Cedar Rapids Casino Plans Revealed – Golfer Zach Johnson Supports Pitch

By Adam Haynes in Casino

| June 1, 2022 1:03 pm PDT

A $250 million proposal for the Cedar Rapids Casino facility has star support from PGA Tour golfer Zach Johnson.
A food and entertainment facility will open at the site of the old Cooper’s Mill site with a view to securing a gaming license.
A bill that prohibits new casinos from being built in the state of Iowa will need to be signed off by Governor Kim Reynolds.

A new proposal for a casino in Cedar Rapids has the full support of PGA Tour golf star, Zach Johnson.

A conglomerate backing the conceptual idea of a state-of-the-art casino and entertainment complex on the south side of the Cedar River has unveiled ambitious plans. This project, estimated to cost $250 million, has been positively received by most in the gaming industry.

While it will take some time for those using betting sites in Iowa to be faced with the conundrum of playing in person, if project heads get their way, those inside state lines will have another option to consider.

Zach Johnson Throws his Weight Behind the Proposal

Iowa City-born, but Cedar Rapids-raised, Johnson is the perfect candidate to add support to this proposal.

Even with a two-year moratorium on new casino licenses passed just last week, Johnson and the project backers believe that the “Cedar Crossing” scheme could be just what the area needs. And with The Clubhouse by Zach Johnson sportsbook and lounge slated for the ambitious new complex, the 12-time PGA Tour winner certainly has his fingerprints on the job.

“I am proud to be part of a project that will mean so much to the community through job creation, the revitalization of the downtown area, and for its commitments to the not-for-profit organizations in Cedar Rapids.”

Johnson isn’t the only person pushing for the new project to go ahead. Tiffany O’Donnell, Mayor of Cedar Rapids, also threw her hat into the ring for what she hopes will be a much-deserved gaming complex for residents of the area.

“Cedar Crossing is going to be a cornerstone of revitalization efforts in Cedar Rapids. This team has set the vision and has been leading the charge longer than anyone else – they live here and know our community, and they have been thoughtful in their approach to build the partnerships they need to build a world-class gaming and entertainment destination. Cedar Rapidians deserve that.”

What Stands in the Way of the New Project?

In short, not everyone is delighted at the prospect of a new casino in the area.

As it stands, Iowa has an existing tax that ranges from 5% to 22% and is applicable to both land-based casinos as well as riverboat operations. The majority of this tax income ends up in state coffers, while nonprofits in the community also avail of a small percentage of takings.

Even still, some are not sold on the idea. Again, in May 2022, a surprise amendment to the gambling bill of Iowa suggested that existing casino operators in the area were not enthralled by new proposals.

Having seen previous applications for new licenses rejected in both 2014 and 2017, Commissioner Delores Metz — who registered the only pro vote in regard to the approval of a new casino license in both years — must be feeling a sense of déjà vu.

“I felt like the second-largest city in the state deserves something. I still feel that way.”

While this new project has the hallmarks of a success story, it remains to be seen if it gets over the line. Those in favor will be hoping that the strength of the campaign will be enough to carry it through. Those opposing the development will be pushing for the opposite result.

Until a resort has been built in Cedar Rapids, gamblers in Iowa can always try their luck on the best legit online casino available in their area.

Adam Haynes

Adam is a sports writer and tipster with a strong background in MMA, boxing, and combat sports.

When Adam isn't writing about those, as well as politics, rugby, and Gaelic Games, he can be found working on methods and strategies to beat the bookies.

For his troubles, Adam is a fan of Leinster Rugby, Glasgow Celtic, and trusting the process.