SIOUX CITY, Iowa (KTIV) -
The Iowa Racing and Gaming Commission has a Woodbury County gaming license up for grabs. The question? Who gets it?
We know the Argosy's current non-profit, Missouri River Historical Development, wants to apply. But, before they can, they'll need a casino operator to partner with.
MRHD's board met behind closed doors, Monday night, at the Holiday Inn.
Earlier this month Ho-Chunk, Inc., the economic development corporation owned by the Winnebago Tribe of Nebraska, said they want to be the pick. They told us their plans for a land-based casino are "well down the path" of development. CEO Lance Morgan says the facility would be an investment of around $100 million, and have a hotel attached.
Morgan also says having Ho-Chunk involved, rather than an outside operator, would keep more casino revenue in Siouxland. "The Winnebago Tribe has been here before Sioux City was here. There's no doubt in my mind that we will put all the money that we make back into the community," said Morgan.
When asked about Ho-Chunk, MRHD president Mark Monson said, in a statement: "We hope, when the process begins, we will have a number of applicants, including Ho-Chunk and other investment groups."
MRHD and their operator of choice need to have their application into the IRGC by November 1st. The IRGC will pick the winner of the license in April.
There's also a pivotal IRGC meeting later this week, in Riverside, Iowa. At its last meeting, the commission gave MRHD, and Argosy operator Penn National Gaming, until Thursday to extend their operating contract until March 2013. MRHD has said they'll agree. Penn though, prefers an extension lasting two years longer.
The IRGC refused that request last month, saying it didn't fit their plans to take bids for that new gaming license.
Penn's going to court over the move.
In the mean time, the IRGC warns the Argosy will close if the company doesn't agree by Thursday.
