The Iowa Racing and Gaming Commission has selected two companies to conduct studies of the state’s gambling industry. [Image: Shutterstock.com]

Thanks to studies of Iowa’s gaming industry, a new casino license for Cedar Rapids could advance, opening the door for new casinos and other gambling ventures. The study solidifies the state legislature’s decision to let the two-year moratorium on new gambling licenses expire. But the expiration of the moratorium does not in itself mean new licenses will be approved. The study will play a key role in decisions going forward.

The Innovation Group and Marquette Advisors have been chosen to complete the studies. Both met with the approval of Racing and Gaming Administrator Tina Eick, who said: “Both of those companies are well known and well respected in the industry, and have, in fact, both done studies in Iowa previously.”

The companies assured Eick that they can meet a deadline by the end of the year.

The studies are expected to finish and be delivered to the Commission office by December 30. The companies assured Eick that they can meet a deadline by the end of the year. The delivery of the studies will be accompanied by presentations on their findings, though the presentations will take place a little later at a commission meeting in January.

Should the findings support moving forward with awarding new gambling licenses, the Linn County Gaming Association already has a proposal to place a casino on the Cedar River.