MARQUETTE, Iowa – The Casino Queen Marquette will be renamed Bally’s Marquette as part of its ownership change and a move to a newly developed permanent landside facility, set to open in early 2026. The name change will coincide with a $21 million transformation project, which includes relocating the gaming floor ashore and introducing new dining, gaming and entertainment experiences.
The rebrand follows Bally’s Corporation’s acquisition of Standard General L.P., and its affiliates including The Queen Casino & Entertainment Inc. The Queen was a regional casino operator majority-owned by funds managed by Standard General.
Completed in early 2025, Bally’s said the merger brought one of the world’s most iconic and enduring names in gaming and entertainment to northeast Iowa. Bally’s Corp. also is the parent company of Bally’s Quad Cities Casino & Hotel in Rock Island.
The Casino Queen’s name change marks a new chapter for the long-standing Mississippi River casino, which has operated aboard a riverboat for more than 30 years.
Once landside, Bally’s Marquette will offer a significantly enhanced guest experience, blending the charm of its historic riverfront location with the energy and appeal of a modern gaming and entertainment destination, according to a news release. Players will enjoy the latest in gaming technology, including a wide selection of slots and table games, within a single-level layout designed for convenience and comfort.
“We’re proud to honor Casino Queen Marquette’s deep-rooted connection to the community while ushering in an exciting new era as Bally’s Marquette,” Robin Corbeil, general manager of Casino Queen Marquette, said in the release. “This transformation brings the entertainment experience our guests love onto land – making it more accessible, more comfortable and more dynamic than ever before. With new dining, expanded gaming and a modern layout, Bally’s Marquette will continue to be a destination locals are proud of and visitors are excited to explore.”
The landside move also will open the door to debut new dining concepts, including partnerships with local food and beverage vendors. Other physical enhancements to come with the land-based development include an upgraded arrival experience highlighted by a new porte-cochère and direct access from the adjacent parking lot. The new casino will eliminate the current 440-yard walk from the dockside riverboat.
“The City of Marquette is proud to support Casino Queen Marquette, soon to be Bally’s Marquette, and its transition to landside gaming,” Marquette Mayor Brittany Hemmer said in the Bally’s release. “This move will introduce an exciting new gaming experience and updated dining options. We look forward to our continued partnership with Bally’s Marquette.”
The transformation into Bally’s Marquette will create nearly 80 new jobs and enhance local economic impact. Part-time and full-time positions will be available across a wide range of departments, including food and beverage, table games, security and other key operational roles. The project also represents a major investment in the local economy and a long-term commitment to both regional tourism and workforce development.
For more information about Casino Queen Marquette, visit www.casinoqueenmarquette.com.
Bally’s Corp. is a global casino-entertainment company with a growing omni-channel presence. It owns and operates 19 casinos across 11 states, along with a golf course in New York and a horse racetrack in Colorado, and holds OSB licenses in 13 jurisdictions in North America.