SEARCH NEWS:

 

No Clear Winner in Iowa Study

WATERLOO, Iowa – As reported by the Waterloo-Cedar Falls Courier: "The Greater Cedar Valley Alliance's long-awaited study on three competing casino projects in Waterloo has failed to define a clear winner.

"But based on the results of the analysis conducted by Wells Gaming Research of Reno, Nev., the economic development group's ad hoc committee on gaming is endorsing either the proposed Isle of Capri casino near Lost Island Adventurepark or the downtown Cedar Landing Hotel and Casino.

"Committee members failed to endorse the Black Hawk County Greyhound Park and Casino proposed by the National Cattle Congress in their recommendation expected to be voted upon today by the full Alliance board of directors.

"…The three Black Hawk County ventures were among 10 proposals filing license applications Nov. 10 with the Iowa Racing and Gaming Commission, which expects to announce the winners May 11.

"…Richard Wells, of Wells Gaming Research, and Alliance representatives, said the NCC was hurt by changes and additional development added to its initial application after the Nov. 10 filing deadline. The Racing Commission has said it would only consider the initial applications, so the Alliance based its recommendation on the consultants' analysis of the original applications.

"…Don Hoth, of the Black Hawk County Gaming Association, which is seeking the license for the IOC casino. was disappointed the study did not factor in 'the $5 million advance payments the Isle of Capri would be bringing to Black Hawk County before even opening the doors or all the economic development that would happen at the Lost Island site' where owners Gary and Becky Bertch are talking about a second hotel, indoor water park and other development…"

< Gaming News