Exhibit 10.9A

                              OPERATING AGREEMENT

      This OPERATING AGREEMENT is made this 22nd day of February, 1993, between
DUBUQUE RACING ASSOCIATION, LTD., an Iowa nonprofit corporation, (hereinafter
referred to as "DRA") and GREATER DUBUQUE RIVERBOAT ENTERTAINMENT COMPANY, L.C.,
an Iowa limited liability company, (hereinafter referred to as "Greater
Dubuque").

      RECITALS:

      A. Chapter 99F of the Iowa Code, together with rules and regulations of
the Iowa Racing and Gaming Commission, authorizes excursion boat gambling in the
State of Iowa.

      B. DRA, a qualified sponsoring organization, presently holds a license to
conduct gambling games under Chapter 99F and other Iowa statutes referred to
therein.

      C. DRA and Greater Dubuque will jointly file an application with the Iowa
Racing and Gaming Commission for the purpose of obtaining the necessary licenses
to conduct gambling games and operate an excursion gambling boat pursuant to the
terms of this Agreement.

      D. The parties, through their joint efforts and subject to the terms and
conditions of this Operating Agreement, wish to conduct riverboat gambling in
the Dubuque, Iowa area.

      NOW, THEREFORE, IT IS AGREED AS FOLLOWS:

      1. TERM. This Agreement shall become effective immediately and shall
terminate at 11:59 p.m. on March 31, 1996. Greater Dubuque shall have the option
to renew and extend this operating Agreement for two (2) consecutive 3-year
terms; commencing April 1, 1996 and April 1, 1999, under the same terms and
conditions as during the initial term. If Greater Dubuque elects to exercise its
first 3-year renewal option, it shall do so by notice in writing to DRA prior to
September 1, 1995. If Greater Dubuque elects to exercise its second 3-year
renewal option commencing April 1, 1999, it shall do so by notice in writing to
DRA prior to September 1, 1998. Notwithstanding the foregoing, if Greater
Dubuque is in default on the last day of the term of this Agreement or on the
last day of the initial 3-year renewal term, Greater Dubuque shall not have the
right to renew and extend this Operating Agreement for any subsequent period.
Also, Greater Dubuque shall not be entitled to renew this Operating Agreement
for the second 3-year renewal term commencing April 1, 1999, unless it has
previously exercised its option to renew for the prior 3-year renewal term
commencing April 1, 1996.


      During the term of this Agreement and during any 3-year renewal term, both
parties shall in good faith endeavor to maintain in good standing their
respective gambling licenses under Chapter 99F of the Iowa Code. However, if the
gambling license of one or both parties expires and is not renewed by the Iowa
Racing and Gaming Commission for reasons other than the fault, negligence or
omission of said party or one of its officers, directors, employees or agents,
then said failure to obtain renewal of said gambling license shall not
constitute a breach of this Agreement.

      Nothing herein will preclude the parties from mutually agreeing to
terminate this Operating Agreement or from entering into a new or amended
agreement at any time.

      Excursion riverboat operations shall begin as soon as practicable in the
April 1, 1993 - March 31, 1994 excursion gambling boat season. The parties at
this time have targeted June 1, 1993 or before as the beginning date of such
operations but mutually recognize that certain other events beyond their control
may result in operations commencing after June 1, 1993.

      2. DECISION-MAKING RESPONSIBILITIES. Greater Dubuque shall consult with
DRA and secure the consent of DRA on all matters of policy, including without
limitation the following:

      (a)   Setting ticket price levels and admission price levels;

      (b)   Determining the number and types of gaming devices, the total square
            footage of the casino area, and the furnishing of the excursion
            gambling boat;

      (c)   Determining matters of policy relating to advertising, marketing,
            hiring of Greater Dubuque employees, public relations,
            entertainment, pricing, quality, and passenger relations with
            regard to excursion gambling boat operations;

      (d)   Setting the number of excursions per year and approving the length
            of each excursion;

      (e)   Setting routes and docking sites for the excursion gambling boat;

      (f)   Determining policies relating to the issuance of complimentary
            passes for admission to the excursion gambling boat;

      (g)   Determining all other policies relating to the operation of the
            excursion gambling boat or the conducting of gambling games.


                                      -2-


DRA and Greater Dubuque shall each form a separate committee consisting of not
more than three (3) individuals for the purpose of consulting and reaching
mutual agreement (subject to final approval by the DRA Board) with regard to the
above referred to matters and any other matters of policy. If the parties cannot
agree on a matter of policy, the issue shall be submitted to arbitration under
the provisions of paragraph 6 herein.

