Elite Casino Resorts has finalized a deal to acquire the Catfish Bend Casino and FunCity Resort located in Burlington, Iowa, marking the return of these venues to the Kehl family. This acquisition includes the assets and operations previously managed by Great River Entertainment, the current owner of these establishments.
This purchase signifies a homecoming for Elite Casino Resorts, whose founders played a pivotal role in launching casino gaming in Southeast Iowa during the riverboat era before transferring ownership to Randy Winegard.
“This truly feels like returning home,” expressed Dan Kehl, CEO of Elite Casino Resorts. “Our family’s roots in Burlington and Southeast Iowa trace back to the inception of gaming in Iowa. By re-establishing Catfish Bend and FunCity, we can pay tribute to our heritage while strategizing for a dynamic future filled with growth, investment, and community collaboration.”
Kehl reflected on the personal ties, recalling his relocation to Fort Madison in 1994 coinciding with the launch of Catfish Bend Casino. “Burlington and Southeast Iowa have always held a special place in our hearts. When Catfish Bend opened in 1994, I moved my family to Fort Madison to manage riverboat operations,” he reminisced.
“Now my sons are adults and are involved in the family business, and reclaiming this property genuinely feels like a homecoming,” he added. Kehl acknowledged the contributions of retiring leaders: “Randy Winegard and Gary Hoyer have been exceptional stewards for Catfish Bend and the surrounding community. We are excited to uphold and expand upon their legacy.”
Elite Casino Resorts, which operates various properties across Iowa, Illinois, and Nebraska, announced in a press statement that employees at Catfish Bend and FunCity will retain their positions. The company is committed to ensuring “a seamless transition” along with increased training and career advancement opportunities for staff.
The Burlington complex serves as a comprehensive gaming and entertainment venue. The Catfish Bend Casino encompasses 30,000 square feet, featuring over 600 slot machines, 18 table games, a sportsbook, a poker room, a high-limit area, and a lounge.
The adjacent FunCity Resort provides accommodation with 241 rooms and a range of family-oriented attractions, including bowling, laser tag, indoor go-karts, and arcade areas, in addition to Huck’s Harbor Water Park, which operates seasonally. The venue also includes meeting facilities capable of hosting up to 900 attendees, 14 dining options, a spa and fitness center, and recreational amenities like basketball and pickleball courts.
With this acquisition, Elite Casino Resorts broadens its portfolio, which includes Riverside Casino & Golf Resort in Riverside, Iowa; Rhythm City Casino Resort in Davenport, Iowa; Grand Falls Casino & Golf Resort in Larchwood, Iowa; Walker’s Bluff Casino Resort in Carterville, Illinois; Grand Island Casino Resort at Fonner Park in Grand Island, Nebraska; and Lake Mac Casino Resort and Racetrack in Ogallala, Nebraska.