BURLINGTON, Iowa (KCRG) – The Iowa Racing and Gaming Commission spoke briefly about a petition to block a permit for a Linn County gambling license during a meeting in Burlington Thursday morning.

Cedar Rapids needs the gaming license to build the proposed Cedar Crossing Casino.

The petition to block the permit was filed by Riverside Casino and the Washington County Riverboat Foundation.

They argue that the Racing and Gaming Commission does not have the power to grant Linn County a gambling license.

They argue that the language in a ballot measure passed by Linn County voters several years ago used outdated language and does not actually allow new gaming in the county.

The Racing and Gaming Commission hinted on Thursday that it wanted to hold a meeting to specifically address the petition. However, it was not clear if or when that meeting would take place.

After Thursday’s meeting adjourned, TV9 spoke with Racing and Gaming Commission Chairman Daryl Olsen.

He said that even with the new meeting, their decision is expected to be made on February 6, 2025.

“We’re very consistent in how we’ve approached the whole licensing process, we’re going to gather all the information we can, we’re going to continue to gather information and then we’re going to make the best decision we can based on all the information we can gather Olsen said. “Nothing should interfere with our decision day, we will try to direct staff to do it as quickly and as well as possible.”

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