riverboat casino marquette iowa

Northeast Iowa riverboat casino going dry with move to land location

One of Iowa's three remaining riverboat casinos will be coming ashore, its St. Louis-based owner announced Thursday.

Currently moored on the Mississippi River in Marquette, the Casino Queen Marquette has received approval from the Iowa Racing & Gaming Commission to move to a dry-land site at 100 Anti Monopoly Street in the scenic Driftless Region town, Queen Casino & Entertainment, the casino owner, said in a news release.

The company said it will add more than 12,000 square feet to an existing dockside building to accommodate the 17,000-square-foot casino, which will have more than 400 slot machines, two new blackjack tables and other games.

Also planned are new a new main entrance, dining areas and a sports bar, it said.

Iowa legalized riverboat gambling in 1991 . Originally bets could only be a maximum of $5 and patrons' losses were limited to $200 a session. The boats also were required to periodically go on excursions. In 2004 the Iowa State Legislature voted to allow casinos to moor barges in man-made basins, eliminating the requirement that casinos had to be on boats.

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

Philip Joens covers retail, real estate and RAGBRAI for the Des Moines Register. He can be reached at 515-284-8184, [email protected] or on Twitter @Philip_Joens.

Casino Queen Marquette

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Casino Queen Marquette - All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go (2024)

Casino Queen Marquette

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Monopoly, IA 52158

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Discover the ultimate gaming and entertainment experience at Casino Queen in Marquette, Iowa. Elevate your stay with exceptional service, thrilling gaming choices, delectable dining, and a welcoming atmosphere. Indulge in a variety of dining and entertainment options designed to captivate. Our friendly and knowledgeable staff is dedicated to providing excellent customer service, ensuring a memorable visit for all. Nestled on the waterfront, Casino Queen Marquette stands as the premier choice for casinos in Marquette. Your well-being is our paramount concern, and we prioritize health and safety for both guests and team members. Unleash the excitement at Marquette's top casino destination - Casino Queen awaits you! …

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We were staying at the Frontier Motel, which is right next door. My spouse is the gambler and really found her "vibe" at the virtual roulette tables two nights in a row. She walked away with over $200 given a $40.00 beginning ($20.00 each night). The beers were relatively cheap, and the people were nice. Listen, if you read the reviews DO NOT expect the Bellagio or Caesar's Palace. This is a small town casino where you can have some fun and maybe win some money. From what we heard, the boat is going "bye bye," and the new casino will be on the shore. All I can say is, we had a good time.

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Oct 17, 2023

Thank you for the positive review, we're glad you had a great time here in Marquette! We hope you visit again soon!

While it is true it's a hike to get on the boat, I had a pretty ok time. It isn't a casino to which one would make a special trip. It's small, limited games. But it a no frills experience and the people were very nice. You could do worse.

The 'Queen' is the perfect nautical mess! Up the stairs, down the stairs over the bridge and through the woods! And that's the journey it takes just to access this cramped little river boat. It's a tight-fisted gambling operation primarily equipped with one-arm-bandits. Conveniently located in the tourist town of Marquette Iowa, the 'Queen' hopes to turn your pockets inside-out and contribute generously to their insurmountable mortgage. The Queen 'dangles the carrot' as you watch happy contestants marching along the lengthy catwalk with thoughts of winning a 'pot-o-gold', only to exit with the false hope of prosperity. Not to mention...try to get a cocktail! The bartenders are lightning quick escape artists. They play a mean game of 'hide and seek'. A True River Boat experience; you're robbed by Pirates, then you're forced to 'Walk the Plank'!

Visited the Buffet on 20 Nov. wish I hadn't. The buffet is a tradition for us the night before deer season. To say that it has deteriorated would be an understatement. Clerk, taking payments- rude. ( reminded me of one of those angry owls spinster school teachers). $24 for the buffet, seemed a little pricey. ( especially now that they charge extra for crab legs) 10.99 per lb. I understand that COVID changed many things, but it should of not changed quality of the food. Used to be a decent value. That night, I have had better buffets at shoneys, Ryan's, or Golden Corral for way less money. Was like no effort made to produce food that they took pride in. Heck, I have had better food served in military chow halls. Will definitely pass on this tradition next year. I would rather grab something from Wendy's than eat that food again. Casino, All in person games are gone. Only digital/video games. While it want messy, it was not spotless either. There was someone walking around supposedly wiping down machines. The did not wipe down anything by me after people left.

