Cedar Crossing Casino Gets Green Light After Ballot Wording Dispute

Cedar Rapids’ long-planned casino project is now on solid legal ground. An Iowa judge has ruled in favor of the Cedar Crossing Casino & Entertainment Center, rejecting a legal challenge and confirming the validity of a 2021 Linn County gaming referendum. Construction can now move forward without delays, with developers aiming to open the $275 million complex by the end of 2026.

Good to know

• Iowa judge upheld the 2021 Linn County gaming vote and license approval.
• The $275 million Cedar Crossing project remains on track for a late 2026 launch.
• The casino will contribute 8% of adjusted gross revenue to local nonprofits.

The legal dispute centered on how the 2021 ballot question was worded. Opponents argued that voters were misled because the question used the phrase “may continue,” despite the county not having an active gaming license at the time. Judge Michael Schilling did not agree. He pointed to years of public discussion, media coverage, and civic engagement leading up to the vote. He also ruled that the Iowa Racing and Gaming Commission acted within its authority when it issued the license in February 2025.

Schilling stated clearly, “The decision to grant a gambling license for a Linn County casino Feb. 6, 2025, cannot be fairly characterized as an erroneous interpretation of law.”

With the ruling in place, construction on Cedar Crossing can continue without interruption. Anne Parmley, president of the Linn County Gaming Association, confirmed that the team is still on schedule for a New Year’s Eve 2026 opening. “We felt that the argument we made on behalf of Linn County was strong, and the judge agreed,” she said.

The project is led by the Cedar Rapids Development Group, a partnership between local business leaders and Los Angeles-based Peninsula Pacific Entertainment (P2E). Cedar Crossing will include 700 slot machines, 22 table games, a sportsbook, and several entertainment and community-oriented features. These include three restaurants, a performance venue with 1,500 seats, an arts center, a children’s STEM lab, and a sports bar named after PGA golfer Zach Johnson.

Developers have committed to a $50 million minimum property assessment and pledged 8% of adjusted gross revenue to area nonprofits—well above the state-mandated 3%. They estimate this will result in around $2 million annually in local tax revenue.

Not everyone supports the plan. Riverside Casino & Golf Resort, which filed the lawsuit, has warned that Cedar Crossing could lead to revenue losses of up to $34 million, reduced charitable giving, and possible layoffs.

Still, Cedar Rapids officials see the project as a long-overdue win for the city. “I couldn’t be more proud of our community for sticking with it … and doing what’s best for our city,” said Mayor Tiffany O’Donnell.

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