Elite Casino Resorts Buying Catfish Bend Casino and FunCity Resort in Iowa
Iowa-based Elite Casino Resorts has agreed to a deal to acquire the assets and operations of Great River Entertainment, including Catfish Bend Casino and FunCity Resort.
The deal marks a homecoming for the Kehl family, which helped launch casino gaming in Burlington during the original riverboat era before selling to Randy Winegard.
Catfish Bend and FunCity Resort is a full-service destination combining gaming, hospitality, recreation and family entertainment. It features 20,000 square feet of gaming space, containing over 600 slot machines and 18 table games.
Other on-site amenities include 241 hotel rooms, an indoor entertainment complex, 14 food and beverage outlets, events and meeting space, and a full-service spa.
Elite has pledged a smooth transition for all team members, who will continue in their roles. Financial details of the acquisition were not disclosed.
Homecoming for Elite Casino and Kehl Family
The Burlington property will now join the Elite portfolio. This includes Riverside Casino & Golf Resort in Riverside, Rhythm City Casino Resort in Davenport, Grand Falls Casino & Golf Resort in Larchwood, Walker’s Bluff Casino Resort in southern Illinois, Grand Island Casino Resort at Fonner Park, and Lake Mac Casino Resort and Racetrack in Ogallala, Nebraska.
“This feels like coming home,” said Dan Kehl, CEO of Elite Casino Resorts. “Our family’s history with Burlington and southeast Iowa goes back to the earliest days of Iowa gaming.
“Bringing Catfish Bend and FunCity back into the fold allows us to honor that past while building toward an exciting future of growth, investment, and community partnerships.
“Randy Winegard and Gary Hoyer have been great leaders for Catfish Bend and the community. We look forward to maintaining and building on their legacy.”
