Iowa Casinos - Best Gambling Locations in IA

In the heartland of America, you’ll find Iowa, a state with a thriving land-based casino industry. As a visitor or resident, you have the legal freedom to enjoy the vibrant atmosphere of these establishments, with the state government having regulated this form of gambling since the late 1980s. You’ll find a diverse array of games to play, from slot machines to table games like blackjack and roulette. Each casino operates under strict regulatory oversight, ensuring fair play and the integrity of the gaming experience according to Iowa’s gambling laws.

Most Popular Casinos in Iowa Reviewed

We’re going to explore the distinct features of the main establishments as we travel across Iowa on our way to examine some of the largest land operated casino games there are. From the grandeur of their facilities to the variety of their gaming options, we’ll guide you through what makes each of these casinos stand out. We’ll also take into account the quality of their amenities, including dining and entertainment options. Let’s begin by exploring our top five B&M casinos in Iowa.

Prairie Meadows Racetrack & Casino, Altoona

Opened in 1989, Prairie Meadows Racetrack & Casino in Altoona, Iowa, has grown into a gaming destination covering over 85,000 square feet. With more than 2,000 slot machines and 50 table games, you’ll find a diverse range of gaming options. Whether you’re a fan of classic favorites like blackjack and roulette, or you’re drawn to newer offerings like Pai Gow poker and Mississippi Stud, Prairie Meadows has something for every gaming enthusiast.

With a variety of restaurants and bars, you’re spoilt for choice. AJ’s Steakhouse offers an upscale dining experience with a menu featuring prime steaks and fresh seafood. For a more casual setting, Café at the Meadows serves comfort food and quick bites. Meanwhile, the Triple Crown Buffet offers a variety of cuisines for those seeking variety. The Finish Line Show Lounge and the Paddock Grill & Deli are great places to grab a drink and unwind.

Prairie Meadows is not just about gaming and dining. The establishment boasts a range of amenities that enhance your visit. The on-site hotel offers comfortable rooms and suites, providing a convenient place to rest after a day of gaming. For relaxation, there’s a fitness center and an indoor saltwater pool. The casino also offers live horse racing and concerts, adding to the entertainment options.

Among visitors, Prairie Meadows holds a solid reputation for its friendly staff and clean environment. While some visitors have noted the food prices to be slightly high, the overall reviews for the dining options are positive. The casino’s commitment to providing a variety of entertainment options alongside a well-maintained gaming floor has earned it a well-deserved reputation as a top gaming destination in Iowa.

Horseshoe Casino, Council Bluffs

Located in Council Bluffs, Iowa, the Horseshoe Casino is a renowned gambling destination that first opened its doors in 2006. Spanning an impressive 68,000 square feet, this vibrant casino offers a top selection of over 1,500 games, including an array of slot machines, blackjack, poker, roulette, and craps. Visitors can immerse themselves in thrilling gaming experiences, such as testing their luck on the iconic Wheel of Fortune slot machine or trying their hand at a strategic game of Texas Hold’em.

Iowa’s Horseshoe Casino boasts a variety of restaurants and bars to suit every palate. Whether you’re craving a sumptuous steak dinner at Jack Binion’s Steakhouse, indulging in a delectable buffet spread at Village Square Buffet, or enjoying casual fare and refreshing drinks at the Whiskey Roadhouse, there’s something to satisfy every taste bud.

The Horseshoe Casino also provides various amenities for a well-rounded experience. Guests can unwind and rejuvenate in luxurious spa facilities, relax in spacious suites with modern comforts, catch live entertainment shows or concerts, and even take a refreshing dip in a well-appointed swimming pool. The casino’s on-site hotel ensures visitors can immerse themselves fully in the lively atmosphere without the need to venture far for a comfortable stay.

The Horseshoe Casino in Council Bluffs is praised for its exceptional service, vibrant atmosphere, and wide-ranging gaming options. Positive reviews often highlight the friendly staff and the overall entertainment value. While some occasional complaints may arise, the majority of guests leave with a favorable impression. Prices of food offerings are reasonable, ensuring visitors can enjoy a satisfying dining experience without breaking the bank.

