Casino License Up For Renewal - CBS4 - WHBF Quad Cities, IL-IA News Weather Sports

Casino License Up For Renewal

By roland glembine / rglembine@cbs4qc.com

Davenport's quest to build a new casino, is now back in the hands of the R.D.A. But now, the first order of business is just hanging on to the license.

The Riverboat Development Authority will request a one year renewal of its gaming license at today's meeting of the Iowa Racing and Gaming Commission. "I don't know if that's going to happen but that's something you need to be concerned about," said Alderman Jeff Justin.

 Davenport aldermen expect the license to be renewed tomorrow, but just in case, they are sending a progress report to the commission. "To keep making progress and make sure we get maximize that license that we have otherwise they could come in and make some decisions for us that we may not like," added Justin.

What aldermen do like is the decision of the R.D.A. this week to take the lead in finding a new operator for a new casino along I–80. "Its about time they took a little responsibility and got in on this," said Alderman Bill Edmond. The RDA has to get permission from the Isle of Capri (current owner of the license) to talk to potential operators. Yet, alderman say their involvement is what's best for the city.

 "The R.D.A. has been doing nothing for years it took this city to finally do something to finally press this," added Edmond. 

"We will be anxious to see what they come up with and we told them all along we are a partner of theirs and needed their support." said Justin.

Alderman Edmond says the entire project is in a holding pattern right now and despite the R.D.A. taking over control in finding an operator, Ingenus who the city had selected as the new developer still remains in the mix.