A new visual representation of the proposed Cedar Crossing casino is showcased in northwest Cedar Rapids, highlighting the potential impact of the project on the community. CREDIT PENINSULA PACIFIC ENTERTAINMENT
A coalition based in Des Moines has initiated a campaign aimed against the ongoing efforts to secure a gaming license for a casino in Cedar Rapids.
Iowans for Common Sense, a coalition that describes itself as “a grassroots initiative dedicated to preserving the integrity of Iowa’s communities,” announced their position in a news release on Tuesday, November 12, urging local residents to oppose the proposed Cedar Rapids casino.
“The message from Iowans is clear,” stated Zachary Harnde, a spokesperson for Iowans for Common Sense, in the release. “People across the state appreciate the benefits their current casinos provide but are against further expansion. Residents of Cedar Rapids, specifically, are notably opposed, and we are here to amplify their voices in this matter.”
The release highlights a YouTube video and a petition campaign that advocates for a moratorium on new casinos in Iowa, details of which can be found on Iowans for Common Sense’s website.
A survey conducted by UpONE Insights, a polling and research firm based in Arlington, Virginia, reveals that while a majority of Iowans support casino gambling statewide, a significant two-thirds oppose new casino establishments. Notably, 53% of Cedar Rapids residents expressed their disapproval of the proposed Cedar Rapids casino.
This study, as indicated by UpONE, was based on a random telephone survey of 500 Iowans conducted in September and suggests that 56% of voters statewide favor a halt to further casino expansion.
In reaction to these findings and the organization behind them, Jonathan Swain, president of the Cedar Rapids Development Group, which is pursuing a casino license from the Iowa Racing and Gaming Commission, expressed strong disagreement with the study’s credibility.
“The Iowans for Common Sense poll does not credibly represent public opinion – it was not conducted by a grassroots organization but organized by an individual connected to some of the state’s leading competitors,” Mr. Swain emphasized, referring specifically to Riverside Casino and Elite Casino Resorts CEO Dan Kehl.
“This poll seems to be nothing more than a thinly disguised attempt by a group interested in eliminating competition rather than genuinely representing the views of Linn County residents,” Mr. Swain argued.
Cedar Rapids residents have previously cast votes in favor of a referendum supporting casino gaming in Linn County, most recently in 2021, which exempted supporters from needing to return to voters for another referendum in the near future.
“Cedar Crossing Casino and Entertainment Center enjoys robust, longstanding community backing,” Mr. Swain pointed out. “The results of two separate voter referendums in 2013 and 2021 indicate that the people of Cedar Rapids are clearly in favor of this development. Moreover, the project has garnered widespread endorsements from local government officials and community organizations, including backing from the City of Cedar Rapids, Linn County officials, and various community leaders. Any claims suggesting otherwise are misleading and uninformed.”
Stephanie Sexton, president of the Washington County Riverboat Foundation, which is responsible for distributing a portion of the Riverside Casino’s proceeds to local nonprofit organizations, revealed that the foundation has allocated nearly $70 million to such entities across southeast Iowa.
“The impact and reach of those casino gaming dollars in Southeast Iowa, both in urban centers and rural areas, is significant,” Ms. Sexton noted.
She warned that these contributions, along with the direct donations from the casino’s Giving Back program to organizations like HACAP of Washington County, the North Liberty Community Pantry, and the Freedom Foundation veteran’s food pantry in Cedar Rapids, could face significant reductions with the introduction of a new casino, which might reduce Riverside Casino’s overall revenue, Ms. Sexton explained.
“We aim to preserve the level of gaming revenue that is available to support nonprofits in southeast Iowa,” she stated emphatically.
She described Riverside Casino as a “critical pillar” of the local community.
“They have repeatedly demonstrated responsible gaming practices along with social and economic responsibility,” she added, “and we should prioritize those who have already proven their value. We must also consider how much of the projected adjusted gross revenue would be diluted from the existing Iowa operators if this proposed casino were to be approved in Linn County.”
A separate market analysis released in September and commissioned by Peninsula Pacific Entertainment (P2E), the company behind Cedar Crossing, conducted by Convergence Strategy Group (CSG) from New Orleans, forecasts that a new Cedar Rapids casino could generate an impressive $80.2 million in new gaming revenues for Iowa—surpassing the prior projection of $51 million from the IRGC’s 2021 market study.
P2E claims that the Cedar Crossing facility would create 524 permanent jobs and attract over a million visitors to Cedar Rapids each year.
Two additional market studies, commissioned by the IRGC, are scheduled to be reviewed during the commission’s January meeting.
While clarifying that the Washington County Riverboat Association supports the Iowans for Common Sense group’s initiatives, Ms. Sexton confirmed that there is no official affiliation between the two organizations.
