Elite On line casino Resorts has acquired regulatory approval to maneuver ahead with its deliberate buy of Catfish Bend On line casino and FunCity Resort in Burlington, marking a major second for each the corporate and the group. The Iowa Racing and Gaming Fee granted the ultimate authorization, permitting the transaction—first introduced earlier this yr—to maneuver towards a scheduled time limit of January 27. As soon as full, the Burlington on line casino will undertake a brand new id because the Nice River On line casino Resort, a reputation chosen to focus on the world’s robust ties to the Mississippi River.
A Title Change Reflecting Native Historical past and Regional Ties
The acquisition represents a return for the Kehl household, who based Elite On line casino Resorts and have been instrumental in Burlington’s early riverboat on line casino period. Earlier than 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 said, “Returning to Burlington appears like coming dwelling, and the Nice River On line casino Resort title displays the delight we’ve got on this group and its robust river heritage.”
Below the brand new title, Elite intends for Nice River On line casino Resort to function a tribute not solely to the Mississippi River but additionally 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 Japanese Iowa, the place it already operates Riverside On line casino & Golf Resort and Rhythm Metropolis On line casino Resort. The acquisition additionally enhances partnerships and tourism initiatives that join Burlington with close by cities corresponding to Riverside and Davenport.
Elite On line casino Resorts reaffirmed that stability for the workforce stays a precedence. In keeping with the corporate, all present Catfish Bend staff members will likely be invited to proceed of their roles, with entry to expanded skilled improvement and alternatives throughout Elite’s multi-property community. This consists of 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 launch, “We admire the management and care which have guided this property. We sit up for collaborating with native stakeholders as we transition to the Nice River On line casino Resort and proceed supporting the communities that make this area particular.”
A Burlington Property With In depth Facilities
Catfish Bend On line casino contains a 30,000-square-foot gaming ground and is an element of a bigger advanced that features lodging choices, leisure services, a waterpark, and extra on-site facilities. Elite On line casino Resorts’ acquisition ensures that these choices will stay intact whereas introducing new improvement and integration alternatives throughout its portfolio.
The approval marks one other step within the firm’s broader regional growth. Along with its Iowa casinos, Elite operates Grand Falls On line casino & Golf Resort in South Dakota, Walker’s Bluff On line casino Resort in Illinois, and two properties in Nebraska—Grand Island On line casino Resort and the Lake Mac On line 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 related markets.
The Iowa Racing and Gaming Fee’s ruling solidified a course of that started months earlier and displays robust regulatory confidence in Elite’s plans for the Burlington venue. The corporate described the day of approval as a milestone for its 1,200 Iowa unitholders. Kehl said, “It is a significant day for our household and our greater than 1,200 Iowa unitholders. We’re deeply grateful to the Iowa Racing and Gaming Fee for his or her assist and approval.”
With the acquisition closing scheduled for January 27, the Nice River On line casino Resort title will start showing throughout branding, group partnerships, and long-term planning efforts. Elite indicated it appears ahead to working with native organizations and persevering with to assist Southeast Iowa communities all through the transition course of.
