Visionary Uses of Gaming Tax Revenue – Two County Gaming Referendums Are Approved 

The Iowa legislature is responsible for creating visionary uses in allocating millions of dollars of gaming tax revenue generated by Iowa’s 19 casinos. This two-page pie chart shows a visual breakout of the several areas targeted by lawmakers to use these funds, along with a more detailed summary of the many programs and projects that benefitted this year.    

Two county gaming referendum votes were on the Greene and Linn County ballots in early November. They must successfully pass two consecutive times separated by eight years to remain eligible for a casino in that county as part of a requirement.   

Wild Rose Casino & Hotel-Jefferson, along with its qualified sponsoring organization, Grow Greene County Gaming Corporation, will continue operating for many years to come, thanks to the dominating passage of their county’s gaming referendum. With 88.76% casting “yes” votes, Greene County has set a new state record for a second gaming referendum. The measure passed with 2,054 votes in favor, 260 against.

Legalized casino gambling could still be considered in Linn County. Their second referendum passed with 55% of voters voting in favor and 45% were against. This vote result does not guarantee approval of a casino located in this county. Still, it would allow the Cedar Rapids Development Group and other organizers to prepare their plan for consideration and submit it to the Iowa Racing and Gaming Commission sometime later.