Isle Bettendorf Moving Forward—On Land

The $60 million Isle Bettendorf in Bettendorf, Iowa will open a new era in Iowa gambling when it moves off the river and onto land sometime between May and December. Rhythm City in Davenport will open around the same time. With two 500-room towers, Isle Bettendorf's hotel will be the largest in Iowa.

The Isle Bettendorf is building a million land-based casino, expected to open in Bettendorf, Iowa between May and July, with Rhythm City Casino in North Davenport debuting at the same time. “It’s extremely exciting. Who would have thought that 25 years ago we would have the wonderful facilities and resorts that we have now?” Vice President and General Manager Nancy Ballenger said. She added there is enough business for both the Isle and Rhythm City casinos to succeed.

The opening of the land-based Isle will mark the end of 25 years of river-based floating casinos in the Quad Cities. Bettendorf Mayor Bob Gallagher said, “This is going to be a fantastic catalyst in our downtown and riverfront areas.” The casino will be connected to the Waterfront Convention Center and have walking access to the Mississippi River.

Isle already has completed $8.5 million in renovations at the South Tower of the hotel, one of two 500-room hotel towers at the property, making it the largest hotel in Iowa.

“It really is a total experience. You can come and stay here. You can dine here. You can play here. It’s really modernizing the facilities and giving the customer that convenient experience. We’re excited to be still next to the river and in the heart of the Quad Cities,” Ballenter said.