Meskwaki Tribe Undertakes $111 Million Expansion Project

In facing new competition in the gambling industry, the Meswaki tribe's answer is a luxurious casino expected to open soon in Waterloo. The $111 million project is the most costly expansion ever to an Iowa gambling complex.

Real waterfalls cascading down stone ledges and brilliant orange flames rising from fire pits will greet guests entering the expanded Meskwaki Bingo Casino Hotel. Inside the casino is a hidden lounge for the most-prized customers to relax after betting up to $1,000 a hand on blackjack and other games.

On Friday the Meskwaki complex, now in its 14 years, will open its first phase of amenities to the public, but remodeling and new structural jobs will continue through 2007.

Pam Balderas, the casino's table games manager and a Meskwaki tribal member said, "This is the first time that we have dealt with competition, but I feel that we are up to the challenge. We are very excited."

The lack of nearby competition is one of the keys to the success of the casino allowing it to draw thousands of gamblers from Waterloo, Cedar Rapids, Iowa City, Marshalltown and other towns. According to Dan Stromer, General Manager, the Meskwaki casino, one of Iowa's most successful gambling enterprises, draws up to 5,000 customers daily from throughout the Midwest.

With profits providing monthly payments to registered tribal members and subsidizing tribal services and other projects, the casino has been an economic engine for the tribe. During a legal dispute three years ago, tribal officials disclosed that the gambling business generated gross revenue of $3 million weekly.

With the opening of the $107 million Riverside Casino and Golf Resort in Washington County, about 14 miles south of Iowa City, the profits may change soon.

The casinos new luxuries include 200 new rooms to its upgraded hotel, a new spa, an exercise area and a larger indoor swimming pool.