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Diamond Jo Worth Casino To Expand

During the three months since its opening, the casino has drawn 335,000 customers who have spent nearly $17 million. Those figures are more than twice as much as industry researchers had projected, Diamond Jo General Manager Jesus Aviles told the Iowa Racing and Gaming Commission.

Betting by Minnesota gamblers has been so brisk at the Diamond Jo Worth Casino north-central Iowa that the state gambling regulators approved plans Thursday for more than $320 million in expansions.

"They all underestimated the revenue potential from Minnesota," Aviles said. The casino is located along Interstate Highway 35, near Northwood, about four miles south of the Minnesota state line. More than 70 percent of the customers are coming from Minnesota, Aviles said.

"The out-of-state business that our facility has enjoyed is willing to remain loyal if we provide the product to meet their demand," he said.

The Diamond Jo Worth Casino has been so crowded that Aviles said he is worried about losing Minnesota customers who are driving 25 to 100 miles to play in Iowa.

The Diamond Jo Worth Casino has 11 table games, plus 513 slot machines that are the most profitable of any at Iowa's 15 state-regulated gambling operations, state records show. Each of the Diamond Jo Worth's slots is winning an average of $342 per day from gamblers, who are often waiting to play in lines three to four person person deep behind each machine.

During the state budget year that ended June 30, patrons left behind $1.15 billion at Iowa's 12 gambling boasts and three racetrack casinos.

The plans approved by state regulators on Thursday include 30,000 additional square feet for 300 additional slot machines, 11 more casino table games, a 190-seat buffet, and a larger entertainment area. Aviles said he hope construction can be completed later this year or early next year.