Cedar Crossing Casino Clears Its Last Legal Barrier in Cedar Rapids, Officially Achieving Full Approval for Operation
The long-awaited Cedar Crossing Casino project in Cedar Rapids, Iowa, is officially moving forward after the resolution of all legal obstacles. The gaming license for the casino was approved as part of Public Measure G, a 2021 referendum in Linn County that allowed the continuation of gambling activities.
Judge Michael Schilling dismissed Riverside Casino's challenge to the Linn County gaming referendum in June 2025, effectively clearing the final legal hurdle for the project. Elite Casino Resorts, the company behind Cedar Crossing Casino, did not appeal Judge Schilling's decision. The Riverside Casino, previously believed to lose revenue once Cedar Crossing opened, has also not filed an appeal against the Cedar Crossing Casino project.
Construction crews are now active on the site of Cedar Crossing Casino. The project broke ground earlier in February 2025. The planned opening date for the casino has not been explicitly stated, but city officials have signalled that construction will now proceed vertically. With the project's progression, Cedar Rapids Mayor Tiffany O'Donnell confirmed the development of Cedar Crossing Casino in a social media post.
Cedar Crossing Casino will offer a variety of amenities for visitors. It will feature a 1,500-seat live entertainment venue, three restaurants, including Clubhouse by Zach Johnson, a sportsbook, an arts and cultural hub, and a free-access STEM lab for Linn County students. The casino will also house 700 slot machines and 22 table games.
The estimated cost of the $275 million project is expected to shape major infrastructure at the Cedar Crossing Casino site over the coming months. The casino's development is set to bring a significant economic boost to Cedar Rapids and the surrounding areas. The city is eagerly anticipating the casino's New Year's Eve 2026 opening.
References: [1] KCRG TV9. (2025, July 23). Cedar Crossing Casino construction to proceed after Riverside Casino drops appeal. Retrieved from https://www.kcrg.com/news/local-news/cedar-crossing-casino-construction-to-proceed-after-riverside-casino-drops-appeal
[3] Cedar Rapids Gazette. (2025, July 23). Cedar Crossing Casino construction to proceed after Riverside Casino drops appeal. Retrieved from https://www.thegazette.com/subject/news/cedar-rapids-iowa/cedar-crossing-casino-construction-to-proceed-after-riverside-casino-drops-appeal-20250723
[4] Cedar Rapids Gazette. (2025, July 23). Cedar Crossing Casino construction to proceed after Riverside Casino drops appeal. Retrieved from https://www.thegazette.com/subject/news/cedar-rapids-iowa/cedar-crossing-casino-construction-to-proceed-after-riverside-casino-drops-appeal-20250723
- In line with the progression of the Cedar Crossing Casino project, the casino will offer a diverse range of attractions, including sports betting alongside casino games such as 700 slot machines and 22 table games.
- In addition to the casino games, Cedar Crossing Casino will also boast various amenities like a 1,500-seat live entertainment venue, three restaurants, an arts and cultural hub, a free-access STEM lab, and even a sportsbook.
- As the construction of the casino continues, the Cedar Crossing Casino in Las Vegas-style will undoubtedly contribute to the casino-and-gambling culture in Cedar Rapids and the surrounding areas, providing an additional opportunity for sports fans to engage in sports betting.
