Elite Casino Resorts has officially expanded its footprint in Southeast Iowa. Elite Casino Resorts has finalized the acquisition of Catfish Bend Casino and FunCity Resort in Burlington. The purchase became effective January 27, 2026.
As part of the transition, the property will be renamed Great River Casino Resort and FunCity, a name meant to reflect Burlington’s long-standing connection to the Mississippi River and Iowa’s early gaming history.
Elite Casino Resorts CEO Dan Kehl says the Mississippi River played a major role in shaping the region and the state’s gaming industry, and the new name honors both that history and the people of Southeast Iowa.
Kehl also credited longtime Catfish Bend leaders Randy Winegard and Gary Hoyer for their role in keeping riverboat gaming alive in the early 1990s, saying Elite plans to build on their legacy while continuing to work closely with local leaders and community partners.
With the acquisition, Elite Casino Resorts now owns and operates seven Midwest casino resorts and adds approximately 500 new team members, bringing the company’s total workforce to more than 3,000 employees. The Burlington location now joins Elite’s portfolio of casino resorts across Iowa, Illinois, and Nebraska.
The transition to the new Great River Casino Resort and FunCity name is expected to begin soon.
About Elite Casino Resorts
Elite Casino Resorts is a leading regional gaming operator in the Midwest and a privately-owned U.S. company known for premier casino resort destinations, first-class guest service and amenities, great entertainment, and exceptional food. With a strong commitment to community service, Elite was recognized as the Iowa Character Counts 2024 Partner of the Year. Elite Casino Resorts will now operate seven casino resorts: Riverside Casino & Golf Resort, located just south of Iowa City, IA; Rhythm City Casino Resort, located in Davenport, IA; Grand Falls Casino & Golf Resort, located in Larchwood, IA, just minutes from Sioux Falls, SD; Grand Island Casino Resort located in Grand Island, Nebraska and Walker’s Bluff Casino Resort, in Carterville, Illinois IL Lake Mac Casino Resort & Racetrack in Ogallala, NE and Catfish Bend Casino & FunCity Resort in Burlington, Iowa.