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Iowa Casino Contenders Mend Fences

JOHNSTON, Iowa – As reported by the Waterloo Cedar Falls Courier: "Don Hoth was surrounded by a throng of cameras and reporters Wednesday.

"The Iowa Racing and Gaming Commission had just voted 4-1 to award a gambling license to Hoth's Black Hawk County Gaming Association. The decision will allow Isle of Capri Casinos Inc. to build a floating casino and 200-room hotel on the south side of Waterloo.

"While most people were leaving the room and heading to their cars for a long drive home, Ed Gallagher Jr. waited patiently nearby.

"Gallagher was a leading proponent of the Cedar Landing Hotel and Casino in downtown Waterloo which, like a third casino plan near the former Waterloo Greyhound Park, failed to win a gambling license following six months of sometimes contentious debate.

"But when the lights dimmed and the reporters filed away, Gallagher walked over to Hoth and extended his hand.

"…Gary Hoyer, a Fort Madison attorney who served as project manager for the Cedar Landing project, also offered his congratulations to the successful Isle of Capri application.

"…National Cattle Congress President Wally Mochal was among a group supporting plans for a casino on NCC land near former greyhound track. The group's pre-meeting optimism faded quickly as the first two commissioners expressed support for the IOC project.

"…Hoth was also anxious to bury the hatchet over any ill will the great Black Hawk County casino debate may have generated…"

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