Published on: August 27, 2025, 07:48h.
Updated on: August 27, 2025, 07:48h.
- Elite Casino Resorts is set to acquire Catfish Bend Casino and FunCity.
- The Iowa-based gaming entity recently withdrew a lawsuit against a Cedar Rapids casino.
- Elite currently owns three casinos throughout Iowa.
Elite Casino Resorts, based in Riverside, Iowa, where it operates the Riverside Casino and Golf Resort, is broadening its presence in the state with the purchase of Catfish Bend Casino and FunCity Resort in Burlington.
Subject to the necessary regulatory approvals, including those from the Iowa Racing and Gaming Commission, this acquisition will reestablish Elite’s presence in Southeast Iowa.
The acquisition from the Kehl family marks a nostalgic return for the Iowa gaming pioneers, who originally inaugurated the riverboat in Burlington during the early 1990s, only to sell it to businessman Randy Winegard in 2006. The subsequent year saw Catfish Bend transition to a land-based casino.
“This feels like a return home,” stated Dan Kehl, CEO of Elite Casino Resorts. “Our family’s legacy with Burlington and Southeast Iowa traces back to the early days of gaming in Iowa. Reintegrating Catfish Bend and FunCity allows us to celebrate that heritage while pursuing an exciting future of growth and community collaboration.”
Boasting 30,000 square feet, Catfish Bend features 600 slot machines, 18 live dealer table games, a sportsbook, a poker room, and a high-limit area.
As of this morning, the Catfish Bend and FunCity website appeared to be compromised.
Resort Features
Situated next to FunCity Resort, Catfish Bend includes 241 hotel rooms across three brands: FunCity Hotel, Hampton Inn & Suites, and Catfish Bend Inn & Suites (adults-only).
The resort offers 14 dining and beverage options, a seasonal outdoor water park, meeting facilities, a full-service spa and fitness center, bowling alleys, an indoor go-kart track, laser tag, and an arcade.
Financial details of the acquisition remain confidential, as both Elite and Winegard’s Great River Entertainment are privately held companies.
“When Catfish Bend commenced operations in 1994, I relocated my young family to Fort Madison to manage riverboat operations. Now, with my sons involved in the family business, reclaiming this property feels like a true homecoming,” Kehl concluded.
Acquisition Follows Cedar Rapids Setback
Elite Casino Resort’s investment in Southeast Iowa follows a legal defeat in Cedar Rapids.
Recently, Riverside ceased its legal battle against a 2021 local referendum that permitted a commercial casino resort in Cedar Rapids, approximately 35 miles north of Riverside. Construction is already underway on a $275 million development named Cedar Crossing Casino & Entertainment Center in Iowa’s second-largest city.
Casino.org has received feedback from numerous Riverside patrons suggesting that Elite’s lawsuit seemed primarily aimed at deterring new competition. Many expressed an openness to a new gaming venue while noting that the Riverside complex could use some updates.
As the monopoly on the Cedar Rapids market diminishes, Elite aims to solidify its presence in Southeast Iowa with Catfish Bend. If finalized, this acquisition will elevate Catfish Bend to Elite’s fourth casino in Iowa, alongside Riverside, Rhythm City Casino Resort in Davenport, and Grand Falls Casino & Golf Resort in Larchwood.
Additionally, Elite operates Walker’s Bluff Casino Resort in Carterville, IL, and Grand Island Casino Resort at Fonner Park in Grand Island, NE.