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Riverside Casino & Golf Resort challenged Cedar Crossing’s gaming licence in Iowa District Court. The company sought to invalidate the licence awarded to the Linn County Gaming Association and Cedar Rapids Development Group.
Judge Michael Schilling presided over the case. He issued a 76-page ruling on the dispute.
The Iowa Racing and Gaming Commission had issued the original licence on February 6, 2025.
Riverside argued the IRGC improperly awarded the gaming license to Cedar Crossing. The company claimed the licensing process violated proper procedures.
The challenge targeted the commission’s decision-making process. Riverside questioned whether commissioners followed required protocols when evaluating the application.
The dispute centred on a $275 million casino and entertainment project planned for Cedar Rapids. The facility is scheduled to open on New Year’s Eve 2026.
Judge Schilling rejected Riverside’s claims entirely. He found the IRGC properly issued the gaming licence to the Linn County Gaming Association and Cedar Rapids Development Group.
The court determined each IRGC commissioner fairly and independently evaluated the project. Schilling noted the commission reviewed 420 written comments from the public.
The ruling stated commissioners heard from many local residents during the process. The court found the commission carefully considered all input before making its decision.
Schilling affirmed the IRGC’s conclusion that the project serves Linn County’s interests. The court also agreed the casino benefits the state of Iowa.
The judge noted voters had “approved gambling games in Linn County for a second time.” This voter approval factored into the court’s analysis.
Cedar Crossing can proceed with development following the court decision. The ruling removes legal uncertainty that could have delayed construction.
The project includes plans for hundreds of jobs in Linn County. Developers estimate it will generate over $6 million annually for local nonprofit organisations.
Cedar Rapids Mayor Tiffany O’Donnell commented on the ruling. She said the decision allows the city to “move forward with confidence and unity toward the future Cedar Rapidians chose.”
O’Donnell stated the city would “follow the will of the voters” regarding the project.
The court’s detailed ruling addressed all aspects of Riverside’s challenge. Schilling’s 76-page order provided extensive analysis of the licensing process.
LCGA and CRDG can now continue development without further legal obstacles from this challenge. The ruling upholds the February 2025 licensing decision.
Construction timelines remain on track for the New Year’s Eve 2026 opening. The court decision eliminates regulatory uncertainty around the project’s legal status.
This case represents one of Iowa’s larger gaming licence disputes in recent years. The ruling clarifies standards for gaming commission licensing procedures.
Earlier this year, Scientific Games completed its rollout of self-service lottery terminals in Iowa across select retail locations.
