Following its August 26 announcement regarding the acquisition of Catfish Bend Casino and FunCity Resort in Burlington, Elite Casino Resorts has been granted regulatory approval for the transaction from the Iowa Racing and Gaming Commission.
"This is a meaningful day for our family and our more than 1,200 Iowa unitholders," Elite Casino Resorts CEO Dan Kehl said.
"We are deeply grateful to the Iowa Racing and Gaming Commission for their support and approval. 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."
Kehl and his family helped to launch casino gaming in Burlington, Iowa throughout the riverboat era, and also announced Catfish Bend Casino and FunCity Resort would be rebranded to Great River Casino Resort once closing conditions have been met.
The operator went on to state that Catfish Bend employees will remain in their current positions, as well as receive additional opportunities for training and advancement. The property offers a 30,000 sq ft casino, lodging and hospitality, an entertainment complex and water park to Iowa residents.
Elite Casino Resorts will add Great River Casino Resort to its portfolio of retail properties, which also includes Grand Falls Casino & Golf Resort, Rhythm City Casino Resort, Grand Island Casino Resort, Lake Mac Casino Resort & Racetrack and Walker's Bluff Casino Resort.
The transaction is expected to close on January 27 and was said to strengthen the operator's presence across Iowa by offering new opportunities in entertainment programming, tourism partnerships and coordinated guest experiences.
Elite Casino Resorts also plans to extend its commitment to working closely with local organizations, events and long-standing partners throughout the southeast Iowa region.
The Iowa Racing and Gaming Commission reported the state's casino revenue throughout August 2025 on September 8, having witnessed growth of 4.9% from the prior year period for a total of $151.2m
