St. Louis-based Isle of Capri announced it will close Bettendorf, Iowa riverboat on June 19 and open its new million land-based gaming and entertainment venue on June 24. “We are excited about our big little move of just 223 feet,” said Isle President and Chief Operating Officer Arnold Block. During the five-day closure, crews will transfer games, equipment and employee offices to the 82,000 square foot structure, located between the resort’s two hotel towers.
The new Isle Casino Hotel Bettendorf will feature a 35,000 square foot casino floor with 1,000 slot machines and 20 tables. Restaurant options will include the Farmer’s Pick Buffet, Keller’s American Grill Restaurant and Keller’s Express. Other new amenities will include the Lone Wolf Bar, a consolidated hotel check-in in a new entrance, a fitness center and VIP lounge. With more than 500 hotel rooms and 40,000 square feet of convention space, Isle Casino Hotel Bettendorf hosts more than 500 events each year.
Isle Chief Executive Officer Eric Hausler said, “When combined with the existing 500 hotel rooms, including the recently renovated south hotel tower, and the connected Quad Cities Waterfront Convention Center, we believe the Isle Casino Hotel Bettendorf will be uniquely positioned in the Quad Cites region and the state of Iowa for an exceptional gaming, convention and entertainment experience.”
Isle spokeswoman Jill Alexander said the riverboat will leave Bettendorf’s riverfront “at some point after the new casino opens.”
Also in Iowa, the Rhythm City Casino also will vacate its riverboat and reopen as a land-based gaming and hotel facility in Davenport on June 16. A group of Memphis buyers has purchased the boat and the barge remains for sale.
