Best Iowa Casinos – Compare Land-Based Casinos in Iowa and IA Online Casinos

Searching for the best online casinos in Iowa? The Hawkeye State is home to various gambling opportunities, including 23 land-based commercial and tribal casinos. However, you don’t have to travel to a nearby casino to get the ultimate gambling experience. If you choose one of our favorite online casinos in Iowa, you could do it all from the comfort of your home.

The following page will show you the best of both worlds. We’ll introduce you to the best online casinos in Iowa, show you which games you can play, provide an insight into Iowa’s gambling history, and present the best land-based casinos in the state. Most importantly, we’ll answer the ever-so-important question — is gambling legal in Iowa? Stay tuned!

The Best Iowa Casinos List

Below, you can find the best casinos in Iowa. Our team of experts deep-dived into the market and scoured the web to come up with the ultimate list. All Iowa casinos you see here offer a highly secure gambling environment, a bevy of gaming options, jaw-dropping bonuses, and fast payouts.

1. Wild Casino — Best casino in Iowa 2021
2. BetOnline — Iowa casino with the largest game collection
3. Bovada — Iowa online casino with the most appealing design
4. Ignition — Top casino in Iowa for cryptocurrency payments
5. BetUS — Best welcome bonus for Iowa online casino players
6. Intertops — One of Iowa online casinos with the best ongoing promotions
7. MyB Casino — The best collection of roulette games
8. Big Spin Casino — Excellent selection of progressive slots
9. Las Atlantis — Best Iowa casino for video and 3D slots
10. Red Dog — Fantastic number of online poker options

The Best Iowa Online Casinos Reviewed

After countless hours of reviewing and testing each of the top 10 online casinos in Iowa, we managed to narrow down the selection to the top five picks. Below, you can find mini-reviews of our favorite casinos. 

Hopefully, the information will help you choose the right Iowa online casino that meets your needs and expectations.

1. Wild Casino —Best Casino in Iowa 2021

Wild Casino is relatively new on the market, having been launched in 2017. The Panama-licensed site is owned and operated by Commission.biz, a company that runs two additional gambling platforms, Sportsbetting and BetOnline. 

The casino enjoys a neat and user-centric design, allowing for smooth navigation without lags or delays.

Despite having options to collaborate with many renowned software providers, Wild Casino opted for a more conservative approach. It included games from a couple of companies — Dragon Gaming, Nucleus Gaming, and BetSoft. Over 300 slots, video poker, table games, and live dealer titles make up the casino lobby. The table limits range between $1 and $7,000.

New players can kickstart their gambling adventure with a bonus of up to $5,000 in five installments. The offer carries 35x wagering requirements you’d have to complete before withdrawing the winnings. 

Several banking options are at your disposal — from bank cards and checks to different cryptocurrencies (Bitcoin, Litecoin, Ripple, Ethereum). Deposit limits range between $25 and $5,000 for traditional payment methods, while Bitcoin has more flexible options, up to $500,000.

Pros:

• Rewarding sign-up bonus
• Reliable software providers
• Live dealer titles
• Crypto-friendly casino 

Cons:

• Non-crypto withdrawal fees

2. BetOnline — Iowa Casino With the Largest Game Collection

BetOnline is Wild Casino’s older sister, launched in 2001 by the same group of industry professionals. Although design-wise, you’d never say the two have anything in common, they share many aspects, including licensing and security measures.

BetOnline got first place on our list as the Iowa casino with the largest game portfolio of 490 games. It particularly stands out in the video poker section, with 15 options, such as Jacks or Better, Joker Wild, and Bonus Poker. The games are supplied by DGS, BetSoft, Magma, Dragon Gaming, Nucleus Gaming. 

Those who enjoy table games can choose between unique blackjack, craps, roulette, and poker variants, where limits go between $1 to $10,000. 

By using the BOLCASINO promo code when signing up, you can score a welcome deal of up to $3,000 on the first three deposits. A 30x rollover rate is attached to the offer. To benefit from the bonus, you can rely on Visa, Mastercard, Amex, Skrill, Neteller, cryptocurrencies, and other solutions. Payout limits range between $10 and $100,000.

