Elite Casino Resorts to acquire Catfish Bend Casino and FunCity Resort in Iowa

Elite Casino Resorts has signed a definitive agreement to acquire Catfish Bend Casino and FunCity Resort in Burlington, Iowa, bringing the properties back under the ownership of the Kehl family. The acquisition involves the assets and operations of Great River Entertainment, which currently owns the sites.

The purchase marks a return to Burlington for Elite Casino Resorts, whose founders helped establish casino gaming in Southeast Iowa during the riverboat era before selling the property to Randy Winegard.

“This feels like coming home,” said Elite Casino Resorts CEO Dan Kehl. “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.”

Kehl highlighted the personal connection, recalling his move to Fort Madison in 1994 when Catfish Bend Casino launched. “Burlington and all of Southeast Iowa have always been close to our hearts. When Catfish Bend started in 1994, I moved my young family to Fort Madison to oversee riverboat operations," he recalled.

"Now my sons are grown and part of the family business, and bringing this property back truly feels like a homecoming,” he said. Kehl also credited outgoing leaders: “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.”

Elite Casino Resorts, which already operates properties in Iowa, as well as Illinois and Nebraska, stated in a press release that team members at Catfish Bend and FunCity will continue in their current roles. The company pledged “a smooth transition” along with expanded training and career development opportunities for staff.

The Burlington complex is a full-service gaming and entertainment destination. Catfish Bend Casino spans 30,000 square feet with more than 600 slot machines, 18 table games, a sportsbook, a poker room, a high-limit section, and a lounge.

The adjoining FunCity Resort features hotels with 241 rooms, family-friendly entertainment such as bowling, laser tag, indoor go-karts, and arcade zones, as well as Huck’s Harbor Water Park, which operates seasonally. The site also offers meeting facilities for up to 900 people, dining across 14 outlets, a spa and fitness center, and sports amenities including basketball and pickleball courts.

With the acquisition, Elite Casino Resorts expands its portfolio, which includes Riverside Casino & Golf Resort in Riverside, Iowa; Rhythm City Casino Resort in Davenport, Iowa; Grand Falls Casino & Golf Resort in Larchwood, Iowa; Walker’s Bluff Casino Resort in Carterville, Illinois; Grand Island Casino Resort at Fonner Park in Grand Island, Nebraska; and Lake Mac Casino Resort and Racetrack in Ogallala, Nebraska.