      All day-to-day operational matters pertaining to the excursion gambling
boat operation shall be the responsibility of Greater Dubuque and shall be
carried out by Greater Dubuque without the necessity of consulting with DRA.

      3. CONDITIONS PRECEDENT TO CONTRACT. This Operating Agreement shall be
effective only if all of the following conditions are satisfied:

      (a)   The filing by no later than February 22, 1993, of a joint
            application by DRA and Greater Dubuque with the Iowa Racing and
            Gaming Commission for licenses to conduct gambling games and to
            operate an excursion gambling boat.

      (b)   Approval of the joint application referred to in subparagraph 3(a)
            above by the Iowa Racing and Gaming Commission at its March 1993
            meeting and the subsequent issuance of the required licenses.

      (c)   Approval of this Operating Agreement, and any amendments thereto, by
            the Iowa Racing and Gaming Commission.

      (d)   Greater Dubuque obtaining adequate financing, including invested
            equity capital, and providing evidence thereof acceptable to DRA
            prior to the filing of the joint application for licenses referred
            to in subparagraph 3(a) above.

      (e)   Termination no later than May 1, 1993, of the existing Sublease
            Agreement between DRA, as lessor, and Dubuque Casino Belle, Inc., as
            lessee, dated July 2, 1990. It is DRA's position that said Sublease
            will automatically terminate effective March 31, 1993, by reason of
            the termination of the DRA - Dubuque Casino Belle, Inc. Operating
            Agreement.

      (f)   Amendment of the DRA - City of Dubuque Lease Agreement covering the
            dock site and parking facilities for the purpose of (1) permitting
            the subleasing of the property by DRA to Greater Dubuque and (2)
            permitting, if necessary, the construction of a physical facility
            for ticket sales upon the leased


                                      -3-


            premises or upon some other premises, not currently leased,
            acceptable to Greater Dubuque and DRA.

      (g)   The execution of a Sublease Agreement between DRA, as lessor, and
            Greater Dubuque, as lessee, to be effective no later than May 1,
            1993, and covering the premises presently leased by DRA to Dubuque
            Casino Belle, Inc. Said Sublease Agreement shall be subject to the
            approval of the City of Dubuque. Through this sublease, Greater
            Dubuque will be provided with a dock site, berthing location, and a
            parking area, which parking area is identified as Parking Lot #1 and
            Parking Lot #2 under the Ice Harbor Parking Agreement dated July 2,
            1990, with the City of Dubuque and other parties. The Sublease shall
            also provide, if necessary, a location to construct a ticket sale
            facility.

            If it is necessary for Greater Dubuque to construct a facility for
            ticket sales, the particulars of such facility, including its size
            and design, shall be mutually agreed upon by the parties prior to
            construction. The cost of construction and all related expenses,
            including utility hookups, shall be divided between Greater Dubuque
            and DRA as they mutually agree prior to commencement of
            construction. If the parties cannot agree, then the issue of
            cost-sharing shall be submitted to arbitration under the provisions
            of paragraph 6 herein.

      (h)   Greater Dubuque obtaining by no later than February 22, 1993, signed
            contracts, acceptable to both Greater Dubuque and DRA, in respect to
            the purchase or lease/purchase of gaming equipment and an excursion
            gambling boat having a passenger capacity acceptable to DRA.

      (i)   Greater Dubuque, prior to May 1, 1993, giving written notice to all
            applicable parties to the Ice Harbor Parking Agreement dated July 2,
            1990, stating that Greater Dubuque adopts and assumes all rights and
            obligations that are applicable to an excursion gambling boat
            operator under said Agreement.

If any of the foregoing conditions are not satisfied, this Operating Agreement
shall be null and void unless the unsatisfied condition is waived in writing by
both parties.

      4. FINANCIAL MATTERS. All revenues resulting from the operation of the
excursion gambling boat shall initially be collected by Greater Dubuque and
shall be paid and divided between the parties on the following basis:


                                      -4-


      (a)   Payments to DRA.

            (1)   Greater Dubuque shall initially pay no admission fee to DRA.
                  Greater Dubuque shall pay to DRA an admission fee only if
                  mutually agreed to by the parties in the future.

