Racing and Gaming Comission hears plans to three casinos

The State Racing and Gaming Commission today heard the initial proposal from the Isle of Caprice gaming company for the purchse of the Miss Marquette riverboat/casino and the Bettendorf-based Lady Luck riverboat/casino. Company president Jack Galloway says the two Iowa casinos are part of a 420-million dollar deal to buy out the Lady Luck Gaming Company.The deal includes the two Iowa casinos and three others. Galloway says his company wants to continue the development started by Lady Luck in Bettendorf.Bettendorf Mayor Ann Hutchinson attended the meeting to listen to the presentation. She says they’re cautiously optimistic about the change.Hutchinson says Bettendorf is beginning a downtown revitalization plan and the casino will be a big part of the effort.The Isle of Capri will come back to the commission at a future meeting to seek approval of the deal.The General Manager of the Bluffs Run dog track/casino in Council Bluffs presented the state Racing and Gaming Commission an 89-million dollar renovation plan. Vern Welch says the plan would stretch over ten years. He says it includes a hotel, meeting rooms and a retail complex.Welch says they want to add 252 slot machines along with the building expansion. Welch says the casino plans coincide with plans by the Southwest Iowa Foundation to build a 27-million dollar sports complex and convention center across from the casino. The Racing and Gaming Commission will vote on the Council Bluffs proposal at their next meeting in January.