A bill blocking new casino construction in Iowa is expected to be introduced early in the upcoming legislative session, starting Monday. The legislation, spearheaded by House Rep. Bobby Kaufmann (R-Wilton), aims to prevent new casino developments for several years.

The bill primarily targets Cedar Rapids' proposed $275 million Cedar Crossing Casino project. The Cedar Rapids Development Group seeks a license for this venue on city-owned land, with state gaming regulators set to vote on February 6.

Key points about the proposed casino:

• Local support confirmed through two referendums, most recently in 2021
• Expected to generate $80 million in new taxes
• Projected to divert $68 million from existing casinos in Riverside, Waterloo, and Dubuque

Opposition to the casino comes from:

• Iowa's existing gaming industry, citing market saturation
• Rep. Kaufmann, concerned about job losses at nearby Riverside Casino
• Iowans for Common Sense poll showing two-thirds of state residents oppose expansion

Rep. Jeff Cooling (D-Cedar Rapids) argues that the legislature should respect local consensus, given Linn County residents' repeated support for the casino.

Kaufmann expects the bill to move through committees by the session's second week, with growing support compared to last year's similar legislation, which passed the House but stalled in the Senate. The tight timeline before the February 6 regulatory vote adds urgency to the legislative process.

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