                  Greater Dubuque shall be responsible for payment of any and
                  all fees owing to the State of Iowa and local governments
                  under Section 99F.10 of the Iowa Code or under any other state
                  or local law, regulation or ordinance. Greater Dubuque shall
                  indemnify and hold DRA harmless from any and all claims
                  relating to fees owing to the State of Iowa or local
                  governments under Section 99F.10 of the Iowa Code or under any
                  other state or local law, regulation, or ordinance.

            (2)   During each April 1 - March 31 excursion season, Greater
                  Dubuque shall pay to DRA a percentage of "net gambling
                  receipts" from gambling games, which percentage shall be as
                  follows:

                        8% of the first $5,000,000
                        10% of the next $5,000,000
                        12.5% of the next $5,000,000
                        15% of all "net gambling receipts"
                          in excess of $15,000,000.

                  For this purpose, the term "net gambling receipts" includes
                  gross receipts from gambling games, less amounts returned as
                  winnings to players and the state wagering tax imposed by
                  Section 99F.11 of the Iowa Code. This payment shall be made to
                  DRA weekly and within the time period required for remission
                  of the wagering tax to the State of Iowa under Section 99F.11
                  of the Iowa Code or under any other state or local law,
                  regulation or ordinance. Greater Dubuque shall be responsible
                  for remittance of all wagering taxes owing to the State of
                  Iowa under Section 99F.11 of the Iowa Code or under any other
                  state or local law, regulation or ordinance. Greater Dubuque
                  shall indemnify and hold DRA harmless from and against any and
                  all claims relating to wagering or other taxes owing to the
                  State of Iowa or any local government under Section 99F.11 of
                  the Iowa Code or under any other state or local law,
                  regulation, or ordinance.


                                      -5-


            (3)   For each April 1 - March 31 excursion season, the minimum
                  payment to DRA under subparagraphs (a)(1) [if applicable] and
                  (a)(2) above shall be $1,000,000, and any amount required to
                  satisfy the minimum shall be payable by Greater Dubuque within
                  15 days after the end of each April 1 - March 31 excursion
                  season. Any required payment under this subparagraph shall be
                  reduced by an appropriate proration if fewer than 12 months of
                  operation are carried out during the April 1, 1993 - March 31,
                  1994 initial excursion season.

                  The minimum payment to DRA under this subparagraph, as set
                  forth above, shall be reduced for any April 1 - March 31
                  excursion season during which:

                  (A)   Either excursion boat gambling or a land-based slot or
                        casino operation is carried on by an operator licensee
                        under the laws of Illinois and/or Wisconsin; and

                  (B)   The Illinois and/or Wisconsin licensed operator is a
                        business entity other than Greater Dubuque or a
                        corporation or business entity owned or controlled by
                        Greater Dubuque, even though Greater Dubuque or a
                        corporation or business entity owned or controlled by
                        Greater Dubuque is also an Illinois and/or Wisconsin
                        licensed operator carrying on excursion boat gambling or
                        land-based slot or casino operations under the laws of
                        Illinois and/or Wisconsin at locations other than Jo
                        Daviess County, Illinois and Grant County, Wisconsin;
                        and

                  (C)   The Illinois and/or Wisconsin licensed operator
                        maintains an excursion boat gambling dock site in Jo
                        Daviess County, Illinois and/or Grant County, Wisconsin
                        or, in the case of land-based slot or casino operations,
                        carries on said operations in Jo Daviess County,
                        Illinois and/or Grant County, Wisconsin; and

                  (D)   The Illinois and/or Wisconsin licensed operator conducts
                        either excursion boat gambling or a land-based slot or
                        casino operation from Jo Daviess County, Illinois and/or
                        Grant County, Wisconsin


                                      -6-


                        during the period from May 1 through October 31.

                  If all of the above conditions exist, the $1,000,000 payment
                  otherwise guaranteed by Greater Dubuque to DRA shall be
                  reduced by $83,333.33 for each full calendar month that the
                  Illinois and/or Wisconsin licensed operator conducts excursion
                  boat gambling or land-based slot or casino gambling from Jo
                  Daviess County, Illinois and/or Grant County, Wisconsin, from
                  May 1 through October 31.

      (b)   Revenues retained by Greater Dubuque. Except for amounts due DRA
            under subparagraphs (a)(1), (a)(2), and (a)(3) above,

            (1)   Greater Dubuque shall be entitled to retain all net gambling
                  receipts; and

            (2)   Greater Dubuque shall be entitled to retain all other
                  receipts, including but not limited to those from food and
                  beverage concessions, entertainment, sale of arts, crafts and
                  gifts, and sale of tickets.

