ABOUT US

The DRA is a dynamic community resource.

The DRA has been a key organization in the Dubuque Community since 1985.

Racing is what we did, but we are resilient for the future.

In the beginning, the focus was on the greyhound track, which brought desired jobs to the region. Years later, gaming and entertainment were added to co-exist with the greyhounds.

We have come to a NEW ERA in which we need to pivot once again. As the greyhound track leaves Dubuque, we want to share the DRA’s stories of racing, charitable organizations, partnership with the Dubuque Community and where we plan to be in the future.

OUR MISSION

The DRA, through its 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.

OUR VISION

The DRA is a dynamic community resource, acting as a catalyst to enhance the quality of life and financial well-being for the tri-state community.

OUR VALUES

Community
Growth
Impact
Equity
Integrity
Vision

OUR HISTORY

’84

Iowa State Legislature passes the Pari-Mutuel Wagering Act.

Allowing greyhound and horse racing. The Dubuque Racing Association forms.

’84

Dubuque citizens pass a $7.9M general-obligation bond to fund the racetrack.

’85

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

’91

DRA pays off the remaining $2.7M of the original $7.9M general obligation bond.

14 years ahead of schedule, making Dubuque Greyhound Park the first debt-free racing facility in Iowa.

’94

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

’94

The first Diamond Jo Casino riverboat begins operations.

’95

Dubuque Greyhound Park & Casino opens its 11,675 square ft casino with 600 slot machines.

QSO begins. All Iowa casino must be affiliated with a non-profit, known as a Qualified Sponsored Organization.

’95

First Diamond Jo Casino riverboat is replaced with a larger riverboat.

’99

Peninsula Gaming purchases Diamond Jo Casino.

’02

Dubuque County passes a county-wide referendum.

Reaffirms their desire to have gaming in the county, with an overwhelming 80% of the vote.

’05

Dubuque Greyhound Park & Casino completes a $33M renovation.

Increases the casino size to 29,600 square ft.

’06

Dubuque Greyhound Park & Casino adds table games.

’08

Diamond Jo Casino opens an $84M land-based facility.

180,000 square ft entertainment complex

’09

Dubuque Greyhound Park & Casino renamed Mystique.

A $10M renovation includes incorporating a French theme throughout the casino, as well as adding a new steakhouse, buffet and entertainment area.

’10

Dubuque County passes a 2nd county-wide referendum.

Reaffirms their desire to have gaming in the county, with an overwhelming 82% of the vote.

’12

Boyd Gaming Corporation purchases Diamond Jo Casino.

’14

Mystique purchases Hilton Garden Inn and Houlihan’s Restaurant.

’14

Iowa legislature passes bill eliminating the requirement to hold greyhound races at Mystique.

’17

Mystique Casino rebrands as Q Casino.

’19

Sports betting added to both the Q Casino and Diamond Jo Casino.

’21

DRA retires debt from previous remodel and makes final payment to Greyhounds.

’22

DRA & City of Dubuque enter new lease.

The new lease allows for the annual distribution to be split equally between charitable, City of Dubuque, and Schmitt Island Development.

’22

Greyhound run their final race.

After 37 seasons, the greyhounds ran their last race on May 15, 2022.

’23

Q Casino Announces $75M+ Redevelopment

The redevelopment includes a renovated casino floor, family entertainment zone, new boutique hotel, rooftop restaurant and bar, and outdoor concert venue.