Pros:

• Trusted online casino
• Excellent range of games
• Hefty sign-up bonus
• 24/7 customer support

Cons:

• Games inaccessible without a search option

3. Bovada — Iowa Online Casino With the Most Appealing Design

Bovada has been online since 2011, and it’s a popular choice among Iowa players for various reasons. The casino employs cutting-edge SSL encryption protocols, creating a safe gambling environment for its players.

The game lobby counts over 300 slots, table games, and live dealer titles supplied by Rival Gaming, BetSoft, and RealTime Gaming. What sets Bovada apart from others is its comprehensive poker category with weekly tournaments, jackpot Sit & Gos, and turbo competitions for the best of the best.

Table limits for casino classics like blackjack, roulette, and craps go from $1 to $2,500, depending on the game.

New members can enjoy a hefty $3,000 deposit bonus, while they can cash out winnings upon meeting the 25x wagering requirements. Players can use credit and debit cards and checks to top up their accounts, but Bitcoin is the most common option, mostly because of flexible limits ($10-$10,000). Crypto is also available for cashout with a quick 24 hours response.

Pros:

• Long-lasting reputation
• Monthly and weekly poker tournaments
• User-friendly rollover rates
• An abundance of live dealer games

Cons:

• Certain payment options apply fees

4. Ignition — Top Casino in Iowa for Cryptocurrency Payments

Ignition has been catering to Iowa players since 2016. The casino is licensed by the Curacao Gambling Authority and uses advanced security measures to keep players and their information safe.

The game lobby counts over 280 titles, the largest category being video slots. However, we’d like to praise the casino’s live dealer section that features 36 unique titles where bets range from $5 to $5,000, depending on the game.

While most live dealer games are provided by ViG, other gaming options come from RTG, BetSoft, and Rival Gaming. 

The casino offers a generous bonus of 100% up to $2,000 for newly registered players right out the gate. Those who use Bitcoin as a payment method can expect a 150% bonus of up to $3,000. The rollover rate is 25x, which is better than other Iowa online casinos offer.

On top of traditional credit and debit cards, players can top up their accounts using cryptocurrency. If you’re unsure how to use crypto in an online casino, Ignition offers detailed guides to help you out.

Pros:

• Impressive live dealer game collection
• Cryptocurrency-friendly
• Generous welcome bonus
• Bitcoin withdrawals fee-free

Cons:

• Lack of cashout options

5. BetUS — Best Welcome Bonus for Iowa Online Casino Players

BetUS is the oldest online casino in Iowa, operating since 1994. It’s licensed and regulated in Curacao.

The website allows smooth navigation without delay or bugs. The same goes for the casino’s mobile-friendly version — it will enable players to enjoy games on the go.

With over 400 games, the standout category is blackjack with 34+ titles, including Blackjack Switch, Multi-Hand, and Super 7 Blackjack. Nucleus Gaming, BetSoft, and DGS work behind the curtains and supply the casino with the latest additions.

Table limits range between $1 and $500 for blackjack, roulette, craps, baccarat, and poker.

To help you start on a high note, BetUS offers a fantastic welcome bonus of 150% up to $3,000. Wager the bonus 30x to withdraw the winnings. As for payments, the casino enjoys a solid selection of secure options (bank wire, cards, checks, and cryptocurrencies). You can top up your account with as little as $10. Cashout limits go from $50 to $5,000.

Pros:

• Many years of hands-on experience
• Mobile-friendly design
• A comprehensive range of blackjack variants
• Low deposit limits

Cons:

• Bonus money does not apply to all games 

Top Iowa Online Casino Comparison

The following table compares the best online casinos in Iowa by looking into their welcome bonuses, wagering requirements, game types, and software providers.

Iowa Online Casinos Comparison — Banking Methods

You can learn more about the payments at the best Iowa online casinos by checking out the table below. We’ve included the available banking methods, potential processing fees, and payout speed.

What Games Can You Play Online in the Best Casinos in Iowa?

Blackjack, slots, baccarat, roulette, poker, you name it — online casinos in Iowa have it. Besides classics, the gambling sites also host a range of live dealer titles and niche options, such as bingo, game shows, and keno.

In the upcoming paragraphs, you can learn more about each major game category found on the best casinos in Iowa.

Slots

Unsurprisingly, slots are the most popular gaming options in Iowa online casinos. There, you can find anything — from penny slots to progressives with massive jackpots. 

