Cedar Rapids is officially getting a casino. On Friday, officials broke ground on Cedar Crossing Casino, a $275 million project expected to boost the local economy. But in the Quad Cities, officials are raising concerns about what the new casino could mean for existing gaming establishments and local nonprofit funding.

The new Cedar Crossing Casino and Entertainment Center in northwest Cedar Rapids is slated to open its doors on New Year’s Eve 2026, developers announced

CEDAR RAPIDS, Iowa (KCRG) - Cedar Rapids and the groups behind the Cedar Crossing Casino & Entertainment Center are celebrating the groundbreaking for the $275 million facility. It comes after the Iowa Racing and Gaming Commission (IRGC) has voted to approve a gaming license for Linn County on Thursday morning, clearing the way for the casino.

After more than a decade of trying to bring a casino to Linn County, the Iowa Racing and Gaming Commission voted 4-1 to grant a gaming license to build a planned $275 million casino and entertainment center near downtown Cedar Rapids.

Cedar Rapids will move forward with plans for a $275 million casino now that the Iowa Racing and Gaming Commission authorized a gaming license for Linn County.

Cedar Rapids Casino Ground Break Site 2/7/2025

Construction is underway for the Cedar Crossing Casino and Entertainment Center after more than a decade of efforts from developers.A groundbreaking ceremony wa