Peninsula Pacific Entertainment (P2E), a national gaming operator and developer, and the Linn County Gaming Association (LCGA), a local nonprofit association, announced their intent to jointly apply for a gaming license with the Iowa Racing and Gaming Commission (IRGC) after the state moratorium on new licenses expires on June 30, 2024.

“The time is now for Cedar Crossing. Linn County residents have overwhelmingly passed two gaming referendums and they have been patient. With the moratorium expiring soon, we look forward to bringing an unprecedented casino gaming and entertainment destination to Cedar Rapids,” said P2E Board Member Jonathan Swain.

If granted a license, Cedar Crossing plans to support local nonprofits with contributions of 8% of its annual gaming revenue – the highest in the state. While Iowa mandates that licensed casinos donate at least 3% to nonprofit organizations, Cedar Crossing aims to significantly exceed this requirement to make a meaningful impact in the community.

“People like to count us out, though we are part of a resilient community. Linn County has come back stronger than before – and we’re going to do it again with Cedar Crossing. A local casino will help our communities be even more vibrant: We estimate that Cedar Crossing will be able to commit $5 million to $7 million to nonprofits annually. This will be a major boost to local organizations, and just one of the many ways this project will make Linn County an even better place to live, work and visit,” said LCGA President Anne Parmley.

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In 2013 and 2021, Linn County residents passed public referendums authorizing gaming in the county. The 2021 vote, Public Measure G, permanently authorizes gaming in the county, enabling P2E to develop plans to bring an entertainment and gaming facility to the county. Residents will not have to vote for a third measure.

Cedar Crossing is proposed to be located along the west side of the Cedar River between Kingston Village and Time Check Park. The structure will provide important flood protection infrastructure along the west side of the river, helping to further revitalize the area.

“Our commitment to building a world-class destination has never wavered. We are in the final stages of finalizing our vision for Cedar Crossing and look forward to setting a new standard for gaming and entertainment in Iowa,” said Swain.

In addition to county residents, the project has long been supported by several local government officials and trade unions.

“From the resounding support of Linn County voters to recent legislative developments and today’s announcement, our commitment to the Linn County Gaming Association has remained steadfast. The development team continues to demonstrate their dedication to Cedar Rapids with a vision for a casino that highlights our community’s potential as a modern entertainment and gaming destination. I am confident their next proposal will bring significant benefits to Cedar Rapids and Linn County as a whole, offering unmatched opportunities for our residents and visitors while providing vital support for community organizations to advance and thrive,” said Cedar Rapids Mayor Tiffany O’Donnell.

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In addition to Mayor O’Donnell, Linn County Board of Supervisors Chair Kirsten Running-Marquardt supports Cedar Crossing.

“Linn County residents support casino gambling in Linn County. This investment in our community would increase opportunity for our local economy in several ways, including job creation, tourism and providing unmatched entertainment options. Like other Iowa counties, we are looking for a fair chance for the people of Linn County to receive these benefits for our community,” Running-Marquardt said.

Red Rake Gaming, a premium online casino content provider, has announced that it has obtained its provisional online casino supplier license in Michigan. This marks the company’s second license in the US, following the successful acquisition of its Pennsylvania license earlier this year.

The new license in Michigan represents a significant milestone for Red Rake Gaming as it continues to expand its footprint in the burgeoning US online gaming market.

Nick Barr, Managing Director for Red Rake Gaming Malta, said: “We are delighted to have obtained our second US license in Michigan, which is a key market in our strategic expansion plans. The response to our games in Pennsylvania has been overwhelmingly positive, and we look forward to bringing our engaging and feature-rich content to players in Michigan. Our team is committed to delivering a top-tier gaming experience that aligns with the expectations of the Michigan Gaming Control Board and the players.”

Red Rake Gaming is renowned for its wide array of high-quality games, including fan-favorites such as Million 7, The Asp of Cleopatra, and Secrets of the Temple. The company’s commitment to innovation, player engagement, and responsible gaming has earned it a stellar reputation in various regulated markets around the globe.

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The Michigan license will enable Red Rake Gaming to partner with state-licensed operators and offer its extensive gaming catalog to a new audience of players. This expansion is a testament to the company’s growth strategy and its dedication to complying with the highest standards of regulatory requirements.

A subsidiary of Betsson AB has obtained its first local licenses for the newly regulated market in Peru. The licenses cover online casino and sports betting for the Betsson and Betsafe brands. Further, licenses for the Inkabet brand are expected to be obtained soon.

Betsson began its Latin American venture already in 2008 and has since then positioned itself as the most recognised sports betting brand in Peru. In 2019, the Group further strengthened its position toward the country with the launch of its Betsafe brand. Two years later Inkabet, a Peruvian-facing sports betting and online casino business, was acquired.

Besides the new licenses, the Group holds licenses in two other key markets in the region, Colombia and Argentina. In Argentina, Betsson holds licenses in Buenos Aires City, Buenos Aires province, and Córdoba.

Pontus Lindwall, President and CEO of Betsson AB, said: “We have really looked forward to Peru introducing a local regulation and are very pleased with the issuing of these licenses. With this announcement, we affirm our commitment to the local economy and the new regulatory framework in the country.”

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