DraftKings at Casino Queen embarks on $10m expansion
Illinois property to build state-of-the-art retail sportsbook to complement gaming offerings
DraftKings at Casino Queen announced on June 1 that work has begun on a $10m renovation project highlighted by the construction of a new DraftKings retail sportsbook.
The 30,000-square-foot expansion project will center around the building of a state-of-the-art sportsbook with lounge-style seating and large high-definition televisions throughout the sportsbook to make for optimal viewing. A full-service restaurant serving breakfast, lunch, and dinner will also be included, in addition to a food court with three fast-food options.
DraftKings at Casino Queen, which sits across the Mississippi River from St. Louis in East St. Louis, Illinois, was originally established as the Casino Queen in 1993 before rebranding last July to incorporate its sports betting partner.
“Sports wagering has greatly elevated Illinois gaming and we are creating an environment at DraftKings at Casino Queen to capture that excitement,” said Casino Queen president and CEO Terry Downey.
DraftKings at Casino Queen has enlisted JCJ Architecture – which has worked on similar projects for gaming properties in New York, including Resorts World New York City and Resorts World Catskills – to spearhead the expansion, which is expected to take six months to complete.
“Through our partnership with DraftKings, a cutting-edge sportsbook, and exceptional new dining experiences, we will soon offer a gaming destination that is unmatched in this region,” Downey said.
Illinois has grown into one of the biggest sports betting markets in the US since launching online and retail betting in March 2020, amassing over $3.6bn in handle.