Las Atlantis is our top pick when slots are concerned. Powered by ViG and RealTime Gaming, the casino hosts high-quality slots and gives players a chance to try them for free. The newest additions include Bubble Bubble 3, Legend of Helios, and Princess Warrior, a game that can yield a prize worth 96,000x your bet. Red Dog also boasts a noteworthy slot collection. Classics like Ancient Gods, Achilles, Aztec’s Treasure can produce rewarding wins, up to 50,000x your stake. 

However, if you want to test your luck and go for larger prizes, Intertops Casino is the place to be. Titles like Aztec’s Millions, Cleopatra’s Gold, and Shopping Spree, a slot with a $2 million progressive jackpot, are available to you at all times. 

Blackjack

The best online casinos in Iowa are well stocked when blackjack is concerned. The strongest contender in this category is BetUS, with 17 RNG-based tables, such as Multi-Hand, Single Deck, Super 7, Blackjack Switch.

In terms of versatile table limits, BetOnline comes out on top. Popular game variants offer bets between $1 and $10,000, making them perfect for both beginners and high rollers. 

Finally, we’d like to add Wild Casino to the list. Its blackjack lobby, powered by industry-leading software developers, Nucleus Gaming and BetSoft, counts various titles, including 21 Burn, Pirate 21, American Blackjack, etc.

Roulette

As far as roulette goes, online casinos in Iowa are jam-packed with options. Ignition Casino steals the spotlight with many variations of the casino classic, including American, French, and European Roulette, along with multi-table options. These represent a great option for beginners or occasional players, with table limits capped at $500.

However, if you’re looking for unique and innovative roulette games, MyB Casino should be your pick. Besides classics like European and American Roulette, Iowa online casino players can enjoy New Roulette, a single-zero game with a neat design. Here, the largest bet you can place is $400.

The Big Spin Casino roulette lobby is also praiseworthy. One of the popular choices in American Roulette, because of its flexible table limits ($0.50-$2,000). 

Other Casino Games

Bovada is the undisputed leader in terms of poker games. Fans looking to test their skills and improve strategies can play Caribbean Stud, Three-Card Poker, Pai Gow, Caribbean Stud Poker. On the other hand, the more experienced casino players can enjoy a variety of tournaments — Monthly Milly, Knockouts, Sit & Gos, etc. 

Red Dog is the obvious choice when it comes to craps and baccarat. If you ever get bored, you can also try niche games, such as Hot Dice, Keno, Fish Catch, Lucky 8’s, Bonus Bingo.

Playing Live Dealer Games at Iowa Casinos Online

If you’re unable to visit any land-based casino in Iowa, you could still have a high-quality gaming experience by playing live dealer games. Thanks to state-of-the-art technologies and streaming services, you could play live versions of blackjack, roulette, baccarat, and poker and communicate with professional dealers.

The table below shows what each of the best casinos in Iowa features in its Live Dealer section:

How to Start Playing at an Iowa Online Casino

Getting started with Iowa online casinos is a piece of cake. To access any of the Iowa gambling sites, you need to go through a straightforward registration process. Don’t worry, though — we’re here to guide you until the very end. 

The following paragraphs will show you the necessary steps you should take when registering in the best online casinos in Iowa. We took Wild casino as an example, but you’ll see that the process is the same for every other operator. 

Step 1: Set Up a Player Account

Use our links to go to the Wild Casino homepage and click on the orange Join Now button.

Step 2: Follow On-Screen Instructions

A registration form will pop up. Input the following:

• Name
• Email
• Password
• Phone number
• Address
• Date of birth

Step 3: Make a Deposit

Navigate to the Banking section, select the preferred payment method, and select the amount you’d like to transfer. Use the WILD250 promo code and collect one of the best online casino Iowa bonuses.

Step 4: Find Your Favorite Game

After the bonus is credited to your account, you can open the game lobby and enjoy everything the best casinos in Iowa have to offer.

Casinos Iowa: Is Gambling in Iowa Allowed?

Surrounded by several states with a strict and negative stance towards gambling, Iowa has more relaxed gambling laws. Although the definition of illegal gambling is described as partaking “in a game for anything of value or making a bet”, the state allows pari-mutuel betting, social and charitable gambling, casino and sports wagering, and Internet fantasy sports.

