Kasino Italy

Iowa State Approves Casino Expansion

Business in Diamond Jo Worth Casino in North-Central Iowa has been healthy so far that state gambling regulators have approved expansion project plans July 13, a venture that costs more than $20 million.

The approved plan Thursday includes 30,000 additional square feet of space that will house 300 additional slot machines, 11 more casino table games, a 190-seat buffet, and a larger entertainment area. General manager Jesus Aviles said he hopes construction can be completed later this year or early next year.

Diamond Jo Worth Casino has drawn in more than 335,000 customers from its first three months since opening. The figure I more than twice what the industry researchers had anticipated, said Aviles to the Iowa Racing and Gaming Commission.

"They all underestimated the revenue potential from Minnesota," Aviles said. The casino is situated along Interstate Highway 35, near Northwood, Iowa, about four miles south of the Minnesota state line. Aviles added that more than 70 percent of their customers hail from Minnesota.

"The out-of-state business that has enjoyed our facility is willing to remain loyal if we provide the product to meet their demand," Aviles said. The casino is expanding mainly to accommodate the people who had to go for long drives in order to gamble in the casino.

The Diamond Jo Worth Casino houses 11 table games, plus 513 slot machines that are the most profitable of any of Iowa's 15 state-regulated gambling operations as state records show.