Cedar Rapids Casino Opening: Regulators Conduct Final Compliance Checks

Rigorous Machine and Compliance Inspections

The new Cedar Crossing Casino in Cedar Rapids is set to open on November 19th. Iowa Racing and Gaming Administrator Tina Eick says the regulators confirm that the construction is mostly complete and they are now checking the new machines. “We are looking at each and every slot machine that goes onto that floor. We’re checking to make sure that the software is approved and we’re taping inside of each slot machine to make sure that no changes can be made without our review and approval,” Eick says. The casino will have 700 slot machines.

Eick says the rest of the casino is being check for compliance as well. “Also reviewing layouts and table games, making sure all of those last minute technical details at the facility from a gaming perspective are taken care of so that we know that they’re fully in compliance with Iowa laws and rules so that they’re meeting that high standard and expectation that we have for gaming in Iowa,” she says.

Security Protocols and Online Scam Warning

Eick says the casino has to meet certain security standards before it can open. “They formally submitted a security plan to the commission that outlines what their policies and procedures are for security. But then as a part of that, yes, they’re actively hiring and training their security staff,” Eick says.

Eick says they’ve gotten a report that someone is trying to take advantage of the publicity surrounding the new casino. “Some bad doer is out there claiming to be Cedar Crossing online casino. That is in fact obviously false. There is no online casino gaming in Iowa,” she says. She affirms that the Cedar Crossing operators have done a good job of trying to get that word out on the scam.

“And they’ve got information on their website. indicating it’s not them. But it’s a good reminder for everybody out there that again, there is no online casino gaming, whether it’s Cedar Crossing or any other casino in Iowa. That’s just not legal in Iowa. So don’t give your money or your personal information to those scammers,” Eick adds.

A Long-Awaited Milestone for Cedar Rapids

Backers will finally get to see their long effort to get a new casino fulfilled. The Iowa Racing and Gaming Commission turned down a requests for a casino license from Cedar Rapids in 2014 and 2017 before approving a license in February of 2025.