Even though gambling on land is explicitly prohibited, except on Indian reservations, the state’s riverboat casinos have all the characteristics of brick-and-mortar facilities. The entire gambling industry is overseen by the Iowa Racing and Gaming Commission. The IRGC has the power to issue licenses and review and control the licensees and fine institutions that violate any law.

Iowa law states that everyone must be 21 or older to participate in any form of gambling — the lottery, charitable bingo, pari-mutuel wagering, casinos, and sports betting. 

Is Online Gambling in Iowa Legal?

Although most gambling forms are legal in land-based facilities, their online counterparts went through a rocky road. In May 2019, Gov. Kim Reynolds stamped her signature on SF 617, making sports betting in Iowa and its online counterpart legal. Until January 2021, players could only place online bets if they previously registered in-person at one of the many land-based locations throughout the state. 

As for online casinos, they are still illegal. The current gambling laws and the SF 617 don’t include online casinos. Although many are hopeful that the successful launch of online sports betting would entice the introduction of online casinos to the state, no attempts have been made so far.

However, players can still access offshore online casinos, sign up, and play real money games. Offshore gambling falls under a gray area, as no laws in Iowa prohibit players from using internationally-based iGaming sites. 

Lawmakers haven’t prosecuted or fined anyone for playing in out-of-state online casinos. Consequently, you can choose your favorite casino from our list and enjoy a carefree gambling experience. 

History of Gambling in Iowa

Iowa has a long and slightly complicated relationship with gambling. First, the state legalized pari-mutuel wagering on horse and dog racing in 1973. The state lottery followed suit in 1985, while the first riverboat casinos joined the fold in 1991. Fast forward to 2019, when Iowa became the 11th US state to legalize sports betting. Unfortunately, it’s still illegal to launch and run an online casino from within the state.

Below, you can see a rundown of the most important events in Iowa gambling history:

• 1846: All gambling forms become illegal.
• 1973: General Assembly authorizes games of chance, such as raffles and bingo.
• 1983: Iowa legislators sign the Pari-Mutuel Wagering Act into law, making horse and dog racing legal.
• 1985: State lottery is introduced.
• 1989: Excursion boat gambling is authorized.
• 1991: Iowa opens the first riverboat casino in the US.
• 1992: Iowa signs the first Tribal Gaming Compact with the Winnebago Tribe, Omaha Tribe, and Sac and Fox Tribe. 
• 1994: Slot machines are authorized at pari-mutuel racetracks. The state’s first three land-based casinos opened.
• 2004: Table games (blackjack, craps, and roulette) enter land-based casinos.
• 2018: Rep. Jake Highfill proposes a bill to allow sports betting if PASPA is overturned. But before the PASPA ruling, the bill was struck down.
• 2019: Gov. Kim Reynolds signs SF 617 and makes sports betting legal. Players are still required to register in person. The Iowa Racing and Gaming Commission is named the regulator over sports betting in the state.
• 2021: As of January, the in-person registration requirement no longer applies. Bettors can register entirely online.  

Iowa Gambling Revenues

Although land-based casino revenues dipped in 2020 because of the pandemic and lockdowns, 2021 is on track to become the most profitable year yet. The sports betting handle topped $1.1 billion in revenue, while 19 state-owned casinos reported gross income of $1.434 billion through May, a figure that exceeded last year’s numbers by approximately 36%. 

Land-Based Casinos Iowa: Iowa Casino Locations

Iowa residents have a bevy of options at their disposal when land-based casinos are concerned. Out of 23 brick-and-mortar gambling venues, 19 are state-owned, while four belong to Native American tribes — Sac and Fox Tribe of the Mississippi, Ponca Tribe, Omaha Tribe, and Winnebago Tribe, all of Nebraska. 

Casinos in Council Bluffs Iowa

Council Bluffs can easily be called “Iowa’s casino hub” due to the number of brick-and-mortar facilities operating in the area. The city is home to a riverboat, Indian, and two commercial casinos. 

Horseshoe Council Bluffs

Address: 2701 23rd Ave, Council Bluffs, IA 51501

Horseshoe Casino in Council Bluffs first opened its doors in 1995. The gambling floor spans 68,000-square-feet and accommodates nearly 1,400 top-of-the-line slot machines. Patrons can also play at 34 live blackjack, roulette, craps, baccarat tables, and 18 poker tables. 

