More changes are on the way for Iowa’s casino industry in 2026 — including more casinos moving from water-based operations to land.
Iowa Racing and Gaming Administrator Tina Eick says construction continues on the new Cedar Rapids casino, which is still expected to open in December 2026.
“There’s certainly a long ways to go, but we’re also 12 months out,” Eick says. “From our perspective, they’re making good progress and we have every reason to believe they’ll meet the commission’s expectations for opening on time.”
The Racing and Gaming Commission has also approved the purchase of Catfish Bend Casino in Burlington by Elite Casino Resorts. Eick says that deal is expected to close at the end of January. Elite also owns the Riverside Casino & Golf Resort, Rhythm City Casino Resort in Davenport, and Grand Falls Casino & Golf Resort in Larchwood. The Burlington property will be renamed the Great River Casino Resort.
Meanwhile, changes are underway at the Casino Queen in Marquette, which was purchased last year by Bally’s. Eick says the state’s smallest casino is working on moving its boat operations onto land, with construction expected to wrap up by March 2026.
Eick says there are only a few casinos left operating over water in Iowa — and another one is preparing to make the move.
“Casino Queen is a boat, Ameristar is still a boat, and Lakeside is considered a moored barge,” she says. “Those are the last three currently over water.”
Eick says Ameristar plans to begin a major construction project in early 2026 — possibly late in the first quarter or early in the second — to shift operations to a land-based facility as well.
Iowa casinos were originally limited to riverboats when the law first passed, and those boats were once required to cruise. Over time, the rules changed, and many properties have transitioned to land-based casinos.
