The Queen Casino & Entertainment has received permission to move its Iowa casino the Casino Queen Marquette to land.
Iowa Racing and Gaming Commission (IRGC) approved the request to The Queen Casino & Entertainment to move its picturesque riverboat casino. The commission approved the proposal during a hearing on Thursday, Jan. 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. Iowa was the first state to recognize riverboat casino gambling, and we plan to honor that history by continuing to provide best-in-class gaming and entertainment at Casino Queen Marquette.”
Casino Queen Marquette spans three decks and is situated on a 31-acre site. The address is 100 Anti Monopoly Street, along the banks of the Mississippi River.
The port building will extend to contain the new mainland casino.
One of Iowa’s three remaining riverboat casinos will come ashore
The decision will set The Queen Casino & Entertainment’s plan in motion to move the 17,000- square-foot gambling floor ashore. The Iowa casino features:
- More than 400 slot machines
- Two blackjack tables
- Several other table games like electronic blackjack, roulette and craps games
“The landside move and planned expansion will allow us to provide exciting amenities for our players, the community and tourists visiting this beautiful area,” Downey added.
As part of the remodel, the property will also have the following:
- 12,000 square feet to the current dockside building
- An enhanced single-level gaming floor easily accessible from the main entrance
- New dining outposts, including a dedicated sports bar
Queen’s restaurants are famous for their Deli & Chips, a casual walk-up restaurant.
The place also features Market Street Buffet, a classic buffet experience elevated with fresh local ingredients and seasonal produce. Their signature fried chicken and sides are also at Market Street Home-Style Chicken.
Only two riverboat casinos remain in Iowa
It’s been more than 30 years since Iowa became the first US state to legalize riverboat casinos. Iowa allowed riverboat gambling in 1991. The boats were also required to make regular excursions.
In 2004, the Iowa state legislature eliminated the requirement for casinos to be located on boats.
After the Casino Queen comes ashore, only two riverboat casinos will remain in Iowa. One is the Lakeside Hotel casino on West Lake in Osceola. And the other is the Ameristar Casino Hotel in Council Bluffs.