Besides the casino, visitors can enjoy sports betting or head to a spa. Horseshoe also hosts a luxury hotel and various dining, bar, and entertainment options.

Other Casinos Near Council Bluffs Iowa

• Ameristar Council Bluffs: 2200 River Rd, Council Bluffs, IA 51501
• Harrah’s Council Bluffs: 1 Harrah’s Blvd, Council Bluffs, IA 51501
• Prairie Flower Casino: 1031 Avenue H, Council Bluffs, IA 51510

Casinos Near Des Moines Iowa

Des Moines became Iowa’s capital in 1857, with a population of over 215,000. The city is credited as the top spot for the US insurance companies and is the third-largest “insurance capital” globally. However, despite being such a large city, no land-based casinos operate within the city borders. 

Prairie Meadows Casino & Hotel

Address: 1 Prairie Meadows Dr, Des Moines, IA 50009

Located near Des Moines, Prairie Meadows is a racino founded in 1989. The gaming facility covers 81,650-square-feet and hosts 1,700 slot terminals. Those who enjoy table games can choose between 11 poker and 44 live blackjack, roulette, and craps tables. The casino also organizes Omaha and No-Limit Texas Hold’em tournaments.

Patrons can book their stay in the adjacent hotel, follow horse races on the racetrack, or relax in the well-equipped spa.

Other Casinos in Des Moines Iowa

• Lakeside Hotel Casino: 777 Casino Drive, Osceola, IA 50213
• Meskwaki Casino Hotel: 1504 305th St, Tama, IA 52339
• Wild Rose Casino & Resort, Jefferson: 777 Wild Rose Rd, Jefferson, IA 50129 

Casinos Near Cedar Rapids Iowa

Cedar Rapids is the second-largest city in Iowa, but it’s known as the largest corn-processing town in the world. Cedar Rapids also runs successful food ingredient and bio-processing centers in North America. 

Meskwaki Casino Hotel

Address: 1504 305th St, Tama, IA 52339

Meskwaki is a Native American casino and hotel located just two miles from Sportsman Lake. The casino is owned by Sac and Fox Tribe of the Mississippi in IA, and it was opened in 1992. The gaming floor stretches over 67,553-square-feet and offers 1,350 latest slot machines. As for the live tables, visitors can play blackjack, roulette, and craps at one of 21 available tables, while poker fans have access to 10 tables.

Apart from the casino, patrons have access to a nice hotel equipped with a swimming pool, business center, gym, restaurants, and bars. Live entertainment events make the entire stay more enjoyable.

Other Casinos in Cedar Rapids Iowa

• Riverside Casino & Golf Resort: 3184 IA-22, Riverside, IA 52327
• Isle Casino Hotel Waterloo: 777 Isle of Capri Blvd, Waterloo, 50701

Casinos Near Davenport Iowa

Davenport is located in Eastern Iowa, near the mighty Mississippi River. Aside from being dubbed the “green city,” thanks to its 50 local parks, the town has only one land-based casino with four others in the area. 

Rhythm City Casino Resort

Address: 7077 Elmore Avenue, Davenport, IA 52807

The commercial casino in Davenport was launched in 2000 by Elite Casino Resorts. The casino extends over 38,000-square-feet and features over 800 slot terminals and 20 blackjack, poker, roulette, and craps tables. This venue is also one of the popular Iowa casinos sports betting options. 

The adjacent hotel has over 100 rooms, a spa, and a market, where you can buy gifts, concert tickets, souvenirs, and clothes. Other amenities include three restaurants, bars, an event center, and Rhythm Room.

Other Casinos in Davenport Iowa

• Catfish Bend Casino: 3001 Winegard Dr, Burlington, IA 52601
• Riverside Casino & Golf Resort: 3184 IA-22, Riverside, IA 52327
• Wild Rose Casino & Resort: 777 Wild Rose Dr, Clinton, IA 52732
• Isle Casino Hotel Bettendorf: 1777 Isle Pkwy, Bettendorf, IA 52722

Waterloo Iowa Casinos

Waterloo, the county seat of Black Hawk County, is a hub for government, education, healthcare, advanced manufacturing, and employment for the region, drawing a labor force of over 300,000. In 2007, Waterloo became home to one brick-and-mortar casino.

