MRHD president calls Penn's lawsuit 'baseless' - KTIV News 4 Sioux City IA: News, Weather and Sports

Argosy Casino's non-profit license holder says a lawsuit filed against it-- by the casino's operator, is "baseless."

To bring you up to speed, Missouri River Historical Development shares the Argosy's state gaming license with Belle of Sioux City, a subsidiary of Penn National Gaming.

Penn says MRHD's ongoing attempt to seek a new gaming operator is in breach of an operating contract both parties signed in June.

In a statement, Penn Spokesperson Eric Shippers said; "Their decision to ignore the exclusivity language that safeguards the Belle's operating interests in Woodbury County... is a breach of contract terms."

MRHD President Mark Monson says the June contract isn't valid, because the Iowa Racing and Gaming Commission never approved it.

"We function only under the approval of Racing and Gaming. Any contract that's made in the racing and gaming area has to be approved by the commission, and that was never approved," said Monson.

Penn is also seeking judicial review of the IRGC's move, in July, to start accepting gaming applications from non-profits and operators for a new land-based casino in Woodbury County. Penn says Iowa law forbids the IRGC from doing that while the Argosy is operating.