      (c)   Parking revenues. Net revenues, if any, from parking of vehicles at
            the dock site shall be paid and divided between Greater Dubuque and
            DRA as determined by mutual agreement. Both parties acknowledge that
            presently no charge is made for parking of vehicles and that any
            future agreement between the parties relating to net revenues from
            parking may be subject to the consent of the City of Dubuque.

      5. LAND-BASED CASINO OPERATION. In the event land-based casino or slot
operations become authorized under Iowa law, DRA may elect to conduct such
operations. If DRA elects to conduct such operations, then the parties agree as
follows:

      (a)   DRA shall give written notice to Greater Dubuque, informing Greater
            Dubuque of its intention to conduct a land-based casino and/or slot
            operation. Within 60 days thereafter, Greater Dubuque may elect by
            written notice to DRA to manage such operation, in which event DRA
            and Greater Dubuque shall enter into a management agreement. Under
            the management agreement, Greater Dubuque shall be responsible for
            furnishing all equipment and for the supervision of the operation,
            including all employee costs. Greater Dubuque shall pay DRA a
            percentage of net gambling receipts derived from


                                      -7-


            the land-based casino and/or slot operation, which percentage
            payment shall be mutually agreed upon by the parties. If the parties
            cannot agree, the issue of said percentage payment amount shall be
            submitted to arbitration under the provisions of paragraph 6 herein.

      (b)   If Greater Dubuque does not elect to manage such land-based casino
            or slot operation within the 60-day period referred to in
            subparagraph (a) above, then DRA shall have the right, without
            Greater Dubuque's consent, to manage such operation itself or enter
            into a management agreement with a third party of DRA's choosing.

      6. LIMITED ARBITRATION. Certain paragraphs of this Agreement require that
matters which cannot be mutually agreed upon by the parties shall be submitted
to arbitration pursuant to the provisions of this paragraph 6. In such event,
the matter, dispute or issue shall be resolved through arbitration in accordance
with the Commercial Arbitration Rules of the American Arbitration Association,
and the arbitration decision shall be binding upon both parties. As to all other
issues, matters and disputes which are not required to be resolved through
arbitration, each party shall have all legal and equitable rights and remedies
as provided by law.

      7. RIGHT OF FIRST REFUSAL. In the event Greater Dubuque shall desire to
sell or lease the excursion gambling boat and its furnishings and gambling
equipment (hereinafter referred to as "furnishings and equipment") and/or its
interest in any ticket sale facility (hereinafter referred to as the "building")
constructed by it and obtains a bona fide offer from a third party for the
purchase or lease of the excursion gambling boat and its furnishings and
equipment and/or for its interest in said building, then DRA shall be given
written notice of any such offer, including a copy of such offer and any related
purchase or lease document; and DRA shall have the option to purchase or lease
the excursion gambling boat and its furnishings and equipment and/or Greater
Dubuque's interest in the building for the amount of the bona fide offer made by
the third party and upon the same terms and conditions as set forth in the third
party offer. DRA shall have 90 days following receipt of such written notice of
the third party offer in which to exercise its option to purchase or lease,
notice of which exercise by DRA shall be given in writing to Greater Dubuque
within said 90-day period.

      If the bona fide offer to purchase or lease received by Greater Dubuque
from a third party relates only to the excursion gambling boat and its
furnishings and equipment and DRA exercises its option to purchase said boat and
its furnishings and equipment under this paragraph, then DRA shall also have the
right and option, at the same time, to purchase Greater Dubuque's interest in


                                      -8-


the building. If the parties cannot reach an agreement as to the fair market
value of Greater Dubuque's interest in the building, then one appraiser shall be
chosen by Greater Dubuque and one appraiser shall be chosen by DRA to value
Greater Dubuque's interest in the building. The two appraisers shall together
determine the fair market value of Greater Dubuque's interest in the building,
which value shall be the amount paid to Greater Dubuque if DRA exercises its
option to purchase. In the event the two appraisers cannot agree on a fair
market value, then they shall jointly choose a third appraiser whose decision as
to fair market value shall be binding. "Fair market value", as used herein with
respect to Greater Dubuque's interest in the building, shall mean fair market
value determined as though Greater Dubuque's interest in the building and the
land on which it is situated is a fee simple interest. Using such approach, the
appraiser or appraisers shall state the fair market value of the land and the
building separately, and DRA shall pay Greater Dubuque only the amount
separately stated for the building. The cost of all appraisals shall be paid 50%
by DRA and 50% by Greater Dubuque.