Overall, the Horseshoe Casino stands as a must-visit destination for both seasoned gamblers and newcomers looking to relish an unforgettable casino experience surrounded by diverse entertainment, delicious dining options, and excellent amenities.

Grand Falls Casino & Golf Resort, Larchwood

Nestled in Larchwood, Iowa, and established in 2011, is Grand Falls Casino & Golf Resort. Spanning an impressive 45,000 square feet, this casino houses a vast array of gaming options with over 800 games, including slot machines, video poker, blackjack, roulette, and poker. It is home to popular slot titles like Wheel of Fortune, strategic poker tournaments, or you can challenge the dealer in blackjack.

When it’s time to refuel, Grand Falls Casino offers a selection of dining options to suit various tastes. Indulge in a mouthwatering steak at Ruthie’s Steak & Seafood, savor a delightful buffet at Robert’s Buffet, or enjoy casual dining and cocktails at The Big Drop Café and Trattoria Fresco. Whether you’re in the mood for fine dining or a quick bite, you’ll find a culinary experience that meets your desires.

At Grand Falls Casino, you can elevate your stay with a range of additional features and amenities. Luxurious rooms and suites provide a comfortable respite after a day of gaming excitement. Unwind at the spa, take a dip in the swimming pool, or work out at the fitness center to recharge your body and mind.

The casino’s reputation among visitors remains positive, with guests praising its friendly staff, lively atmosphere, and wide selection of games. Many appreciate the comfortable hotel accommodations and various amenities that enhance their stay. The overall consensus leans toward a favorable impression. The prices of food offerings are reasonable, allowing visitors to enjoy satisfying meals without breaking the bank.

Grand Falls Casino stands as an all-encompassing destination for those seeking a memorable gaming experience, combined with excellent dining options, ample amenities, and a welcoming ambiance in Larchwood, Iowa.

Riverside Casino & Golf Resort, Riverside

The Riverside Casino is situated in Riverside, Iowa, and was established in 2006. Boasting a sprawling 58,000 square feet of gaming space, this casino offers a wide variety of games to suit all tastes. With over 1,000 gaming machines, including popular slot titles like Cleopatra, as well as table games like blackjack, poker, and roulette, there’s no shortage of excitement and entertainment for every visitor.

Riverside Casino has several restaurants and bars to cater to diverse preferences. From the elegant Ruthie’s Steak & Seafood, serving up succulent cuts of meat and fresh seafood, to the casual yet delicious options at The Blue Top Ridge Restaurant and Ripple Diner, you’ll find a range of culinary experiences to satisfy your palate. The resort also offers various bars where you can relax and enjoy drinks in a laid-back atmosphere.

Riverside Casino provides several features and amenities to enhance your stay. Treat yourself to a relaxing spa experience or unwind in well-appointed suites after a day of gaming. The resort also boasts an impressive golf course, The Blue Top Ridge, where you can enjoy scenic views and tee off with friends. If you prefer indoor entertainment, catch a live show or concert in the event center for a memorable experience.

Riverside Casino enjoys a positive reputation among visitors, with many praising its friendly staff, diverse gaming options, and enjoyable dining experiences. The overall ambiance and entertainment value are commonly commended. The majority of guests leave with a favorable impression. The prices of food offerings are acceptable.

Riverside Casino beckons you to experience its vibrant gaming floor, delectable dining options, and various amenities for a well-rounded stay in Riverside, Iowa.

Meskwaki Bingo Casino Hotel, Tama

Found in Tama, Iowa, and established in 1992 is the Meskwaki Bingo Casino Hotel. Spanning an expansive gaming floor, this casino hotel offers over 1,350 gaming machines, including a mix of classic and modern slot games like Buffalo Gold and Lightning Link, as well as table games like blackjack, roulette, and poker.

When it’s time to dine, the casino hotel offers a selection of dining options to satisfy various tastes. Indulge in hearty comfort food at the Woodlands Buffet, savor the flavors of Asian cuisine at the Prime Cut Grill & Tempura, or enjoy a quick bite at the Jackpot Junction Café. Additionally, you can unwind and socialize at various bars throughout the casino.

