A proposed casino in Cedar Rapids would likely have limited impact on the three casinos in Council Bluff, according to local gambling officials.
“It’s four hours away from our property here, and we really don’t think it would have a negative gaming revenue impact on our casino,” said Jill Beasley, marketing director for Harrah’s and Horseshoe casinos in Council Bluffs.
It could possible draw Des Moines visitors away from Council Bluffs’ casinos, she added, though most of Harrah’s and Horseshoe’s customers come from the Omaha-Council Bluffs metro area.
An official speaking for Ameristar in Council Bluffs said it’s too early for any comment.
A $40 million “boutique” casino is proposed in the Cedar Rapids downtown area.
It would be built across from a hotel and convention center and offer 25,000 square feet of gambling space for up to 700 slot machines and 15 to 20 table games. The casino would have parking on the first floor, a gambling area om the second and commercial office space on the third and fourth floors. It wouldn’t include any restaurants, hotels or other entertainment venues.
The proposal would have to be approved by the Iowa Racing and Gaming Commission, which has previously expressed concern that Iowa is at its saturation point for gambling.
