DRA is completing a feasibility study for potential sports and recreation development on Chaplain Schmitt Island and seeks public feedback. To submit your thoughts, visit tinyurl.com/DRAstudy.
Leaders at a Dubuque casino are gearing up to open a new all-ages entertainment area on Chaplain Schmitt Island.
Island Social will host its grand opening Nov. 27 inside Q Casino + Resort. Once completed, the all-ages family fun zone will include over 75 arcade games, duckpin bowling, digital ax throwing and more.
“As we become a resort, we need amenities that can appeal to everyone,” said Alex Dixon, president and CEO of Q Casino + Resort. “With a project like this, I think people will begin to reimagine this space as something to benefit the entire community.”
Dixon outlined grand opening plans for the arcade and other resort updates Tuesday at the regular monthly meeting of the DRA, the nonprofit license holder for Dubuque’s two casinos.
Construction already is complete on two Island Social family party rooms, per Tuesday’s update, and the duckpin bowling lanes have been installed. Workers are in the process of installing the arcade games, and the digital ax throwing lanes will be installed in the next two weeks.
Conlon Construction was tapped to lead construction on the project, and DLR Group is the architect of record.
Dixon said the arcade will help reopen Chaplain Schmitt Island to local and visiting families and offer an all-ages amenity to replace the now shuttered greyhound racetrack.
“When we had the races, that was open to all ages and that meant the entire family could come down and enjoy something together,” he said. “When that closed, it closed that opportunity for families, … and this brings that (opportunity) back.”
The all-ages arcade is one part of a multiphase, $83 million renovation project at Q Casino + Resort. Other phases include an already completed casino remodel, as well as the construction of a seven-story boutique hotel set to open in 2025 adjacent to the casino.
DRA board members on Tuesday also heard an update on September financials for Dubuque’s two casinos.
Q Casino generated $3.3 million in gaming revenue in September, down from $3.8 million generated in September of 2023. Diamond Jo Casino reported $6.2 million in gaming revenue in September, down slightly from the $6.3 million the casino reported during the same period the previous year.
Q Casino Chief Operating and Finance Officer Brian Rakestraw said the downward trend matched those found at casinos across the state. Combined gaming revenues in Dubuque were down 5% compared to the same month last year, while statewide revenues dropped 9%.
“September was a very challenging month,” Rakestraw said. “For Iowa, every casino in the state saw a decline (in gaming revenue).”
Dixon expressed hope that the new arcade, hotel and other improvements planned for Chaplain Schmitt Island would help with increasing visitor turnout and gaming revenue moving forward.