A decision made yesterday could have an impact on Washington County. In yesterday’s special election, the majority of voters in Linn County voted yes to a referendum that allows casino’s to develop. A casino has already been proposed, but still needs approval from the Iowa Racing and Gaming Commission.

Director of the Washington Economic Development Group, Ed Raber says, if the commission grants the gaming license, it would lead to a significant cut to Riverside Casino’s customer base. He adds it would result in a triple digit transfer of employees from Riverside, and from the other casinos in the state, to the one being planned for Linn County.

Raber notes the Racing and Gaming Commission still needs to conduct studies on what kind of effect this casino would have on the rest of the state, which could be a 1 to 2 year process.