(Emmetsburg)– The city of Emmetsburg has hit the jackpot.
The city is one of four in the state that was awarded casino licenses today (Wed.) by the Iowa Racing and Gaming Commission.
The Wild Rose Casino proposal in Emmetsburg, Isle of Capri in Waterloo, Washington County Casino in Riverside and Diamong Jo in Worth county were awarded the licenses.
Seven communities submitted plans for 10 casinos.
Julie Clarkson of the Palo Alto Gaming Development Corporation says commissioners selected their proposal with Wild Rose Entertainment in part because of their location.
Plans call for the casino to be built just east of Emmetsburg. Clarkson says in addition to the casino, the 80-acre development will consist of a hotel complex with a tree-lined boulevard, and a wetland area developed behind the project along with a 100-lot R-V park.
The other casino proposal in Emmetsburg was submitted by the Palo Alto County Development Corporation and Grace Entertainment. Steve Heldt is a spokesman for that group. He says they’re somewhat disappointed the commission didn’t go with their proposal, but he says it is truly a great day for the city as a whole. Heldt says he’s excited to jump on board with Clarkson’s group to help in any way he can.
Today’s vote by the Racing and Gaming Commission was four-to-one. Mike Mahaffey voted no.
Those communities that didn’t get a license today will likely have to wait several years before they can have another shot at it. Commission members says they intend to vote in July to place a moratorium on new gambling operations, possibly for five years.
(Story from Danielle Hitchings of sister station KDWD Hot 100 in Spencer.).
