Dubuque Racing Association
Dubuque Racing Association through its racing, gaming and entertainment facilities provides for social, economic and community betterment and lessens the burden of Dubuque City and area Government, while contributing to the growth and viability of Dubuque Area Tourism.

About DRA

Opening on June 1, 1985, Dubuque Greyhound Park (now known as Mystique Casino) became the nation’s first non-profit greyhound track. The facility is owned by the City of Dubuque and is run under the guidance of the Dubuque Racing Association, a volunteer board comprised of 21 directors. Profits from the race track go to the City and area charitable organizations, and pari-mutuel and gaming taxes provide revenue for the City, County and State. The following is a brief history and description of Iowa’s first pari-mutuel race track.

Pie Chart

History:

1984 – Iowa State Legislature passes the Pari-Mutuel Wagering Act, allowing greyhound and horse racing. The Dubuque Racing Association forms.

1984 – Dubuque citizens pass a $7.9 million general-obligation bond to fund the racetrack.

1985 – Dubuque Greyhound Park opens as the nation’s first nonprofit greyhound track.

1991—DRA pays off the remaining $2.7 million of the original $7.9 million general obligation bond, 14 years ahead of schedule, making Dubuque Greyhound Park the first debt-free racing facility in Iowa.

1994 – Iowa State Legislature passes a bill permitting racetracks to install slot machines.

1995 – Dubuque Greyhound Park & Casino opens its 11,675 square-foot casino with 600 slot machines.

2002 – Dubuque County passes a countywide referendum to reaffirm their desire to have gaming in the county, with an overwhelming 80 percent of the vote.

2005 – Dubuque Greyhound Park & Casino completes a $33 million renovation, increasing the casino size to 29,600 square feet.

2006 - Dubuque Greyhound Park & Casino adds table games in March.

2009 - Dubuque Greyhound Park & Casino renamed Mystique. A $10 million renovation includes incorporating a French theme throughout the casino, as well as adding a new steakhouse, buffet, and entertainment area.

2010 – Dubuque County passes a countywide referendum to reaffirm their desire to have gaming in the county, with an overwhelming 82 percent of the vote.

 

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