Grand Falls sports betting has started, but here’s a look at what’s to come
Just in time for NFL games, players can now walk into Grand Falls Casino and place their bets.
The casino near Larchwood, Iowa, added two kiosks on the casino floor where players can make sports bets. Winnings can be cashed in at the cashier’s window.
That’s in addition to the online betting that started in late August. Players have to be physically in Iowa to make their sports bets online.
Both, though, are just a hint of what’s to come. The permanent sports book is under construction and will be run by Betfred Sports, a major sports betting company based in the United Kingdom.
“I think people are going to be in awe when they see our sports book in the show lounge area,” Grand Falls general manager Sharon Haselhoff said. “They have a vision that’s going to pop and make a statement.”
Renderings show multiple televisions, scrolling scores, seating areas and a counter for placing and cashing in on bets.
The kitchen at nearby Ruthie’s Steak & Seafood restaurant also will be reconfigured slightly to offer food service to the sports book.
“We will probably have the nicest sports book in the state,” Haselhoff said.
The hope is to open the permanent sports book before the end of the year.
Plans also are moving forward for the rest of the $10 million in additions at Grand Falls, including expansion of the Center Bar into a musical entertainment destination featuring acoustic-style performances and additional campsites at the RV park.
Construction is close to starting on a hotel addition that will add 66 hotel rooms. The project will include an elevated corridor overlooking the outdoor pool and pool deck, for a total of 160 hotel rooms.
“It will be cool, with a walkway past the pool where you can see to the golf course,” Haselhoff said. “And we’ll have some family rooms that open up to the pool with bunk beds. I think that need has been there, as well as a few executive rooms that walk out to the pool. They will be the same high quality that we’ve done.”
The hope is to have the hotel open by Memorial Day weekend in 2020.