Isle Casino Hotel, Waterloo

Address: 777 Isle of Capri Blvd, Waterloo, 50701

Founded in 2007, the Waterloo-based Isle Casino & Hotel offers an all-encompassing gambling experience with over 30 poker, blackjack, craps, roulette tables, and 950 slot games. The casino floor covers 43,142-square-feet and features video poker and keno terminals and a sportsbook. 

Patrons can stay in one of 195 rooms and relax in the swimming pool or spa. Isle Casino also hosts various dining venues and bars, a gym, and conference facilities.

Other Waterloo Iowa Casinos

• Casino Queen Marquette: 100 Anti Monopoly, Marquette, IA 52158
• Q Casino & Hotel: 1855 Greyhound Park Rd, Dubuque, IA 52001

Sioux City Iowa Casinos

Sioux City is located in northwest Iowa. With nearly 86,000 residents, the city is an attraction for hunting and fishing activities. It is also home to the legendary Hard Rock Hotel and Casino. 

Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Sioux City

Address: 111 3rd St, Sioux City, IA 51101

The award-winning casino in Sioux City opened its doors to Iowa residents in 2014. The gambling floor spans 30,000-square-feet and features 850 latest slot machines, 26 table games, five poker tables, and a sportsbook. 

Besides the fantastic casino venue, Hard Rock in Sioux City also hosts an AAA Four Diamond-rated hotel with 54 rooms, a spa, a gym, a swimming pool, a rock music shop, and a business center. Visitors also have access to restaurants, bars, and live entertainment.

Other Casinos Near Sioux City Iowa

• Blackbird Bend Casino: 17214 210th St, Onawa, IA 51040
• Grand Falls Casino & Golf Resort: 1415 Grand Falls Blvd, Larchwood, IA 51241
• Wild Rose Casino & Resort, Emmetsburg: 777 Main St, Emmetsburg, IA 50536
• WinnaVegas Casino & Resort: 1500 330th St, Sloan, IA 51055

Casinos Near Iowa City

Iowa City was the capital of Iowa until 1857, after which it was moved to Des Moines. Today, it is known as the UNESCO City of Literature, thanks to many accomplished authors and an excellent writing program at the university. 

Riverside Casino & Golf Resort

Address: 3184 IA-22, Riverside, IA 52327

Riverside Casino & Hotel is located just three miles from central Riverside and 13 from Iowa City. The venue was founded in 2006, featuring a 51,598-square-feet casino floor, a hotel, and an 18-hole, par 72 golf course. 

Patrons can enjoy over 1,000 slot and video poker terminals, 45 poker, blackjack, roulette, craps tables, and a sportsbook. The 200-room hotel also hosts a gym, an indoor pool, restaurants, and bars.

Other Casinos Near Iowa City

• Rhythm City Casino Resort: 7077 Elmore Avenue, Davenport, IA 52807

Casinos in Northern Iowa

Although cities are more scattered in northern Iowa, residents of this part enjoy beautiful nature and lakes. Nevertheless, those looking for more fun can visit one of the three casinos in the area. 

Diamond Jo Casino, Worth

Address: 777 Diamond Jo Ln, Northwood, IA 50459

Diamond Jo is a casino and entertainment complex located in Worth County, not far from Northwood. The casino space covers 38,700-square-feet and offers 965 gaming terminals, including slots, video poker, and keno. Visitors also have access to 22 table games and a premium FanDuel sportsbook area. 

Other amenities include restaurants, an event center, bars, while an 18-hole golf course is just minutes away from the casino.

Other Casinos in Northern Iowa

• Casino Queen Marquette: 100 Anti Monopoly, Marquette, IA 52158
• Wild Rose Casino & Resort, Emmetsburg: 777 Main St, Emmetsburg, IA 50536

Casinos Near Dubuque Iowa

Sitting on the Mississippi River is Dubuque, Iowa’s oldest city. The town’s popular establishments include The National Mississippi River Museum and Aquarium, which explores life around and in the river, the Dubuque Arboretum and Botanical Gardens, and the Mines of Spain State Recreation Area with hiking trails and wildlife. The city is also home to two brick-and-mortar casinos.   

