Elite Casino Resorts has received regulatory approval to move forward with its planned purchase of Catfish Bend Casino and FunCity Resort in Burlington, marking a significant moment for both the company and the community. The Iowa Racing and Gaming Commission granted the final authorization, allowing the transaction—first announced earlier this year—to move toward a scheduled closing date of January 27. Once complete, the Burlington casino will adopt a new identity as the Great River Casino Resort, a name chosen to highlight the area’s strong ties to the Mississippi River.
A Name Change Reflecting Local History and Regional Ties
The acquisition represents a return for the Kehl family, who founded Elite Casino Resorts and were instrumental in Burlington’s early riverboat casino era. Before selling their original Burlington operation to Randy Winegard, the Kehls played a central role in introducing regulated casino gaming to the region. Elite emphasized that the transition back into the Burlington market carries personal significance. As CEO Dan Kehl stated, “Returning to Burlington feels like coming home, and the Great River Casino Resort name reflects the pride we have in this community and its strong river heritage.”
Under the new name, Elite intends for Great River Casino Resort to serve as a tribute not only to the Mississippi River but also to Burlington’s long-standing reputation as a destination for entertainment and recreation. The renaming aligns with the company’s goal of strengthening its footprint across Eastern Iowa, where it already operates Riverside Casino & Golf Resort and Rhythm City Casino Resort. The acquisition also complements partnerships and tourism initiatives that connect Burlington with nearby cities such as Riverside and Davenport.
Elite Casino Resorts reaffirmed that stability for the workforce remains a priority. According to the company, all current Catfish Bend team members will be invited to continue in their roles, with access to expanded professional development and opportunities across Elite’s multi-property network. This includes hospitality training, cross-property advancement, and participation in companywide programming. Kehl expressed appreciation for the stewardship of the property under its previous leadership, noting in a press release, “We appreciate the leadership and care that have guided this property. We look forward to collaborating with local stakeholders as we transition to the Great River Casino Resort and continue supporting the communities that make this region special.”
A Burlington Property With Extensive Amenities
Catfish Bend Casino features a 30,000-square-foot gaming floor and is part of a larger complex that includes lodging options, entertainment facilities, a waterpark, and additional on-site amenities. Elite Casino Resorts’ acquisition ensures that these offerings will remain intact while introducing new development and integration opportunities across its portfolio.
The approval marks another step in the company’s broader regional expansion. In addition to its Iowa casinos, Elite operates Grand Falls Casino & Golf Resort in South Dakota, Walker’s Bluff Casino Resort in Illinois, and two properties in Nebraska—Grand Island Casino Resort and the Lake Mac Casino Resort and Racetrack. For Iowa specifically, the addition of the Burlington property broadens Elite’s reach and allows it to align operations across multiple connected markets.
The Iowa Racing and Gaming Commission’s ruling solidified a process that began months earlier and reflects strong regulatory confidence in Elite’s plans for the Burlington venue. The company described the day of approval as a milestone for its 1,200 Iowa unitholders. Kehl stated, “This is a meaningful day for our family and our more than 1,200 Iowa unitholders. We are deeply grateful to the Iowa Racing and Gaming Commission for their support and approval.”
With the acquisition closing scheduled for January 27, the Great River Casino Resort name will begin appearing across branding, community partnerships, and long-term planning efforts. Elite indicated it looks forward to working with local organizations and continuing to support Southeast Iowa communities throughout the transition process.
