About Upper Mississippi Gaming Corporation

UMGC Mission Statement

Upper Mississippi Gaming Corporation is a non-profit charitable organization dedicated to the enrichment of Clayton County, Iowa through the dispersion of funds paid by Bally's Marquette. It is the groups’ mission to award these funds to qualifying tax exempt organizations or those working in cooperation with local governments within Clayton County who cultivate projects that meet established criteria. These projects should encourage economic development, community betterment, improved cultural and recreational activity facilities, programs or activities that foster enhanced educational experiences for our youth, or improve the overall quality of life for residents of this county.

About UMGC

Upper Mississippi Gaming Corporation (formerly known as Marquette Gaming Corporation) originally formed in 1993 to meet the Iowa law requirement that riverboat casino licenses must be held by a qualified sponsoring organization. UMGC is the non-profit license holder for the Bally's Marquette located in Marquette, Iowa.

Bally's Marquette has its primary office is located at 100 Anti Monopoly, Marquette, IA  52158.  The partnership created by UMGC as the non-profit license holder and Bally's Marquette as the casino operator is a catalyst for grant awards presented annually to non-profits that are located in or benefit residents of Clayton County, Iowa.

Board of Directors

The affairs of UMGC are overseen by a Board of Directors and managed by the Executive Director. The number of Directors shall be no fewer than (7) and no greater than (9). Directors need not be residents of Clayton County Iowa but must have a vested interest in Clayton County by virtue of their residence, or the ownership of real estate or a business in Clayton County. Directors are volunteers. The Executive Director is the only paid employee of the Corporation.

By state law, the Board of Directors of a qualified sponsoring organization licensed to operate gambling games must be residents of Iowa and must include, as ex officio, nonvoting members of the board, a member of the county board of supervisors and a member of a city council for each county and city that has a licensed gambling games facility operated by the qualified sponsoring organization.

Executive Director

The business affairs are carried out by an Executive Director.

Where Does the Funding Come From?

UMGC receives its funding from Bally's Marquette.  By contract, 3.25% of the casino’s adjusted gross revenue is paid to UMGC in order to make grants available to qualified organizations.

Bally's Marquette is not involved with the UMGC granting process.

Grant Funding Process

Each year, grant applications are accepted by UMGC from non-profit organizations, government entities, and educational facilities. Requests may be for projects or programs in Clayton County or may be from outside the county if they can demonstrate a direct benefit to the residents of Clayton County.