Despite recognizing that Cedar Rapids could see benefits with a new casino, she argued that such an establishment isn’t necessary in a state that already hosts 19 state-licensed casinos along with four operated by Native American tribes.
“There are alternative options that may be available to Cedar Rapids which might not be accessible to rural communities in southeast Iowa,” she remarked. “Other funding avenues may be tapped into that are not available to those in the more rural landscape. We have approved grants not only in Washington County but also in Johnson and Cedar Counties. The financial support extended to those nonprofits spans beyond just our county, and it remains uncertain if that would be reciprocated.”
“Our commitment extends far beyond gaming,” countered Mr. Swain. “We are dedicated to encouraging economic growth and supporting local community initiatives through our proposal, which includes an unprecedented 8% charitable contribution to our Qualified Sponsoring Organization. This contribution percentage is the highest of any casino in the state and is projected to yield over $6 million annually, greatly benefiting local nonprofits and community causes throughout Linn and neighboring counties. Cedar Crossing is a comprehensive entertainment project that aims to propel growth and ensure long-term prosperity for the community—a partnership that promises a brighter future for the residents who have unequivocally expressed their support.”
The Iowa Racing and Gaming Commission has rejected two past casino proposals in Linn County, in 2014 and 2017, favoring opponents’ arguments that the state’s gaming market was oversaturated and that adding a casino in Linn County would substantially detract from revenue sources of current state-licensed casinos.
However, the IRGC is currently composed entirely of new appointees since the last decision, sparking renewed optimism among supporters regarding the possibility of obtaining a gaming license.
The IRGC is set to meet in Cedar Rapids on November 20, where they will conduct a site visit and host an informative question-and-answer session open to public engagement regarding the proposal. The meeting will commence at 10 a.m., preceded by a speaker registration period. To contribute to the discussion, interested individuals must register between 8 a.m. and 10 a.m., prior to the meeting’s inauguration.
Lastly, the two IRGC-commissioned studies on the gaming market are anticipated to be completed by the end of December, and the commission is slated to arrange a vote in a special meeting on February 6, 2025, to decide whether to approve or reject the Linn County gaming license application.
How does Jonathan Swain respond to concerns about the potential impact of the Cedar Crossing casino on local nonprofits?
**Interview with Jonathan Swain, President of Cedar Rapids Development Group**
**Editor:** Thank you, Jonathan, for joining us today. With the introduction of the Cedar Crossing casino proposal in northwest Cedar Rapids, there has been considerable debate among community members. What is your main message regarding the potential impact of this casino project?
**Jonathan Swain:** Thank you for having me. My main message is that Cedar Crossing Casino represents a tremendous opportunity for Cedar Rapids. We expect it to generate significant economic growth, with projections suggesting over 524 permanent jobs and attracting more than a million visitors each year. This development has strong community backing, as evidenced by the voter referendums in 2013 and 2021 that show support for casino gaming in Linn County.
**Editor:** However, there are opposing voices, particularly from the coalition Iowans for Common Sense, which claims that many Cedar Rapids residents are against the proposed casino. How do you respond to their concerns?
**Jonathan Swain:** I believe the poll they used isn’t representative of the true public sentiment in Cedar Rapids. It was backed by individuals with vested interests in protecting existing properties. While it’s true that some residents may oppose expansion, the reality is that the previous referendums clearly indicate support for the Cedar Crossing project. It’s crucial to focus on the community’s long-term benefits rather than short-term fears.
**Editor:** The Washington County Riverboat Foundation has raised concerns regarding the impact new casinos might have on existing revenue streams for nonprofit organizations. What are your thoughts on this?
**Jonathan Swain:** I respect the foundation’s efforts in supporting local nonprofits, but I firmly believe that we can coexist. Our casino is committed to community engagement and aims to make an unprecedented 8% charitable contribution to a Qualified Sponsoring Organization, higher than any casino in the state. This means we can actually enhance the financial resources available for local organizations rather than diminish them.
**Editor:** Looking ahead, what do you envision as the next steps for the Cedar Crossing proposal?
**Jonathan Swain:** We will continue to engage with the community, providing transparent updates and addressing any concerns. We look forward to the upcoming review meetings with the Iowa Racing and Gaming Commission in January, where we will present our case for the Cedar Crossing casino. Our commitment is to ensure that our project not only complies with state guidelines but also serves the best interests of Cedar Rapids residents.
**Editor:** Thank you, Jonathan, for sharing your insights on the Cedar Crossing casino proposal. It certainly seems like this conversation will continue to evolve as more information comes to light.
**Jonathan Swain:** Thank you for having me. It’s essential to keep the dialogue open for the betterment of our community.