      In the event DRA exercises its option to purchase or lease under the terms
of this paragraph 7, closing of the purchase or lease shall occur as soon as
possible and by no later than 90 days following exercise of DRA's option.

      By this Agreement it is intended that DRA shall have a right of first
refusal with respect to Greater Dubuque's proposed sale or lease of the
excursion gambling boat and its furnishings and equipment and/or Greater
Dubuque's interest in the ticket sale facility. Both parties acknowledge that
any such sale or lease may be subject to the approval of the Iowa Racing and
Gaming Commission.

      If DRA fails to exercise its option to purchase or lease within the 90-day
period referred to above, then Greater Dubuque shall be free to proceed with the
proposed sale or lease to a third party upon the terms set forth in the bona
fide offer.

      DRA's right of first refusal and options under this paragraph shall be
effective only during the term of this Agreement and any renewal term as
referred to in paragraph 1 herein and shall not be effective following
expiration of said term or renewal term. DRA's exercise or nonexercise of its
right of first refusal and options under this paragraph shall not relieve
Greater Dubuque from performing any obligation which it is otherwise required to
perform under the terms of this Agreement. Greater Dubuque's attempted or actual
sale or lease of the excursion gambling boat and its furnishings and equipment
or its interest in the building during the unexpired term of this Operating
Agreement or during the unexpired term of any renewal period shall constitute a
breach of this Agreement unless consented to in writing by DRA.


                                      -9-


      8. RESPONSIBILITY FOR OPERATIONS. With regard to all operations and
activities relating to the excursion gambling boat and dock site facilities, the
parties agree as follows:

      (a)   Greater Dubuque shall be in possession of the excursion gambling
            boat and in charge of operating, on a day-to-day basis, the boat and
            all other on-board entities, including personnel, docking, embarking
            and disembarking of boat passengers.

      (b)   Greater Dubuque will hire all gaming and nongaming employees and
            will be responsible for their supervision and direction. All of said
            individuals shall be considered as employees of Greater Dubuque, and
            Greater Dubuque shall be responsible for payment of all payroll
            taxes and government reporting with respect to Greater Dubuque's
            employment of said individuals.

      (c)   Greater Dubuque shall be responsible for complying with all
            requirements of Chapter 99F of the Iowa Code and all rules and
            regulations of the Iowa Racing and Gaming Commission except those
            which require compliance solely by DRA.

      (d)   Greater Dubuque shall indemnify and hold harmless DRA from and
            against any and all liabilities, obligations, claims, damages,
            causes of action, costs and expenses imposed upon, incurred by, or
            asserted against DRA by reason of any accident, injury to or death
            of persons, or loss of or damage to property occurring on the
            excursion gambling boat or upon the building premises. The
            respective duties and responsibilities of the parties with respect
            to the dock site (other than the building premises) and the parking
            area shall be covered under the Sublease Agreement to be entered
            into between DRA, as lessor, and Greater Dubuque, as lessee.

      (e)   Greater Dubuque shall procure and maintain, at Greater Dubuque's
            expense, comprehensive public liability insurance insuring both
            Greater Dubuque and DRA in an amount not less than $10,000,000
            single limit. Said liability insurance policy shall apply with
            respect to the excursion gambling boat and any building premises. A
            copy of said policy or policies shall be provided to DRA. Liability
            insurance in an amount not less than $5,000,000 single limit shall
            also be obtained by Greater Dubuque to cover the dock site and the
            parking area and shall be more specifically covered


                                      -10-


            under the Sublease between DRA, as lessor, and Greater Dubuque, as
            lessee.

      (f)   Greater Dubuque shall be responsible for maintaining adequate
            security on the excursion gambling boat and on the building
            premises. The Sublease Agreement between DRA, as lessor, and Greater
            Dubuque, as lessee, shall also require Greater Dubuque to maintain
            adequate security upon the dock site and parking area covered under
            the Sublease.

      (g)   Matters and policies relating to public parking in the dock and
            surrounding area are controlled by the Ice Harbor Parking Agreement
            dated July 2, 1990, the terms of which are incorporated herein by
            reference.

