Bally’s has launched a $26 million casino in Marquette, Iowa, officially shifting gaming from the iconic Mississippi Riverboat, after more than 30 years, to a modern land-based facility.
The new property, known as Bally’s Marquette, opened its doors on March 13 after a redevelopment project that transitioned the longtime Casino Queen Marquette riverboat casino into a permanent land-based destination. The modern facility spans roughly 31,000 square feet and represents a significant investment to revitalize gaming and tourism in northeastern Iowa.
Riverboat casinos were once a defining feature of Iowa’s local gambling industry, but many operators have shifted to land-based venues to improve accessibility and amenities. The previous riverboat casino first opened in the mid-1990s and changed ownership and branding multiple times before joining Bally’s corporate portfolio. Bally’s ultimately decided to replace the aging vessel with a new land-based complex capable of supporting modern gaming features and additional entertainment options.
New Facility Brings Expanded Gaming and Local Jobs
The newly constructed Bally’s Marquette offers a range of casino gaming and entertainment options. The gaming floor features over 400 slots, electronic table games, live dealer blackjack, Ultimate Texas Hold’em, and a sportsbook.
Beyond gaming, the casino features several new dining and beverage venues designed to create a full entertainment experience. Among them are the 1994 Sports Bar, which pays tribute to the year the original riverboat casino opened; the Sidecar Bar lounge; Riverside Grill; and Benchfront Coffee.
The previous riverboat casino was among Iowa’s smallest, generating $19.9 million in gross gaming revenue in 2025, about 1.2% of the state’s market. Bally’s aims to boost visitors and competitiveness with the new facility.
Offshore Online Casino Sites Still Draw U.S. Players
While land-based casinos continue to evolve, many gamblers today are increasingly drawn to online gaming options, such as the sites reviewed at Casinos18.com. In states where full online casino gambling is not yet legal, players often turn to offshore gambling websites that operate outside U.S. regulatory oversight.
Offshore platforms typically offer a wide range of games, including digital slot machines, live dealer tables, poker rooms, and sports betting. Since these sites are based in foreign jurisdictions, they can accept U.S. customers, even in states that prohibit online gambling. However, their lack of U.S. regulation means that different consumer protection standards apply.
The popularity of offshore sites demonstrates the strong demand among American players for online casino access. Unlike licensed U.S. casinos, offshore platforms are not subject to the same oversight, consumer protections, or dispute-resolution processes, which can pose risks for players.
As a result, many gaming companies and policymakers have increasingly advocated for regulated online gambling markets within the United States. Legal online casino platforms can provide oversight, generate tax revenue for states, and implement safeguards to protect players.
Today’s U.S. casino landscape combines traditional venues like Bally’s Marquette with expanding domestic and offshore online gaming. The new Marquette casino shows physical venues adapting to modern needs. The rise of online gambling signals the industry’s next major transformation.