Gaming board moves ahead with Cedar Rapids casino

Gaming board sets September deadline for Cedar Rapids casino proposals, orders market study

OSCEOLA, Iowa (AP) -- The board that regulates gambling in Iowa is accepting applications for a proposed casino in Cedar Rapids through Sept. 3.

Voters in Linn County approved a gambling referendum in March and developers are proposing to build a $100 million casino. The five-member Iowa Racing and Gaming Commission also will hire a consultant to conduct a statewide market study to look at the impact of adding casinos in Iowa.

The commission also encourages Davenport officials to move forward with a plan to allow casino operator Dan Kehl to buy the Rhythm City casino located near the Mississippi River and move its gambling operation to a new proposed $110 million casino-hotel complex near Interstate 80. Kehl already operates casinos in Riverside and Larchwood.