I would never recommend this place! My male friend and I were walking on the skywalk and the song " we are family" came on so I suggested this was a good drag show song so being silly we started dancing. We got to the spot where they check your ID's and my friend showed his ID first the man at the door said "I have to ask a question have you guys been drinking tonight" I said yea we have not going to lie and his response was "according to Iowa statue you cannot be intoxicated in the casino" and he said "name" will walk you out. Made us feel like we did something wrong. The security guard stood outside the whole time acting like we were going to damage something. I have never felt so embarrassed in my life. Don't give them any business! Apparently if you are having fun it's not allowed.

We're not really gamblers but since we were nearby we thought we would pop in and drop a couple of dollars. Pretty standard for one of the Ho-Chunk casinos. One thing I noticed was that we were able to find parking fairly easily for a Saturday night. The other thing we noticed was that it was incredibly clean in the parking lot and in all of the areas on the way to the casino. We gambled for a little bit. Staff was around and available but not overbearing. We were greeted by everyone. It was nice to see how friendly the staff was with elderly customers in wheelchairs. We only stayed for about an hour but it was a nice trip. Another guest highly recommended the buffet, and while we did win during this trip, it wasn't enough for us to throw caution to the wind and eat the $22 Buffet. Maybe next time!

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Riverboat Casino Monopoly

Casino Queen Marquette is a stationary boat casino in Marquette, Iowa and is open Mon-Fri 9am-2am, Sat-Sun 24 hours. The casino's 17,514 square foot gaming space features 503 gaming machines and nine table games. The property has two restaurants and one bar.

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Marquette to get a new casino riverboat

November 29th, 2021 by ric hanson.

(Radio Iowa) -State regulators have approved a financing plan that will eventually lead to a replacement boat for the Casino Queen in Marquette. Racing and Gaming administrator, Brian Ohorilko says a 46 million dollar financing plan was approved for the parent company to buy two boats in Louisiana.  “The long-term plan would be for Casino Queen to purchase those riverboats, operate those casinos in Louisiana, but move one to Marquette and replace that boat. So it would be a larger boat, maybe a little newer,” Ohorilko explains. He says the new boat is a good thing for Marquette. “Just having the ability to have something larger, fresher, is definitely good for that market,” he says.

All facilities were on riverboats when the state approved casino gambling — and the Casino Queen is one of three that remain. The Ameristar is in Council Bluffs, and it has a hotel and restaurants at that location. The Lakeside Casino in Osceola has the same type of setup, and it is a barge.

The Casino Queen (Iowagamingassociation.org photo)

The Racing and Gaming Commission approved the financing plan at their November meeting.

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Casino queen marquette moving to land, error message.

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This rendering provided by The Queen Casino & Entertainment shows how the remodeled Casino Queen Marquette will look when it’s fully land based. Construction is anticipated to begin in the second half of this year and be completed in late 2024.

With the Iowa Racing and Gaming Commission’s approval last week, The Queen Casino & Entertainment plans to move Casino Queen Marquette’s 17,000-square-foot gambling floor ashore, including more than 400 slot machines, two blackjack tables and several other table games. (Photo courtesy of The Queen Casino & Entertainment)

By Audrey Posten, Times-Register

The Iowa Racing and Gaming Commission, at a Jan. 26 hearing, granted The Queen Casino & Entertainment permission to move the Casino Queen Marquette riverboat casino along the banks of the Mississippi River to land.

“We’re pleased with the Iowa Racing and Gaming Commission’s decision to approve Casino Queen Marquette’s landside move,” said Terry Downey, president and CEO of The Queen Casino & Entertainment, which purchased Casino Queen Marquette in 2017. “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. The landside move and planned expansion will allow us to provide exciting amenities for our players, the community and tourists visiting this beautiful area.”

According to a press release issued last week, 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.  

As part of the remodel, the property 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; new dining outposts, including a dedicated sports bar; and more.  

Casino Queen Marquette is located on a 31-acre site at 100 Anti Monopoly St. It originally opened as the Miss Marquette Casino on Dec. 26, 1994, offering what the North Iowa Times detailed then as “over 30,000 square feet of excitement” in the form of three dice tables, three roulette wheels, 20 blackjack tables, a poker room and 620 nickel, quarter and dollar slot machines.

