Casino Queen in Iowa gets final approval to move to land

The Iowa Racing and Gaming Commission has greenlighted Queen Casino & Entertainment’s request.

US.- Queen Casino and Entertainment has announced that Casino Queen Marquette, one of Iowa’s riverboats casinos, has received approval from the Iowa Racing and Gaming Commission to move from the Mississippi River to land.

The commission approved the request on Thursday, January 26.

Terry Downey, president and CEO of The Queen Casino & Entertainment, said: “We’re pleased with the Iowa Racing and Gaming Commission’s decision to approve Casino Queen Marquette’s landside move.” 

Downey noted that Iowa was the first state to recognise riverboat casino gambling: “We plan to honour that history by continuing to provide best-in-class gaming and entertainment at Casino Queen Marquette. The landside move and planned expansion will allow us to provide exciting amenities for our players, the community and tourists visiting this beautiful area,” he said.

The decision will set The Queen Casino & Entertainment’s plan in motion to move the 17,000-square-foot gambling floor ashore, including more than 400 slot machines, two blackjack tables and several other table games. 

The property in question will add 12,000 square feet to the current dockside building; an enhanced single-level gaming floor easily accessible from the main entrance with the latest in gaming technology and new dining including a dedicated sports bar.

After the Casino Queen moves onto land, there will be two remaining riverboat casinos in Iowa: the Lakeside Hotel Casino on West Lake in Osceola and the casino at Ameristar Casino Hotel in Council Bluffs.

See also: Q Casino in Iowa unveils plans for $75m renovation