What started as an idea over eight years ago, then became a reality seven years ago, will be up for another vote this November in Greene County.

In August of 2013, 75-percent of Greene County residents that voted were in favor of a casino. Then in June of 2014, the Iowa Racing and Gaming Commission voted 3-2 to move forward and Wild Rose Casino and Resort in Jefferson became a reality when the grand opening was held in August of 2015. As part of the regulations from IRGC, a second and final vote of the casino must take place seven years after the first vote. 

Grow Greene County Gaming Corporation is the non-profit gaming license holder of the casino and receives five-percent of the casino’s adjusted gross revenue. GGCGC then distributes those funds to the contiguous counties, municipalities and school districts within the county, as well as funding for competitive grants, via an application process. 

Former IRGC Chair and deciding vote back in 2014 Jeff Lamberti spoke to the Jefferson Rotary and tells Raccoon Valley Radio about the unique program IRGC has with the charitable giving aspect for casinos.

“Requiring a portion of the money to go to a non-profit locally has just been a wonderful model. No other state has this. And it’s been successful everywhere throughout the state of Iowa. Now that creates, obviously, things where we have to vote, and we have to allow, and it’s not a pure competition model. But certainly it has been good for those communities all across the state.”

GGCGC President Norm Fandel likes the odds of the second casino referendum passing once again.

“I would hope that with the projects that we have given funds towards, certainly excite the people that we want to keep the funds rolling in Greene County, and doing what we have for the last few years. Historically, the casinos have seen the second round (of voting) a little higher than the first round. We’re hoping that we can continue that history.”

With the initial approval of 75-percent for a casino was the highest first vote total in IRGC’s history. The second and final casino referendum vote will take place this November.