Isle of Capri unveils new land-based casino plan; seeks approval for site adjacent to its hotels

The long-anticipated move of Bettendorf's Isle of Capri Casino from its riverboat to a land-based site is moving forward with the firm seeking approval to build a 70,000 square foot casino in the courtyard between its two existing hotel towers along the city riverfront.

The move to land by the Isle would mark the end of the era of riverboat casinos in the Quad Cities. The Rhythm City casino riverboat in Davenport (now owned by competing gambling operator Dan Kehl) is slated to move from its riverfront location in downtown Davenport to a new facility at Interstate 74 and 80. The Isle had indicated it planned to move to a land-based operation, but details of where the new casino would be built had not been announced.

In its filing with the city planning and zoning commission, the Isle is asking for approval of a 70,000 square foot casino to be built in the courtyard and entrance drive area near the north and south towers of the existing Isle of Capri hotel complex.

The plan also would require removal of the entry structure on the east side of the south tower hotel to make room for the new casino building.

The city's planning and zoning commission is scheduled to consider the site plan for the Isle land-based casino plans at its June 18 meeting.

CLICK HERE to download a copy of the Isle's proposed land-based casino site plan.