Alex Dixon Steps Away from Dubuque’s Q Casino and DRA

Alex Dixon, the outgoing President and CEO of Q Casino and the Dubuque Racing Association (DRA), announced his decision to step away from the organization on Monday, January 13th, 2025. In a heartfelt video message, Dixon shared his gratitude for the opportunity to lead Q Casino since 2021, highlighting the achievements during his tenure, including a $150 million+ development project and significant cultural and operational advancements. He expressed confidence in the leadership team and emphasized his commitment to a seamless transition, with Brian Rakestraw named interim CEO. We wish Alex Dixon all the best as he takes on a new opportunity in his career, wherever that may take him.

Under Dixon's leadership, the DRA Board has approved and completed several phases of a multi-year renovation and expansion plan for Q Casino. The plan is integral to the broader Schmitt Island redevelopment initiative. The five-phase project, set to conclude in 2025, includes:

• Temporary Casino: Connecting the former racing grandstand area to the casino floor. Racing grandstand will become new amphitheater for premier events.
• Main Casino Upgrade: Revamping the entertainment space, including a new center bar with slot machines.
• Family Entertainment Area: Creating an all-ages zone in the current temporary casino space. Grand opening of Island Social is November 27th and Townsquare Media Dubuque will be on location at the event.
• New Hotel: Constructing a hotel with a rooftop restaurant. Currently under construction.
• Exterior Enhancements: Modernizing the building façade, outdoor signage, landscaping, and parking.

These improvements are expected to boost local tourism and gaming revenue while reinforcing Q Casino's role in Dubuque's economy. The project aligns with the Schmitt Island Master Plan, promising a broader range of amenities and entertainment for residents and visitors alike.

Reflecting on the significance of the facility updates and developments, Brian Rakestraw, emphasized in the past, “Q Casino has historically played an integral role in the local economy and consistently made valuable, gaming-related payments to the City of Dubuque. However, just like any business, we must also reinvest in ourselves if we want to grow, especially as new, nearby gaming properties in Wisconsin and Illinois open up.”