At the time of a 25-year anniversary article in 2019, over 12 million people had passed through the doors since that frigidly cold day, enjoying not just gambling, but live entertainment and an extensive buffet. Countless others stop outside, posing for photos with the area’s most iconic pachyderm: Pinky the Elephant.

Casino Queen Marquette is currently one of just three riverboat casinos remaining in Iowa. State-mandated cruising rules were relaxed nearly two decades, though, so the boat hasn’t left the shoreline for excursions for some time.

The Queen Casino & Entertainment said plans for the current riverboat’s future are still to be determined.

Casino Queen Marquette’s parent company hopes construction can begin in the second half of this year. Completion is planned for late 2024.

“We don’t anticipate that construction will impact casino operations throughout the project,” The Queen Casino & Entertainment said in a statement.

“Additional parking will not be needed with the expansion project, but we do have plans for a parking garage. The current parking lot has sufficient space,” the statement added.

And what about the iconic Pinky?

“Pinky is a beloved member of the community and we know how important she is,” said a representative. “Pinky will still be located in the vicinity of the casino.”

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CASINO QUEEN

Guide to casino queen marquette.

What’s a vacation without a little thrill? While you may be having the time of your life on your houseboat rental, you may want to dock your boat for a second so you can step on another type of cruise. The Casino Queen Marquette is a Lady Luck casino that many tourists are fond of.

Sitting comfortably in between McGregor, Iowa, and Prairie du Chien, Wisconsin, the Casino Queen is a welcoming destination for any couple who wants to relax. Just sit down, let the slots roll, bet on your favorite sports team, and eat at the buffet while you play. There’s so much to do on this casino cruise.

How to Board the Casino Queen Marquette

If you are interested in spending some time on the cruise, drive over to Mcgregor, IA, and find a parking space. Say hello to Pinky the elephant on your way in, then walk across the platform into the hull of the ship. It really is that simple. Bring a limited amount of money with you–especially if you tend to hook yourself in gambling. If you have children, make sure they are with an adult, since they won’t be able to actually walk on the ship.

Things to Do on the Riverboat Casino

While the Casino Queen Marquette may seem like a small ship, it has just as much to do as other casinos, and in some cases, even more. Here is a short list of things you can expect if this is a vacation “must” for you.

The casino offers a plethora of game types that will interest any tourist or gambling hobbyist. In fact, there are over 700 machines to play and gamble on. If digital slot machines aren’t your jam, you can move over to the classics. You can start with a game of poker, Black Jack, or 21+3.

Those wanting to experiment with different kinds of games should stick to the electronic tables. There are always new innovations with digital games, so you’ll always have something fresh to play. Fusion roulette, Shoot to Win Craps, and Fusion Blackjack are a few of the games on offer. On the deck, the newer games will be on the upper two decks, so keep that in mind when you plan your experience.

But what if you aren’t into gambling, or have played yourself out of money? Then it’s probably time for you to move to Sevens. Here you can watch shows and enjoy live music after a long day of relaxing on vacation. Different bands and musicians play every night. If you have a preferred band or style of music you would like to see, call in and see who’s playing before you plan your casino night.

Playing these games can work up your appetite. Thankfully, you have plenty of options when it comes to food right off-deck. Additionally, you can feed your whole family since most of them aren’t on the ship.

Market Street Buffet is the perfect place to eat with the whole family. While pricey, the food here is exceptional. On top of having variety, everything tastes professionally cooked and well-seasoned. Perfect for a quick stop at the casino.

Deli & Chips is a snack shop on deck that offers midnight snacks for late-night gambling. You can grab anything from hot dogs and hamburgers to other sweet treats. It’s a perfect place for a memorable night of risk and reward.

The Casino Queen Marquette can offer a great stop on your vacation. While you may not be the biggest gambler, there are other things for you to do while you’re onboard. What are you waiting for? Get on deck!

Queen Casino Marquette Gets Approval to Expand Casino onto Land

We count on Jane to inform our readers about the latest slot games in the US market. With her passion for video games and a degree in engineering, she’s our gambling tech expert . Jane’s also active in our blog section, where she tackles the curiosities and changes in the industry.

