1991
Bernard Goldstein—often referred to as the “Father of Riverboat Gaming”—opens the country’s first riverboat casino, The Diamond Lady in Bettendorf, Iowa on April 1 at 7:15a.m. Later that same day, the President Casino opens in Davenport, Iowa.
1992
The Diamond Lady moves to Biloxi, Mississippi, opens as Isle of Capri Casino, and is the first casino in the state. The Mississippi Gulf Coast would grow to become one of the largest gaming destinations in the nation.
1995
Lady Luck Gaming Corporation and the Goldstein family open a joint casino venture in Bettendorf.
2000
In March, through a merger with Lady Luck Gaming Corporation, Isle of Capri Casinos Inc. acquires the property in Bettendorf.
In October, Isle of Capri Casinos, Inc. purchases the President Casino in Davenport and re-brands it as Rhythm City Casino.
Isle of Capri purchases the historic Blackhawk Hotel in downtown Davenport.
2006
Blackhawk Hotel closes and is subsequently sold to the City of Davenport in May 2007.
2009
Sadly, on July 5, founder Bernard “Bernie” Goldstein passes away, but his legacy of caring and compassion continue to be a way of life for all that he touched.
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