From April 1, 1991, to March 31, 1992, Dubuque Casino Belle Inc. The Dubuque Casino Belle made her maiden voyage on April 1st 1991. Robert KEHL had the DUBUQUE CASINO BELLE constructed and quickly moved to the ICE HARBOR. In 1990 The DUBUQUE RACING ASSOCIATION was first applicant approved to operate a river gambling boat in the state of Iowa.
Riverboats were chosen over land-based casinos because it was thought they would provide the greatest economic stimulus for surrounding businesses.ĭubuque interests were quick to capitalize on the new legislation. Only 30% of the boat's square footage could be devoted to the casino, sailing was mandated rather than dockside gambling, and sections of the boat had to be devoted to persons under 21 years of age and to Iowa arts and crafts. There was a $5 minimum wager and a $200 loss limit per excursion. While the legislation was promoted as economic development, the regulatory nature of the legislation was designed to maintain the wholesome image of Iowa. Iowa became the fourth state to adopt non-Indian, commercial casino gambling preceded by Nevada (1931), New Jersey (1976), and South Dakota (1988) and the first state to introduce riverboat gambling.
This law allowed limited, low-stakes casino gambling on Iowa's rivers and lakes beginning April 1, 1991. In March 1989 the Excursion Gambling Boat Act was passed by the Iowa Legislature.
