SIOUX CITY, Iowa (KTIV) -
The Iowa Racing and Gaming Commission says they have three bids for their new Woodbury County gaming license. Two you've heard about, one you haven't.
The Argosy's owner, Penn National Gaming has submitted an application with two proposals. One; The Hollywood Casino Sioux City. It would be a $160 million investment located where the Holiday Inn is now, Gordon Drive.
"And we already have an option on the site. The site is under our control at this point. So should we be awarded a license, we can move very swiftly to develop there," said Penn National's Public Affairs V.P. Eric Schippers.
Inside; gaming, a steakhouse, pub and grille. Also, a 500 seat event center and future plans to expand with a 150-room hotel.
The other proposal, called the Hollywood Casino Siouxland, is a similar facility with a higher price tag, $167 million. The biggest difference is its location, south of town near the Port Neal Interchange. Schippers says the company is confident in their application.
"We have the financial wherewithal to develop what we say we're going to develop, without a need to look for outside funding," said Schippers.
Iowa law requires the company to partner with a nonprofit to get the license. Schippers says Penn has selected a new nonprofit, the Greater Siouxland Improvement Association, headed by former Woodbury County Treasurer Bob Knowler.
Las Vegas-based Sioux City Entertainment wants to transform the Battery Building into a $100 million Hard Rock Casino. We've also learned they'd like to add a 60-room hotel to their designs. SCE has said they'll partner with the Argosy's current nonprofit Missouri River Historical Development.
Ho-Chunk Incorporated, the economic development corporation owned by the Winnebago Tribe of Nebraska, submitted the first application of the day.
They want to invest more than $120 million to transform the Warrior Hotel into a casino. Inside; a fine dinning restaurant, buffet, and a sports bar. Plus, plans for a 800 seat theater. They'll partner with new nonprofit Siouxland Strong.
The next step is a long selection process. The IRGC will pick who gets the gaming license in April. To check out the timeline for yourself click here.
© The Hollywood Casino Sioux City. It would be a $160 million investment located where the Holiday Inn is now, Gordon Drive.
