Elite Casino Resorts Expands In Iowa With Catfish Bend And FunCity Acquisition
Elite Casino Resorts is expanding in Iowa with the purchase of Great River Entertainment, bringing Catfish Bend Casino and FunCity Resort in Burlington back under the ownership of the Kehl family.
The move represents both a strategic business decision and a personal milestone, as the Kehls were instrumental in launching casino gaming in Burlington during Iowa’s original riverboat era.
The acquisition involves Catfish Bend Casino's substantial 30,000-square-foot gaming floor - featuring over 600 slot machines, 18 table games, poker, a sportsbook and high-limit lounge.
FunCity Resort, which blends gaming with family entertainment, has hotels, restaurants, a waterpark, bowling alleys, laser tag, go-karts, basketball courts, pickleball, full-service spa, and is a premier entertainment destination for Southeast Iowa.
For Elite CEO Dan Kehl, the deal is more than a business expansion - it is a homecoming.
"This feels like coming home,” Kehl said. “Our family’s history with Burlington and Southeast Iowa goes back to the earliest days of Iowa gaming.
"Bringing Catfish Bend and FunCity back into the fold allows us to honor that past while building toward an exciting future of growth, investment and community partnerships."
The Kehls, alongside more than 1,200 Iowa unitholders, will once again lead the Burlington property after its years under the ownership of Randy Winegard and Gary Hoyer.
Kehl praised both men for their leadership, pledging to build upon their legacy.
Commitment To Employees And Community
Elite Casino Resorts assured a smooth transition for the workforce at Catfish Bend and FunCity.
Everyone will keep their jobs, plus they will have even more options for training and promotion.
Elite will also enhance tourism and strengthen the local economy by continuing to position Burlington as a regional entertainment destination.
"Burlington and all of Southeast Iowa have always been close to our hearts,” Kehl added.
"When Catfish Bend started in 1994, I moved my young family to Fort Madison to oversee riverboat operations. Now my sons are grown and part of the family business."
Expanding Regional Footprint
The Burlington property becomes a part of Elite Casino Resorts' expanding portfolio of Midwestern gaming destinations, which already includes three Iowa resorts: Riverside Casino & Golf Resort, Rhythm City Casino Resort and now Catfish Bend.
Elite operates Grand Falls Casino & Golf Resort in South Dakota, Walker's Bluff Casino Resort in Illinois, and two properties in Nebraska: Grand Island Casino Resort and Lake Mac Casino & Racetrack.
The business, awarded Iowa Character Counts' Partner of the Year for 2024, has built a strong reputation for excellent guest services, great amenities and a high level of engagement with the community.
With Catfish Bend and FunCity back under the Kehl family’s leadership, Elite Casino Resorts is positioning itself for continued growth while honoring its roots in Southeast Iowa’s gaming history.