Meskwaki Bingo Casino Hotel provides several features and amenities to enhance your stay. Relax in comfortable rooms or suites with modern conveniences, take a refreshing dip in the swimming pool, or stay active at the fitness center. The casino hotel also hosts live entertainment events and concerts, ensuring you’re treated to an exciting atmosphere during your visit.

Meskwaki Bingo Casino has a positive reputation, with guests often appreciating the friendly staff and diverse gaming options available. The hotel’s comfortable accommodations and various amenities are commonly praised, contributing to an enjoyable stay. The prices of food offerings are fair, making for a well-rounded, complete experience.

List of All Casinos in Iowa

In the following section, you’ll find a list of all the best B&M casinos in Iowa. This handy table provides essential details such as the casino’s name, its address, the city it’s located in, and a contact phone number. Use this as a guide to explore the vibrant casino scene in Iowa.

Biggest Casinos in Iowa

Our next table features the biggest Iowa land-based casinos, focusing on their size:

Iowa Casinos with the Most Games

If you’re curious about which Iowa casinos offer the most games, we’ve got you covered with the table below:

Casinos in Iowa with Hotels

Next, let’s help you plan your trip to the casino in Iowa by exploring the top casinos with hotels in the Hawkeye State. These include:

Casino Games in Iowa

Now, we will explore the types of games available at IA land-based casinos, and touch on top titles found at the best roulette online casinos and other options. From classic slot machines and table games to more obscure options, we’ll cover as much as we can below.

Slots

In any typical Iowa casino, you’ll be greeted by the lively sounds of slot machines. These popular games are a staple in Iowa casinos, offering a variety of themes and betting options to cater to all preferences. Whether you’re a fan of traditional reel slots or the latest video slots, you’ll find an impressive set to play with. With their easy-to-understand gameplay and potential for big wins, slots offer an exciting gaming experience for both newcomers and seasoned Iowans alike.

Here are the top five slots you can enjoy in some of Iowa’s land-based casinos:

• Wheel of Fortune
• Megabucks
• Buffalo
• Quick Hits
• Double Diamond

Don’t hesitate to check our best online casino real money sites if you wish to take your gambling experience online, where you’ll find an even larger array of slot machines to choose from.

Casino Poker

Combining elements of skill and chance, these games present an exhilarating challenge suitable for players of all expertise levels. From the dynamic and fast-paced Texas Hold’em to the intricately strategic Omaha, each poker variant offers a unique experience catering to diverse tastes. With a wide range of stakes to choose from, you have the freedom to indulge in casual play or partake in high-stakes tournaments.

Popular poker options in Iowa include:

• Texas Hold’em
• Omaha
• Seven-Card Stud
• Five-Card Draw
• Pai Gow Poker

Roulette

Roulette games, with their spinning wheels and bouncing balls, offer a unique blend of suspense and excitement. Experience the simplicity of American Roulette or the lower house edge prevalent in European Roulette at most Iowa casinos. Alternatively head to the best live online casinos for an offshore, realistic and exciting computer or mobile-based experience.

Iowa’s top roulette games often include:

• American Roulette
• European Roulette
• French Roulette
• Electronic Roulette
• Double Ball Roulette

Blackjack

From classic Blackjack to more nuanced variations, these games offer a thrilling combination of luck and strategy. There’s an even great array of the best online blackjack casino games found at our recommended real money casino apps and sites. Take a look here for the best IA casino apps. Many Iowa B&M casinos support entry-level and beginner tables, while you can also rely on more advanced games for those who fancy splashing the cash. 

Commonly played Iowan blackjack games include:

• Classic Blackjack
• Spanish 21
• Double Exposure Blackjack
• Blackjack Switch
• Super Fun 21

Dice Games

When you venture into the vibrant environment of Iowa’s land-based casinos, you’ll discover a variety of dice games that offer both excitement and the potential for impressive wins. These games, which range from traditional to more contemporary variations, offer a unique blend of chance and strategy.

While not available at every casino in Iowa, popular options can include the following:

• Craps
• Sic Bo
• Hazard
• Chuck-a-Luck
• Klondike

Other Games

In addition to the traditional favorites, Iowa’s land-based casinos offer a diverse array of “other games” much like the best online casinos in Iowa. These games provide a unique blend of skill, strategy, and luck, appealing to a wide range of players. These can consist of everything and anything. Alternatively, head online to play at top video poker online casinos and sites offering other instant win games.