      (h)   Cooperative advertising and joint marketing efforts will be jointly
            conducted by Greater Dubuque and DRA. To facilitate such cooperative
            advertising and joint marketing efforts, each party will appoint a
            separate committee of not more than three (3) individuals, who will
            jointly negotiate and agree upon such cooperative advertising and
            joint marketing efforts, which agreement shall be subject to final
            approval by the DRA Board of Directors. Nothing herein shall prevent
            either party from conducting individual advertising and marketing on
            said party's own behalf.

      9. RIGHTS OF DRA DURING CONTRACT TERM. During the term of this Agreement,
one or more DRA designated representatives shall have the right at any time to
inspect the excursion gambling boat, the building, the boat docking facility,
and any other premises upon one day's advance notification to Greater Dubuque.
It is mutually intended that the excursion gambling boat and dock site facility
premises shall be kept clean and in good repair and that operations in general
shall be conducted on a first class basis.

      10. RELATIONSHIP AND DUTIES WITH RESPECT TO THE STATE OF IOWA AND THE
RACING AND GAMING COMMISSION.

      (a)   Both parties acknowledge that with the filing of an application for
            licenses, the applicant must pay a nonrefundable application fee to
            the Racing and Gaming Commission of $25,000, which shall be paid
            one-half (1/2) by DRA and one-half (1/2) by Greater Dubuque. All
            additional fees assessed by the State in connection with the
            processing of the application and investigative matters, including
            any investigative fee payable to the Department of Public Safety,
            shall be paid by the party to which such fees are allocable. Each
            party will be


                                      -11-


            responsible for its own legal fees and other expenses relating to
            the licensing process.

      (b)   Greater Dubuque and DRA will comply with all standards adopted by
            the Iowa Racing and Gaming Commission relating to boat operations,
            facilities, conducting gambling games, wagering rules, and all other
            applicable federal, state, and local laws.

      (c)   Greater Dubuque and DRA shall prepare and file all reports,
            including financial reports, as required of them, respectively, by
            Iowa law and rules and regulations of the Iowa Racing and Gaming
            Commission. In addition, each party shall keep such books and
            records and have audits performed as required of them, respectively,
            by Iowa law and the Iowa Racing and Gaming Commission. Any and all
            reports, financial records, books, data, and audit information
            prepared by one party to this Agreement, regardless of whether or
            not required by state law, shall be furnished to the other party
            voluntarily and upon request. By this provision it is intended that
            any and all data related directly or indirectly to the excursion
            gambling boat operation shall be available to each party.

      (d)   Both parties shall fully cooperate with the Iowa Racing and Gaming
            Commission and with any other state agencies relating to the
            licensing procedure and all other matters covered under the terms of
            this Agreement.

      (e)   DRA and Greater Dubuque shall procure and maintain all such surety
            bonds which they each may be required by law to provide.

      11. COVENANTS OF GREATER DUBUQUE AND DRA. During the term of the
Agreement, each party covenants as follows:

      (a)   Greater Dubuque agrees that it will not, without the consent of DRA,
            operate an excursion gambling boat from dock sites in Dubuque
            County, Iowa, Jo Daviess County, Illinois, or Grant County,
            Wisconsin under the laws of said jurisdictions other than under the
            terms of this Agreement, and Greater Dubuque shall not contract with
            any other nonprofit corporation holding a gambling license for
            excursion gambling boat operations in Dubuque County, Iowa, for as
            long as this Agreement is in effect.

      (b)   Greater Dubuque agrees that the excursion gambling boat to be
            operated under the terms of this Agree-


                                      -12-


            ment shall not be used by Greater Dubuque for the benefit of any
            other licensed holder or for any purpose other than riverboat
            gambling without DRA's approval.

      (c)   DRA covenants and agrees that during the term of this Agreement it
            will not conduct excursion gambling boat operations with any
            excursion gambling boat licensed operator other than Greater Dubuque
            without Greater Dubuque's consent.

      12. DEFAULT. The occurrence of any one or more of the following events
shall constitute a default by a party hereunder:

      (a)   Failure of the party to perform or comply with any of the duties and
            obligations imposed upon said party under the terms of this
            Agreement.

      (b)   The suspension or revocation of the party's license under Chapter
            99F of the Iowa Code by the State of Iowa or the Iowa Racing and
            Gaming Commission.

      (c)   Failure of the party to follow and comply with any applicable
            federal, state, municipal or other local laws, ordinances, rules and
            regulations, including, without limitation, any and all laws and
            regulations of the State of Iowa and the Iowa Racing and Gaming
            Commission relating to excursion boat gambling.

