Iowans oppose a new gaming center to be built in the state, and 53% of Cedar Rapids residents are against one being built. More than half surveyed also support a moratorium on future casinos being built.

“The message from Iowans is clear,” Spokesperson for Iowans for Common Sense Zachary Harnden said. “People across the state value what our current casinos bring to their communities but do not support further expansion. Cedar Rapids residents, in particular, are firmly opposed, and we’re here to support them in amplifying their voices.”

However, Linn County voters approved a gambling referendum in 2021 approving gaming in the county by a 55% to 45% rate. It was considered one of the first steps in bringing a casino to Cedar Rapids.

The coalition also released a TV ad where they said the current casinos in the state meet the demand and further help non-profits and rural communities.

Washington County Riverboat Foundation Patty Koller said the state does not need another casino.

“If Cedar Rapids is granted a license, it would harm surrounding casinos and the non-profits that rely on them. These non-profits have poured millions into the corridor, benefiting communities far beyond their borders," Koller said. "As an organization rooted in rural Iowa, we are proud to support our corridor and our rural neighbors, who would undoubtedly be impacted by this proposed development.”

In Dubuque, Q Casino + Resort President and CEO Alex Dixon said it's concerning to bring a new casino to Iowa that could cannibalize the market.

He said his casino gives a chunk of income to the City of Dubuque, and he said he believes a moratorium or tax policy updates from legislators could relieve severe impacts to the industry.

"We don't need a theory, or we don't need a consultant, we know exactly how many of our consumers come from these markets that would be impacted by a new casino," Dixon said. "We need to consider, if a new casino brings impacts, how could the state, or how could the state legislation specifically, help us mitigate some of those impacts?"

P2E, the developer aiming to build the casino, has pledged to contribute 8% of its annual revenue to local nonprofits, an estimated $5-$7 million a year. The state requires 3% of gaming revenue to go to nonprofits.

The group has started a petition on their website for a gaming license moratorium. State legislators passed a similar ban in 2022, but the two year block expired earlier this year.

However, President of the Cedar Rapids Development Group Jonathan Swain said the group isn't telling the whole story. Read his full statement below:

"The Iowans for Common Sense poll is not a credible reflection of public opinion – it was conducted not by a grassroots organization, but coordinated by an individual with personal ties to one of the state’s leading competitors and funded with $500,000 by Dan Kehl and Elite Gaming. This poll appears to be a thinly veiled attempt from a group more interested in eliminating potential competition than amplifying the voices of Linn County residents.

Cedar Crossing Casino and Entertainment Center enjoys strong, long-standing community support: With two separate voter referendums in 2013 and 2021 overwhelmingly approved by Linn County residents, the people of Cedar Rapids have made it clear they want this development. The project also has widespread support from local government officials and community organizations, including endorsements from the City of Cedar Rapids, Linn County, and other community leaders – any claim that suggests otherwise is uninformed and misleading.

Our commitment extends far beyond gaming; we’re dedicated to fostering economic growth, creating more than 350 local jobs, and supporting community development through our proposal, which includes an 8% charitable contribution to our Qualified Sponsoring Organization (QSO). This contribution percentage is the highest in the state and is projected to equate to more than $6 million annually, providing a significant boost to local nonprofits and community initiatives in Linn and surrounding counties.

Cedar Crossing is an entertainment project that will drive growth and long-term success for the community – a partnership with the city and county that promises a better future fitting for the residents who have clearly stated their support."