A bill aimed at preventing new casino construction in Iowa is expected to be introduced early in the legislative session starting Monday. House Rep. Bobby Kaufmann (R-Wilton) confirmed the legislation will mirror last year's attempt, which proposed blocking new casinos until 2029.

The primary target is Cedar Rapids' proposed $275 million Cedar Crossing Casino project. The Cedar Rapids Development Group seeks a gaming license for the city-owned land, with state regulators set to vote on February 6.

Iowa's existing gaming industry opposes expansion, citing market saturation following Nebraska's gaming legalization. Studies indicate a Cedar Rapids casino would:

• Generate $80 million in new taxes
• Divert $68 million from existing casinos in Riverside, Waterloo, and Dubuque

Cedar Rapids residents have shown support through two successful gaming referendums, most recently in 2021. Rep. Jeff Cooling (D-Cedar Rapids) argues the legislature should respect local consensus and allow the current process to proceed.

Opposition group Iowans for Common Sense reports two-thirds of state residents oppose casino expansion. Kaufmann, whose district includes the Riverside Casino & Golf Resort, warns the new casino would threaten existing jobs.

With the regulatory vote approaching in six weeks, Kaufmann expects the bill to move through committees by the session's second week. While support remains mixed, he claims it's growing compared to last year's attempt, which passed the House but stalled in the Senate.

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