Bally’s Corporation has announced that its new land-based casino, Bally’s Marquette, will officially open on Friday, March 13. This new establishment takes the place of the former Casino Queen Marquette riverboat following a redevelopment investment of $26.2 million.
Spanning 31,280 square feet, the casino will feature over 400 slot machines and electronic table games, alongside live dealer options for blackjack and Ultimate Texas Hold’em, as well as a sportsbook.
Robin Corbeil, the General Manager, remarked, “The official transformation to Bally’s Marquette signifies a pivotal moment for our team, our guests, and the local community. With our transition to land-based operations now complete, Bally’s Marquette offers a contemporary gaming experience, enhanced dining options, and a friendly ambiance that respects our riverfront heritage while setting the stage for future growth.”
This transformation follows the $4.6 billion acquisition of Bally’s Corp. by private equity firm Standard General in 2024, which brought Casino Queen Marquette into the Bally’s portfolio. Standard General had earlier purchased Queen Casino & Entertainment, the previous owner of the Marquette riverboat casino.
The new casino replaces the Mississippi River riverboat casino, which remained operational during the construction phase. The riverboat will cease operations once the new facility opens and is slated for sale.
Along with the casino, several new dining and beverage options will be introduced. The 1994 Sports Bar, named to honor the riverboat’s launch in December 1994, will offer pub-style fare complemented by numerous televisions for sports enthusiasts. The Sidecar Bar will feature handcrafted cocktails in a vibrant lounge setting. Additional dining choices include Riverside Grill, which will serve fast-casual American cuisine, and Benchfront Coffee, specializing in gourmet coffee drinks.
Bally’s has indicated that this transition has created nearly 80 new job opportunities and reinforces its dedication to promoting regional tourism and economic growth.
The grand opening will include live music, a ribbon-cutting ceremony, and various entertainment options.
Additionally, “Pinky,” the iconic pink elephant statue that has been a fixture near the Mississippi River for almost 20 years, will remain on-site. The statue was moved to the casino location along Great River Road in 2009 after the nearby Pink Elephant Hotel & Supper Club was demolished.
In 2025, Casino Queen Marquette reported a gross gaming revenue of $19.9 million, the lowest among Iowa’s 19 casinos. In contrast, Prairie Meadows Racetrack & Casino topped the state with over $234.7 million. Last year, Iowa’s total casino revenue surpassed $1.67 billion, with Casino Queen Marquette holding approximately a 1.2% market share.