Cover image of Linn County casino application 2024. - Image from Cedar Rapids Development Group, LLC application.

The Iowa Racing and Gaming Commission voted Thursday morning to approve the application for a casino in Cedar Rapids. The vote was split at 4-1. The commission members discussed market saturation, product differentiation, market shift, and a projected $4 million net gain for the state in revenue. 

The Linn County casino will be constructed less than 40 miles from Riverside Casino and Golf Resort. 

The approval comes less than a week after the Iowa House approved legislation to establish a five-year moratorium on new casinos in the state with a 68-31 vote. The measure moved through a Senate subcommittee, but was not brought for a full Senate vote.