Iowa: Dubuque’s Q Casino and Resort opens new Island Social arcade with a ribbon-cutting ceremony

Iowa's Q Casino and Resort in Dubuque opened a new arcade area to the general public on Wednesday, following a ribbon-cutting ceremony the day before. Casino and community leaders on Tuesday celebrated the launch of Island Social, an all-ages family fun zone outfitted with over 75 arcade games, digital ax throwing stations, duckpin bowling lanes, and more.

“This new all-ages entertainment venue is a key part of our expansion plans to move toward becoming a resort-style destination where gaming and other entertainment options can coexist and appeal to a wide range of audiences,” Q Casino Chief Commercial Officer Stacy Kansky told BizTimes.

Island Social opened to the public at 11:00 AM on Wednesday, while a ribbon-cutting ceremony was held Tuesday in collaboration with the Dubuque Area Chamber of Commerce. More than 100 people attended the invite-only event, many of whom tried their hand at one or more of the new games.

The arcade, which is easily accessed from the casino’s main entrance, is split between tried-and-true classics such as air hockey and Skee-Ball and games meant to offer interactive, immersive experiences, BizTimes reports. 

The arcade features neon lights and more than 75 gaming stations spread throughout the space. Two private party rooms occupy the arcade’s perimeter, along with the Island Social bar and restaurant.

“We could not be more excited to be here today,” Q Casino + Resort and DRA CEO and President Alex Dixon said at Tuesday’s ribbon cutting. “We want to open up the definition of what it means to have fun, and we want to make sure that we deliver on the motto that Dubuque deserves nice things.”

The all-ages arcade is part of a multiphase, $83 million renovation project at Q Casino + Resort. Other phases include an already-completed casino remodel, as well as the construction of a seven-story hotel set to open in 2025 adjacent to the casino.

Additional amenities planned on the property include the construction of an outdoor amphitheater to the rear of the casino and a PinSeekers golf complex in the space formerly used by the greyhound race track. Both are expected to open in 2026.

“Q Casino + Resort is setting the benchmark as a premier destination for entertainment,” said Dubuque Area Chamber of Commerce President and CEO Molly Grover. “This new Island Social space is going to redefine and change the way we play in Dubuque for generations to come.”

Dixon said the goal of the arcade and other ongoing improvements is the redefinition and revitalization of the surrounding land that comprises Chaplain Schmitt Island. Such revitalization is good not only for the casino, he said, but for the area at large. 

Additionally, increased revenue means more money can flow through the DRA, the nonprofit license holder for Dubuque’s two casinos that divides funds collected from the casinos evenly among the city of Dubuque, local charities, and improvements to Chaplain Schmitt Island.

“We are a tool that can help make our community better,” Dixon said. “What might seem like games and what may seem like merely fun is actually mission critical to our community.”

The Island Social arcade is open from 11:00 AM to 11:00 PM Sunday through Thursday and from 11:00 AM to midnight Friday and Saturday. All ages are welcome, though only those 14 and older can participate in the digital ax throwing.