Diamond Jo Casino

Address: 301 Bell St, Dubuque, IA 52001

Diamond Jo Casino in Dubuque began its operations in 1994 as a 1,500-passenger vessel. In 2008, the casino officially became a land-based gaming venue that covers 35,000-square-feet. The Las Vegas-themed casino hosts nearly 900 slot machines, video poker, and keno terminals, as well as 17 live tables. 

The complex also offers three on-site restaurants, a bowling alley, an entertainment theatre venue, and two bars.

Other Casinos Near Dubuque Iowa

• Q Casino & Hotel: 1855 Greyhound Park Rd, Dubuque, IA 52001

Casinos Near Ames Iowa

Ames is a city located just 30 miles north of Des Moines, in central Iowa. The town is known for the Iowa State University with leading engineering, design, veterinary medicine, and agriculture colleges. 

Wild Rose Casino & Resort, Jefferson

Address: 777 Wild Rose Rd, Jefferson, IA 50129

The Wild Rose Casino & Resort is located in Jefferson, IA. The 16,300-square-feet gaming floor offers over 500 video slot and video poker terminals, including 14 blackjack, roulette, craps, and poker tables. The adjacent racetrack hosts harness, greyhound, and thoroughbred racing events, while a fully-equipped sportsbook covers the most popular sports.

A 70-room hotel is also available to casino patrons. Other amenities include a gym, restaurants, bars, and a 400-seat event center.

Other Casinos Near Ames Iowa

• Prairie Meadows Casino & Hotel: 1 Prairie Meadows Dr, Des Moines, IA 50009

Casinos Near Bettendorf Iowa

The area where Bettendorf, Davenport (Iowa), Moline, and Rock Island (Illinois) are located is known as the “Breadbasket of America,” an agricultural center. It sits on the bank of the Mississippi River and features one casino, Isle Casino Hotel. 

Isle Casino Hotel, Bettendorf

Address: 1777 Isle Pkwy, Bettendorf, IA 52722

Isle Casino Hotel in Bettendorf was established in 2000. The complex overlooking the Mississippi River features a 35,000-square-feet gaming floor with 957 high-quality slots and video poker terminals. Patrons can enjoy five poker and 19 tables reserved for blackjack, craps, and roulette. A sportsbook is also available to any visitor older than 21. 

The hotel features over 500 rooms and suites, several restaurants, bars, an indoor pool, conference facilities, and a fitness center.

Other Casinos Near Bettendorf Iowa

• Rhythm City Casino & Resort: 7077 Elmore Avenue, Davenport, IA 52807

Casinos in Eastern Iowa

The eastern border of Iowa follows the Mississippi River, where many of the state’s former riverboat casinos are located. Cities that host many casinos are Clinton, Marquette, Dubuque, Davenport, Bettendorf, Burlington, etc. 

Wild Rose Casino & Resort, Clinton

Address: 777 Wild Rose Dr, Clinton, IA 52732

The Wild Rose Casino & Resort located in Clinton was established in 1991. The complex features a large casino floor, 58,000-square-feet, to be exact. Over 500 slot terminals, video poker, electronic roulette, craps, and baccarat are available on the casino floor. Additionally, the gaming options include ten roulette, blackjack, and craps tables and four poker games. Sports fans can wager on various events in a modern sportsbook.

Apart from 60 spacious rooms, patrons can visit restaurants, bars and use a fitness center, banquet hall, and conference venue.

Other Casinos in Eastern Iowa

• Diamond Jo Casino: 301 Bell St, Dubuque, IA 52001
• Q Casino: 1855 Greyhound Park Rd, Dubuque, IA 52001
• Rhythm City Casino & Resort: 7077 Elmore Avenue, Davenport, IA 52807

Casinos Near Mason City Iowa

Mason City is a county seat of Cerro Gordo County. The largest urban center of northern Iowa is located 120 miles north of Des Moines. Although the city isn’t home to any casinos, its residents can take a quick trip to the nearest brick-and-mortar casino. 

