Ribbon cut on Casino Queen Marquette
By Audrey Posten, North Iowa Times Editor
Lady Luck Casino had its grand re-opening as Casino Queen Marquette June 16, with a ribbon cutting including casino management and employees, Marquette city officials, Upper Mississippi Gaming Corporation directors and representatives from both the Prairie du Chien and McGregor-Marquette Chambers of Commerce.
In October 2016, Isle of Capri Casinos, Inc., announced the sale of the Marquette casino to CQ Holdings, Inc., the parent company of the Casino Queen in East St. Louis, Ill. The Marquette casino, which has been in the community for 22 years, became part of the Casino Queen family in March.
With the switch, said Casino Queen Marquette General Manager Don Ostert, Casino Queen Marquette is the first 100-percent, employee-owned casino in Iowa. It’s also just the second in the nation, behind the Casino Queen in East St. Louis.
While the transition has brought a lot of changes, Ostert said the casino will still maintain its commitment to great service, its relationships with local vendors and its partnerships with the local communities. Plus, he joked, the casino still has Pinky, the notable pink elephant.
“We’re proud to be part of the community,” added Jeff Watson, Casino Queen President and General Manager, “and we’re excited to welcome all the employees into the Casino Queen family.”