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Iowa Casino Expansion Approved

IOWA – As reported by the Des Moines Register: "Betting by Minnesota gamblers has been so brisk at the Diamond Jo Worth Casino in north-central Iowa that state gambling regulators approved plans today for a major expansion project costing more than $20 million.

"During its first three months since opening, the casino has drawn 335,000 customers who have left behind nearly $17 million. Those figures are more than twice as much as industry researchers had forecast, Diamond Jo General Manager Jesus Aviles told the Iowa Racing and Gaming Commission.

"...More than 70 percent of the customers are coming from Minnesota, he added.

"…The Diamond Jo Worth Casino has 11 table games, plus 513 slot machines that are the most profitable of any of Iowa's 15 state-regulated gambling operations, state records show. Each of the Diamond Jo Worth's slots are winning an average of $342 per day from gamblers, who are often waiting to play in lines three to four persons deep behind each machine.

"The casino, which is owned by Peninsula Gaming of Dubuque, opened in early April in an agricultural-themed $40 million gambling complex.

"…The plans approved by state regulators on Thursday include 30,000 additional square feet of space that will provide room for 300 additional slot machines, 11 more casino table games, a 190-seat buffet, and a larger entertainment area. Aviles said he hopes construction can be completed later this year or early next year…"

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