Peninsula Pacific Entertainment (P2E), a national gaming operator and developer, and the Linn County Gaming Association (LCGA), a local nonprofit association, announced their intent to jointly apply for a gaming license with the Iowa Racing and Gaming Commission (IRGC) after the state moratorium on new licenses expires on June 30, 2024.

“The time is now for Cedar Crossing. Linn County residents have overwhelmingly passed two gaming referendums and they have been patient. With the moratorium expiring soon, we look forward to bringing an unprecedented casino gaming and entertainment destination to Cedar Rapids,” said P2E Board Member Jonathan Swain.

If granted a license, Cedar Crossing plans to support local nonprofits with contributions of 8% of its annual gaming revenue – the highest in the state. While Iowa mandates that licensed casinos donate at least 3% to nonprofit organizations, Cedar Crossing aims to significantly exceed this requirement to make a meaningful impact in the community.

“People like to count us out, though we are part of a resilient community. Linn County has come back stronger than before – and we’re going to do it again with Cedar Crossing. A local casino will help our communities be even more vibrant: We estimate that Cedar Crossing will be able to commit $5 million to $7 million to nonprofits annually. This will be a major boost to local organizations, and just one of the many ways this project will make Linn County an even better place to live, work and visit,” said LCGA President Anne Parmley.

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In 2013 and 2021, Linn County residents passed public referendums authorizing gaming in the county. The 2021 vote, Public Measure G, permanently authorizes gaming in the county, enabling P2E to develop plans to bring an entertainment and gaming facility to the county. Residents will not have to vote for a third measure.

Cedar Crossing is proposed to be located along the west side of the Cedar River between Kingston Village and Time Check Park. The structure will provide important flood protection infrastructure along the west side of the river, helping to further revitalize the area.

“Our commitment to building a world-class destination has never wavered. We are in the final stages of finalizing our vision for Cedar Crossing and look forward to setting a new standard for gaming and entertainment in Iowa,” said Swain.

In addition to county residents, the project has long been supported by several local government officials and trade unions.

“From the resounding support of Linn County voters to recent legislative developments and today’s announcement, our commitment to the Linn County Gaming Association has remained steadfast. The development team continues to demonstrate their dedication to Cedar Rapids with a vision for a casino that highlights our community’s potential as a modern entertainment and gaming destination. I am confident their next proposal will bring significant benefits to Cedar Rapids and Linn County as a whole, offering unmatched opportunities for our residents and visitors while providing vital support for community organizations to advance and thrive,” said Cedar Rapids Mayor Tiffany O’Donnell.

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In addition to Mayor O’Donnell, Linn County Board of Supervisors Chair Kirsten Running-Marquardt supports Cedar Crossing.

“Linn County residents support casino gambling in Linn County. This investment in our community would increase opportunity for our local economy in several ways, including job creation, tourism and providing unmatched entertainment options. Like other Iowa counties, we are looking for a fair chance for the people of Linn County to receive these benefits for our community,” Running-Marquardt said.

GAN Limited, a leading North American B2B technology provider of real money internet gaming solutions and a leading International B2C operator of Internet sports betting, announced that it has received clearance from the Committee on Foreign Investment in the US (CFIUS) for the proposed merger of GAN and a subsidiary of SEGA SAMMY CREATION INC (SSC), an affiliate of SEGA SAMMY HOLDINGS INC (SEGA SAMMY HOLDINGS).

The closing of the merger is also subject to approval of the merger and change in control of GAN by certain gaming authorities. The closing of the merger remains subject to other customary closing conditions, and is expected to occur in late 2024 or early 2025.

If the merger is completed, each GAN ordinary share issued immediately prior to the effective time of the merger will be automatically cancelled and converted into the right to receive $1.97 in cash with respect to each such ordinary share, without interest and less applicable withholding taxes. Upon the completion of the merger, GAN will cease to be a publicly-traded company and its ordinary shares will be delisted from The Nasdaq Capital Market and deregistered under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended.

PENN Entertainment announced that it has expanded its partnership with Ticketmaster to offer exciting new benefits for its more than 30 million loyalty members. PENN Play members can now redeem rewards for tickets to live events through Ticketmaster. Additionally, PENN will have on-site activations at five amphitheaters across the US, further enhancing the live event experience for PENN Play members.

With the global demand for live events reaching new heights, recent research shows that almost all fans are eager to join a loyalty program offering live event perks, with many even willing to switch programs for one offering access to live events. Now, PENN Play members can snag tickets for the hottest concerts, sporting events, shows, and more on Ticketmaster with PENN Cash.

“We’re thrilled to expand our partnership with Ticketmaster and enhance the PENN Play loyalty program by providing our members with direct access to a vast portfolio of concerts, shows and sporting events. This exclusive benefit further strengthens our industry-leading loyalty program, deepens our engagement with our millions of loyalty members, and creates more ways for our customers to find their fun with ease,” Jennifer Weissman, Senior Vice President and Chief Marketing Officer at PENN Entertainment, said.

“Today’s fans want more than passive entertainment – they look for immersive live experiences that create connections and make them feel appreciated. Our partnership with PENN Play brings together digital engagement and real-world excitement, making it easy for fans to find the events they love,” Frank Gutierrez, EVP and global head of ecommerce sponsorship at Live Nation and Ticketmaster, said.

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