It has been reported that Queen Casino & Entertainment has received official permission to move its riverboat casino onto dry land. Approval was given by the Iowa Racing and Gaming Commission to extend the Casino Queen Marquette, and the extension means that the property will extend inland. The approval was given at a commission meeting late last week.

At present, the riverboat casino spans 31 acres and is set over several decks. It is situated along the banks of the Mississippi River, and this means that guests who visit can look forward to stunning views as well as plenty of entertainment.

The ability to now extend the casino means that patrons will be able to enjoy even more fun and excitement as well as an additional range of facilities and amenities.

Providing the Best Experiences for Customers

Officials from Queen Casino & Entertainment said that they were delighted with the commission’s decision and that they would continue to provide the best experience for patrons.

The president and CEO of the group, Terry Downey, 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.

Approval from the commission means that the existing riverboat casino can be extended, and there will be a new main casino that will be on land. Currently, the 17,000-foot casino offers a range of amenities and facilities for patrons. This includes more than 400 slots and a range of table games.

Downey said that the upcoming expansion and the ability to move the casino onto land would make it easier to provide even more amenities for guests to enjoy when visiting the property.

A Range of Plans to Make Improvements

The casino operator has a range of plans in place to make improvements to Casino Queen Marquette as part of the extension project. These include the addition of 12,000 feet to the existing dockside building.

The project will also include the creation of a single-level casino and gaming floor that will be easy to access. There will also be a variety of additional facilities including new dining options and a dedicated sports bar where fans can relax and enjoy the sporting action.

Officials from the casino are looking forward to making a range of positive changes and additions to keep existing customers happy and attract new ones.

The state became the first to legalize riverboat casinos more than three decades ago, and they became very popular among those who wanted to combine entertainment and gambling with lovely surroundings. However, the state legislature in Iowa made changes in 2004 that meant casinos no longer had to be located on boats.

Once this riverboat casino makes changes and expands onto dry land, it will leave just two riverboat casinos in the state. These are the Lakeside Hotel Casino and the Ameristar Casino Hotel.

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Casino Hosts

Dennis munz.

I started my casino career as an EMT/Security officer on December 26, 1994 when the Miss Marquette Riverboat Casino opened its doors. After working as an officer, I became a Security Supervisor/EMT Coordinator for 18 Years. When the opportunity arose, I started in the Marketing Department as a Casino Host for the past 8 years to date. Prior to joining casino business in 1994, I was born and raised in the rural Prairie du Chien, WI area on a small family farm, where we raised Beef, Hogs, and had a Dairy operation. I still reside in the rural Prairie du Chien area, on a small acreage with my partner of 7 years, and our dog, Pookie. In my “spare” time I enjoy riding my Harley Davidson Motorcycle, and going camping at area campgrounds. I have also obtained my Private Pilot’s License in 2011, and fly’s a single engine aircraft out of the local airport for personal enjoyment.

563-873-6665

Penny Powers

Having been born and raised in the Prairie du Chien, WI area I have enjoyed my 26-year career at the Casino Queen Marquette. I started my career when the Miss Marquette Riverboat Casino opened its doors as a table games dealer. Eventually I worked my way to an assistant table games shift manager before making the change to Casino host in 2002. I live on a 40-acre farm where I now enjoy being with my fur babies including four dogs, three cats, and two horses. Also in my spare time, I love to be in the outdoors camping, riding UTVs or traveling out west. Most of all, my favorite thing to do is spend time with my children, two daughters and a son along with my seven grandchildren.

563-873-6603

LISA KNICKERBOCKER

I grew up in Farmersburg Iowa, a small town surrounded by dairy farms and cornfields. I have an AA in Human Services and 30 years of customer service experience from working in my parents’ 3 businesses at a young age. I have been working for Casino Queen for 6 ½ years. In 2014 I started as a bar tender on the Casino floor serving drinks to guests as they played their favorite games. Within a couple weeks I transferred to the Marketing Department accepting a position as a VIP Rep. In 2015, I took a promotion to Marketing Sales Representative and in 2016 I took another promotion, this time to Marketing Supervisor. I am married and the proud mother of a son and 3 daughters and step mother to 5 sons and 3 daughters. I love watching our youngest 3 girls play basketball, spending time with family, exploring nature, being creative, and traveling.

563-873-6705

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