Cedar Crossing Casino will open in Cedar Rapids on 19 November 2026

Cedar Crossing Casino will open in Cedar Rapids, Iowa, on 19 November 2026. State regulators are inspecting the venue’s 700 slot machines, their software and security controls before the opening.

Technical inspections and security

Tina Eick, administrator of the Iowa Racing and Gaming Commission, said construction is largely complete and officials "are looking at every slot machine that goes into that room." Checks include approval of machine software and inspection of internal safeguards to ensure unauthorized changes cannot be made without regulatory review. Inspections also cover table games, floor layout and other technical aspects of the facility. Inspections and regulatory requirements are being applied ahead of the opening.

Security plan and staffing

The casino operator has submitted a security plan detailing policies and procedures, according to Eick. Recruitment and training of security staff are underway; authorities are verifying that hiring and training meet the plan’s requirements. Information on hiring processes appears on the operator’s website and in project statements. Recruitment and training continue through to opening.

Project history and public warnings

The Cedar Crossing project was approved by the Iowa Racing and Gaming Commission in February 2025, after licensing applications for the city were rejected in 2014 and 2017. Eick warned of an online scammer using the new casino’s name to deceive the public and confirmed that the site claiming to be the online casino is fraudulent. Iowa does not permit casino online gaming, and operators have posted information on their website to disassociate from the scam.

Eick urged consumers not to share personal information or send money to unauthorized platforms that claim to offer casino play in Iowa.

By Alejandro Vidal, Casino Correspondent.