More Iowa Casinos Pulling Out Of The Water And Moving On Land
In 2026, Iowa will undergo another transformation of its casino industry, continuing the transition from riverboat gaming to modern, land-based casino facilities.
Over the years, the industry has evolved from an experiment that was originally highly regulated and limited to riverboats that operated only “when the river was rising.”
Starting next year, the pace of that evolution is expected to accelerate.
The Cedar Rapids casino is one of the most prominent construction projects currently underway.
Construction is progressing according to schedule and is expected to be completed by September 2026.
To date, neither the casino developers nor local or state regulators have expressed any concerns regarding the project’s progress.
Once open, the Cedar Rapids casino is expected to significantly boost the area’s economic vitality by generating thousands of jobs, expanding the number of gaming establishments, and increasing total gaming revenue in eastern Iowa.
Although timelines can change, there are currently no indications of delays, and the project remains on schedule.
Changes in ownership are also driving industry restructuring.
The Iowa Racing and Gaming Commission has approved an agreement for Catfish Bend Casino in Burlington to be sold to Elite Casino Resorts, with the transaction expected to close in late January.
Following the sale, the property will be renamed Great River Casino Resort.
Elite Casino Resorts already operates several casinos across Iowa, including Riverside Casino & Golf Resort, Rhythm City Casino Resort in Davenport, and Grand Falls Casino & Golf Resort in Larchwood.
Some of the most symbolic changes involve the final casinos still operating over water.
Casino Queen in Marquette, the smallest casino in the state, is in the process of relocating its gaming operations from a boat to a land-based facility.
Since being acquired by Bally’s last year, the property has been undergoing construction that is expected to be completed by March 2026.
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This move would reduce the number of Iowa casinos with water-related classifications to Ameristar and Lakeside, the latter of which is designated as a “moored barge.”
That distinction may also disappear in the near future.
Ameristar is planning an extensive construction project, possibly as early as the first or second quarter of 2026. As part of this plan, the company intends to shift its operations away from the riverboat casino model.
If the project proceeds as planned, Iowa will move even closer to a post-riverboat casino environment.
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The regulation of gambling in Iowa reflects the industry’s evolution.
Early legislation required casinos to operate on riverboats due to political compromises and public concerns about the potential negative impacts of gambling.
Updated laws later loosened licensing restrictions and removed requirements tied to water-based operations, allowing casinos to be permanently licensed at fixed locations.
In 2026, Iowa casinos are taking steps to ensure long-term stability by offering modernized facilities and services, as well as improving access for repeat patrons.
As the marketplace continues to shift due to technological advancements, water-based gaming is no longer the focal point of the industry; land-based casino resorts have become the new standard.
