Elite Casino Resorts has acquired regulatory approval to maneuver ahead with its deliberate buy of Catfish Bend Casino and FunCity Resort in Burlington, marking a major second for each the corporate and the neighborhood. The Iowa Racing and Gaming Commission granted the ultimate authorization, permitting the transaction—first introduced earlier this 12 months—to maneuver towards a scheduled deadline of January 27. Once full, the Burlington on line casino will undertake a brand new id because the Great River Casino Resort, a reputation chosen to focus on the world’s robust ties to the Mississippi River.
A Name Change Reflecting Local History and Regional Ties
The acquisition represents a return for the Kehl household, who based Elite Casino Resorts and had been instrumental in Burlington’s early riverboat on line casino period. Before promoting their unique Burlington operation to Randy Winegard, the Kehls performed a central function in introducing regulated on line casino gaming to the area. Elite emphasised that the transition again into the Burlington market carries private significance. As CEO Dan Kehl acknowledged, “Returning to Burlington feels like coming home, and the Great River Casino Resort name reflects the pride we have in this community and its strong river heritage.”
Under the brand new title, Elite intends for Great River Casino Resort to function a tribute not solely to the Mississippi River but in addition to Burlington’s long-standing status as a vacation spot for leisure and recreation. The renaming aligns with the corporate’s purpose of strengthening its footprint throughout Eastern Iowa, the place it already operates Riverside Casino & Golf Resort and Rhythm City Casino Resort. The acquisition additionally enhances partnerships and tourism initiatives that join Burlington with close by cities resembling Riverside and Davenport.
Elite Casino Resorts reaffirmed that stability for the workforce stays a precedence. According to the corporate, all present Catfish Bend workforce members shall be invited to proceed of their roles, with entry to expanded skilled growth and alternatives throughout Elite’s multi-property community. This contains hospitality coaching, cross-property development, and participation in companywide programming. Kehl expressed appreciation for the stewardship of the property beneath its earlier management, noting in a press release, “We appreciate the leadership and care that have guided this property. We look forward to collaborating with local stakeholders as we transition to the Great River Casino Resort and continue supporting the communities that make this region special.”
A Burlington Property With Extensive Amenities
Catfish Bend Casino contains a 30,000-square-foot gaming flooring and is an element of a bigger advanced that features lodging choices, leisure services, a waterpark, and extra on-site facilities. Elite Casino Resorts’ acquisition ensures that these choices will stay intact whereas introducing new growth and integration alternatives throughout its portfolio.
The approval marks one other step within the firm’s broader regional enlargement. In addition to its Iowa casinos, 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 the Lake Mac Casino Resort and Racetrack. For Iowa particularly, the addition of the Burlington property broadens Elite’s attain and permits it to align operations throughout a number of linked markets.
The Iowa Racing and Gaming Commission’s ruling solidified a course of that started months earlier and displays robust regulatory confidence in Elite’s plans for the Burlington venue. The firm described the day of approval as a milestone for its 1,200 Iowa unitholders. Kehl acknowledged, “This is a meaningful day for our family and our more than 1,200 Iowa unitholders. We are deeply grateful to the Iowa Racing and Gaming Commission for their support and approval.”
With the acquisition closing scheduled for January 27, the Great River Casino Resort title will start showing throughout branding, neighborhood partnerships, and long-term planning efforts. Elite indicated it appears to be like ahead to working with native organizations and persevering with to assist Southeast Iowa communities all through the transition course of.
