Iowa Racing and Gaming Commission leaders have approved the next two stages of a Dubuque casino project.

The state commission this week approved phases two and three of the Q Casino renovation and expansion plan, according to a press release from DRA, the nonprofit license holder for Dubuque’s casinos.

Work on those phases will begin imminently, the release states. Those improvements include the development of a lower casino and entertainment area and a sports bar restaurant. The casino also will add a family entertainment area.

According to the release, DRA leadership is budgeting approximately $37 million for Phases 1 through 3 of the project as part of an estimated $75 million to $80 million overall investment.

The fourth and fifth phases of the project are expected to begin next year and include the construction of a new hotel and outdoor remodeling, among other improvements.

The project is part of planned redevelopment of Chaplain Schmitt Island.

“It has been nearly 15 years since the casino property has undergone any significant updates, so what we have planned is a major undertaking and it will be exciting to see it take shape,” Brian Rakestraw, chief operating and finance officer of Q Casino, said in the release.