A bill creating a moratorium on new casinos, something that would derail plans for a proposed casino in Cedar Rapids, has cleared a House Committee. There was a statehouse hearing on the proposal Monday. Iowa’s casino industry is urging lawmakers to pass the bill before the Iowa Racing and Gaming Commission votes on the license for the Cedar Rapids casino on February 6th. Frank Chiodo , a lobbyist for the Riverside Casino, says no other casino would take a harder financial hit if Cedar Crossing is built.
There are four Native American casinos operating in the state as well. Sara Allen, a lobbyist for the Meskwaki Nation, says the tribe’s casino near Tama stands to lose big if a new casino opens just 55 miles away.
Backers of the proposed Cedar Crossing casino pleaded with lawmakers to let the Racing and Gaming Commission decide next week whether the project can go forward. Ann Poe is the mayor pro temp for Cedar Rapids.
The developer says nearly 700 people will be employed at the casino when it opens. Trade unions point to the estimated one-thousand construction jobs for the 275-MILLION dollar project. Felicia Hilton is with the North Central States Regional Council of Carpenters.
Todd Bergan of the Linn County Gaming Association says he doubts the studies showing a casino in his community would have a big impact on nearby casinos.
The House Ways and Means Committee approved the moratorium early Monday evening. The bill is eligible for debate in the Iowa House on Thursday. It’s unclear whether the Senate would take up the legislation next week.