Davenport's plan to buy Rhythm City Casino is welcome news to many non-profits in the area. City leaders say their plan to move the gambling boat off the river front and build a new land-based casino will bring in more money, meaning more cash for the Riverboat Development Authority. The RDA currently holds the gaming license for Rhythm City and will continue to hold that license if a new casino is built.
Right now the RDA gets about 4.1 percent of the money made by the gambling boat, which officials there redistribute to local non-profits. However, city leaders say if a new casino is built, that amount would go up to 4.5 percent, and after they pay off half the cost from buying Rhythm City, it would jump to 5 percent.
While RDA officials are not allowed to speak about the sale until more paperwork is signed, local non-profits tell us, they think it's a great idea.
"The RDA has been really generous to the Family Museum," said Elly Gerdts, the Public Relations Coordinator for the Bettendorf Family Museum.
Gerdts says this past Spring the museum got a grant from the RDA for $35,000. That grant is helping pay for exhibit renovations.
"We wouldn't have been able to do that without help from the RDA. Every little bit helps."
Gerdts says if the RDA could bring in even more money because of a new casino, non-profits would have a better shot at achieving their goals.
Those with the Quad Cities Convention and Visitors Bureau agree. They also got a $35,000 grant from RDA. It was used to help market upcoming events.
"It certainly supports economic development," said Joe Taylor, President of the Quad Cities Convention and Visitors Bureau.
"Next week we are bringing a walleye competition here, that's due in part to RDA making those funds available."
He says if a new casino can generate more money for other non-profits, it's a win win for everyone.
"I think its good for the Quad Cities, think it's good for the RDA and I think it will be a great experience when there is something new in 2015."