      (d)   The party's adjudication as a bankrupt or as insolvent, or the
            appointment of a receiver, or an assignment for the benefit of
            creditors by or on behalf of either party.

      (e)   Liquidation or dissolution of the party, which liquidation or
            dissolution is not caused by the other party.

If one of the foregoing acts of default occurs and is not remedied by the
defaulting party within 30 days after the giving of written notice by the
nondefaulting party of said default, then the nondefaulting party shall have all
legal and equitable rights and remedies provided at law, including termination
of this contract, specific performance, or injunctive relief. The remedies of
the nondefaulting party shall be cumulative and the exercise of any one or more
remedies provided at law shall not be construed as a waiver of any other
remedies. Further, no course of dealing between the parties or failure on the
part of a nondefaulting party to exercise any right or remedy shall operate as a
waiver of such right to claim a default in the future.


                                      -13-


      Neither party shall be liable under this Agreement or deemed in default of
this Agreement for any loss, damage, delay or failure of performance of any part
of this Agreement resulting, directly or indirectly, from any force majeure
event, including without limitation lightning; power surges, fluctuations or
failures; strikes or labor disputes; floods; acts of God; the elements, war,
civil disturbances, and acts of civil or military authorities, or the public
enemy; fuel or energy shortages; condemnation or taking by eminent domain;
restraining order or injunction issued by a court upon the application or
petition of a nonparty to this Agreement; damage or destruction of a party's
boat, building or other propriety or of the property it contains, in whole or in
part, except to the extent of any responsibility a party may have under this
Agreement for negligence or willful misconduct.

      13. MISCELLANEOUS PROVISIONS.

      (a)   Notices. All notices, requests, demands, and other communications
            hereunder shall be deemed to have been given if delivered in person
            or if sent by certified mail, postage prepaid, to the other party at
            the following addresses (or such other address as may be designated
            in writing):

            To DRA:           Dubuque Racing Association, Ltd.
                              Attention: General Manager
                              P. 0. Box 3190
                              Dubuque, IA 52004-3190

            To Greater        Greater Dubuque Riverboat
            Dubuque:          Entertainment Company
                              Attention: Joseph P. Zwack
                              1890 John F. Kennedy Road
                              Dubuque, IA 52002

      (b)   Relationship of Parties. Nothing in this Agreement shall be
            construed to create a partnership between the parties, a
            relationship of employer and employee between the parties, or a
            relationship of principal and agent between the parties.

      (c)   Nonassignability. Neither party may assign any of its rights, duties
            or obligations under this Agreement, in whole or in part, to any
            other person, firm, corporation or entity without the written
            consent of the other party. However, it is agreed that either party
            may assign its rights under this Agreement for the sole purpose of
            securing and collateralizing a loan owing by said party to a lender.

      (d)   Successors and Assigns. This Agreement and all of the obligations,
            duties and rights of the parties


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            hereunder shall inure to and be binding upon the heirs, successors
            and assigns of the parties to the extent that assignment is
            permitted under paragraph 13(c) above.

      (e)   Governing Law. This Agreement and all rights and duties hereunder,
            including, but not limited to, all matters of construction, validity
            and performance, shall be governed by the laws of the State of Iowa.

      (f)   Complete Agreement. This Agreement embodies all of the
            representations, warranties and agreements of the parties and
            supersedes all prior oral and written proposals and communications.

      (g)   Construction. This Agreement shall be construed to comply with all
            applicable Iowa laws, Commission rules, and regulations relating to
            excursion boat gambling and may be amended from time to time in
            order to comply with such laws, Commission rules, and regulations.

      (h)   Amendment. This Agreement may be amended or modified at any time but
            only by a writing signed by both parties.

      (i)   Headings. Paragraph headings herein are for reference purposes only.

      Dated this 22nd day of February, 1993.

                                        DUBUQUE RACING ASSOCIATION, LTD.

                                        By /s/ Norma Denlinger
                                           -------------------------------------
                                           Norma Denlinger, President

                                        By /s/ Sharon Finnin
                                           -------------------------------------
                                           Sharon Finnin, Treasurer


                                        GREATER DUBUQUE RIVERBOAT
                                        ENTERTAINMENT COMPANY, L.C.

                                        By /s/ Joseph P. Zwack
                                           -------------------------------------
                                           Joseph P. Zwack, Managing Member


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