The Evolution Of Gambling in Council Bluffs, Iowa
Council Bluffs, Iowa is not the first place people think of when they think of top gambling cities in the United States. Generally, it’s Las Vegas or Atlantic City that first springs to mind. Nevertheless, though, Council Bluffs is a major gambling center. Let’s take a look at how it got to be that way.
A River Runs By It
The next WSOP Event Spot – Council Bluffs is located near the Missouri River. So, over the years, it’s been a major meeting place for both trade and travel. In fact, the steamboat trade saw the city booming, even when other cities were failing. Also, the California gold rush played a major factor in travelers going through the city. It was around that time that the city got its name.
Mormon Madness
You see, prior to that, the city had been known as Kanesville. Kanesville was a huge gathering spot for Mormons who were looking to travel west to Utah. That meant that business was steady and the city was thriving.
Railroad Ties Improve Travel Trend:
Another big thing that caused gambling to come to Council Bluffs was the railroads. There was no gambling in the late 1860’s, when the railroads first began to converge at the city. However, those railroad lines paved, or int his case railed, the way for casinos and big business to come.
It started in 1867, with the Northwestern Railroad. That was soon followed up by the Transcontinental Railroad. These days, railroads are still a huge part of the city and you can come and go to any number of destinations across the country.
Economic Decline
Despite the railroads, the city eventually began to decline. Business shut down and travel cut back. That lasted for much of the mid to late 1900’s. Then, Iowa officials did something that helped to save the city. They relaxed the gambling laws.
Rebirth Of The City
Shortly after gambling was legalized in Council Bluffs, the city saw a return to the greyhound racing that had originally been tried in the 1940’s. The Bluffs Run Greyhound Park opened in 1986.
The park was followed closely by three casinos coming to the area between 1986 and 2006. Harrah’s, Ameristar and Harrah’s Horseshoe. The Horseshoe actually underwent a major renovation a few years ago. Since then, it’s been the favorite gambling spot for almost all of the travelers visiting the city.
The Influence Of Gambling
Once gambling came to the city, business started to return. Not only do people enjoy the gambling tables, but other businesses have thrived, as a result. For example, there are now more hotels, restaurants and retail stores in the casinos and around the city. All of that means more people spending both time and money within the city limits.
An Uncertain Future
Of course, with the state of today’s economy, the future is uncertain for everyone, regardless of where they are. Council Bluffs, though, is currently the top gambling destination in Iowa. So, the future for it is brighter than you might think. After all, who doesn’t like trying their luck at the casino tables?