Peninsula Pacific Entertainment (P2E) and the Linn County Gaming Association Wednesday announced they are jointly applying for a gaming license with the Iowa Gaming Association.

Peninsula Pacific Entertainment, a national gaming operator and developer, and the LCGA, a nonprofit association, will apply for a license after an Iowa moratorium expires June 30, 2024. If granted, the license will be for Cedar Crossing, a resort and casino located on the west bank of the Cedar River between Kingston Village and Time Check Park in Cedar Rapids.

“The time is now for Cedar Crossing,” said P2E Board Member Jonathan Swain in a statement. “Linn County residents have overwhelmingly passed two gaming referendums and they have been patient. With the moratorium expiring soon, we look forward to bringing an unprecedented casino gaming and entertainment destination to Cedar Rapids.”

Cedar Crossing representatives stated that if granted a license, the proposed resort will contribute 8% of its annual gaming revenue to local nonprofit organizations.

“People like to count us out, though we are part of a resilient community. Linn County has come back stronger than before and we’re going to do it again with Cedar Crossing,” said LCGA President Anne Parmley. “A local casino will help our communities be even more vibrant, as we estimate Cedar Crossing will be able to commit $5 million to $7 million to nonprofits annually. This will be a major boost to local organizations, and just one of the many ways this project will make Linn County an even better place to live, work, and visit.”

Linn Country residents passed public referendums in 2013 and 2021 authorizing gaming in the country. Public Measure G, the 2021 vote, permanently authorized gaming in the county. Residents will not have to vote for a third measure.

“Our commitment to building a world-class destination has never wavered,” Swain said. “We are in the final stages of finalizing our vision for Cedar Crossing and look forward to setting a new standard for gaming and entertainment in Iowa.”

A release stated that the project has the support of several local government officials and trade unions.

“From the resounding support of Linn County voters to recent legislative developments and today’s announcement, our commitment to the Linn County Gaming Association has remained steadfast,” said Cedar Rapids Mayor Tiffany O’Donnell. “The development team continues to demonstrate their dedication to Cedar Rapids with a vision for a casino that highlights our community’s potential as a modern entertainment and gaming destination. I am confident their next proposal will bring significant benefits to Cedar Rapids and Linn County as a whole, offering unmatched opportunities for our residents and visitors while providing vital support for community organizations to advance and thrive.”

Linn County Board of Supervisors Chair Kirsten Running-Marquardt also supports Cedar Crossing.

“Linn County residents support casino gambling in Linn County,” Running-Marquardt said. “This investment in our community would increase opportunity for our local economy in several ways, including job creation, tourism and providing unmatched entertainment options. Like other Iowa counties, we are looking for a fair chance for the people of Linn County to receive these benefits for our community.”

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