Wild Rose Casino & Resort, Emmetsburg

Address: 777 Main St, Emmetsburg, IA 50536

The Wild Rose Casino & Resort in Emmetsburg is a modern-day replica of the iconic Waverley Hotel. The 27,000-square-feet gaming venue hosts nearly 500 slot and video poker machines and 14 poker and table games (blackjack, roulette, and craps). 

Casino visitors also have access to a sportsbook, restaurants, bars, banquet, and conference rooms. You can also choose to stay in a 70-room hotel or an RV park overlooking a gorgeous 12.5-acre Five Island Lake.

Other Casinos Near Mason City Iowa

• Diamond Jo Casino, Worth: 777 Diamond Jo Ln, Northwood, IA 50459

Casinos in Iowa With Hotels

Nearly all casinos in Iowa have adjacent hotels to provide lodging for the guests and give them an all-encompassing gambling experience. Even those without hotels offer discounts for certain nearby accommodations. 

However, if you’re looking for a relaxing getaway with a full gambling experience, the list below shows all Iowa casinos with hotels where you can book a stay:

• Ameristar Council Bluffs
• Harrah’s Council Bluffs
• Horseshoe Council Bluffs
• Rhythm City Casino Resort
• Riverside Casino & Golf Resort
• Wild Rose Casino & Resort
• Isle Casino Hotel, Bettendorf
• Prairie Meadows Casino & Hotel 
• Lakeside Hotel & Casino
• Meskwaki Casino Hotel
• Wild Rose Casino & Resort, Jefferson
• Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Sioux City
• Grand Falls Casino & Golf Resort
• Wild Rose Casino & Resort, Emmetsburg
• WinnaVegas Casino & Resort
• Isle Casino Hotel, Waterloo
• Q Casino & Hotel

Indian Casinos in Iowa

Although the Iowa people moved to other states in 1837, becoming enrolled in two federally recognized tribes (The Iowa Tribe of Kansas and Nebraska and the Iowa Tribe of Oklahoma), the state still operates four Native American casinos.

Iowa signed the first Tribal Gaming Compact in April 1992 with the Winnebago Tribe of Nebraska that operates the WinneVegas Casino & Resort. In June of the same year, the Omaha Tribe of Nebraska signed a compact and opened CasinOmaha (renamed to Blackbird Bend in 2013).

On December 31, 1992, the Sac and Fox Tribe of Mississippi opened the Meskwaki Casino Hotel. The Prairie Flower Casino, owned by the Ponca Tribe of Nebraska, is one of the new casinos in Iowa. After years of legal battle, the tribe finally signed a compact with the state in December 2020. 

• Prairie Flower Casino
• Meskwaki Casino Hotel
• Blackbird Bend Casino
• WinnaVegas Casino & Resort

List of Casinos in Iowa

Iowa residents can easily google “Iowa casinos near me” and find the necessary results. However, if you’re just visiting the state and wish to experience traditional casinos, you can find their exact addresses in the table below:

Are Iowa Casinos Open?

All Iowa casinos were completely shut down for more than two months in the spring of 2020 due to the global pandemic. However, state officials set June 1, 2020, for the Iowa casino reopen day. Gov. Kim Reynolds signed an order allowing 19 state-owned gaming facilities to open their doors to the public. Other land-based gaming facilities followed suit soon afterward.

Today, Iowa casino venues operate without social distancing measures. While some have re-imposed the mask mandate for all guests, others require unvaccinated visitors to wear masks during their stay.

Land-Based vs. Online Casinos in Iowa: Which One to Choose?

Regardless of your preferences, you have an abundance of options when it comes to casinos in Iowa. You can choose between 23 brick-and-mortar facilities or top-notch online platforms. 

Although nothing can mimic the real casino experience you’d get in a land-based venue, online casinos have more to offer — enticing signup bonuses and ongoing promotions, a mind-blowing number of games, easy payments. More importantly, online casinos in Iowa are more convenient as they give you a chance to enjoy your favorite games from the comfort of your home. 

Conclusion: Gambling in Iowa

Casinos in Iowa have a long-standing tradition and host fantastic gambling opportunities, as you can see from the short reviews on this page. However, if you feel like online casinos might have more to give, you can easily find out by signing up at one of our top recommendations.

We’d suggest starting with Wild Casino, as it holds the title of the best online casino in Iowa. Just follow our instructions, use the WILD250 promo code, and enjoy!

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