DRA fights against proposed Cedar Rapids casino

The license holder for Dubuque’s casinos has helped form an organization aiming to block a proposed casino and event center in nearby Cedar Rapids, Iowa. Members of the organization say the proposed casino would hurt economic development efforts in eastern Iowa, including the tri-state area. DRA has joined forces with other interested parties, such as additional casinos and tourism industry groups, to form Iowans for Common Sense in an attempt to dissuade state government officials from approving the request by Peninsula Pacific Entertainment and Linn County Gaming Association to construct the proposed Cedar Crossing Casino and Entertainment Center. A study funded by the Cedar Rapids casino group predicts the planned casino would cause an annual 3.6% reduction to Dubuque casinos’ revenues. Iowans for Common Sense’s efforts were not meant to harm Cedar Rapids but to stop harm to Dubuque and other area residents and to ensure that Dubuque residents continue to receive a return on their investment from their local casinos.