Here are the top five “other games” you can play in the Hawkeye State:

• Video Poker
• Baccarat
• Big Six Wheel
• Keno
• Bingo

Riverboat Casinos in Iowa

Iowa is home to several rivers, including its namesake, the river Iowa, and the mighty Mississippi. Unlike some gambling laws in US states, Iowa passed a law in 2004 that states that Riverboats can be “moored” in man-made basins and aren’t required to be offshore anymore. Therefore, some riverboat casinos are scarcely boats at all. However, officially, there are riverboat casinos aplenty in operation.

Here’s a handy guide to some of the most popular riverboat casinos in Iowa:

Indian Gaming Tribes in Iowa

In Iowa, several Indian casino gaming tribes have a significant presence, each with its unique history. The Sac and Fox Tribe of the Mississippi in Iowa, also known as the Meskwaki Nation, holds a rich cultural heritage, with origins tracing back to the Great Lakes region. The Winnebago Tribe, also known as the Ho-Chunk Nation, once inhabited the western part of the state, and their traditions are deeply rooted in their connection to the land. Additionally, the Ioway (Baxoje), Missouria and Otoes tribes have ancestral ties to the state of Iowa.

Indian tribes offering gambling options in Iowa include:

• Sac and Fox Tribe of the Mississippi in Iowa (Meskwaki Nation)

Closed Casinos in Iowa

Lady Luck Casino Marquette – Marquette, Iowa (Closed in 2017)

Catfish Bend Casino – Fort Madison, Iowa (Closed in 2019)

Gambling Taxes in Iowa

In Iowa, if you’re fortunate enough to have gambling winnings, you’re required to report them as income on your tax returns. This includes winnings from the lottery, horse racing, and casinos. The Iowa Department of Revenue categorizes gambling winnings as taxable income and you’re obligated to report all winnings, even if they are less than $600.

When reporting your gambling winnings, you should receive a Form W-2G from the entity where you won. This form will detail the amount you won and the taxes already withheld. You’ll need to include this information on your Iowa state tax return.

As for paying taxes on your winnings, the Iowa tax rate ranges from 0.36% to 8.98%, depending on your total income. Remember, it’s crucial to keep accurate records of your gambling winnings and losses, as these can be deducted from your taxable income, but only up to the amount of your winnings.

Iowa Gambling FAQ

When did Iowa first legalize casino gambling?

Iowa first legalized casino gambling in 1989. The state allowed riverboat casinos, making it the first state in the U.S. to legalize riverboat casinos. This was part of an effort to boost the economy and tourism. The law has since evolved to include land-based casinos as well.

What is the legal gambling age in Iowa?

In Iowa, you must be at least 21 years old to gamble in casinos. This includes both land-based and riverboat casinos. It’s important to note that this gambling age requirement also applies to entering the gaming floor even if you don’t plan to gamble.

What was the first Iowa casino to open?

The first casino to open in Iowa was the Dubuque Casino Belle, a riverboat casino, which opened on April 1, 1991. This marked the start of legal casino venues in the state.

How much revenue do casinos in Iowa make?

In 2022, Iowa’s casinos reported revenue of around $1.76 billion. However, the early results for 2023 show that revenue has been down around 6%.

Are there horse/dog racing and off-track betting options in Iowa?

Yes, you can bet on horse and dog racing at off-track locations in Iowa. These locations, also known as satellite or simulcast wagering locations, allow you to bet on races that are happening at different tracks around the country. Please note that while dog racing is no longer active in Iowa, you can still bet on dog races happening in other states at these off-track locations.

Do any Iowa casinos offer free parking?

Yes, many casinos in Iowa offer free parking to their guests. It’s always a good idea to check the casino’s website or contact them directly for the most accurate and current information. Policies can change, and they may vary from one casino to another.

How many casinos does Iowa have?

There are 19 state-regulated, land-based casinos in Iowa. However, the number can change over time due to new casinos opening or existing ones closing. For the most accurate information, refer to the Iowa Racing and Gaming Commission’s website.

Is charitable gambling permitted in Iowa?

Charitable gambling games are legal in Iowa. These include bingo, raffles, and games of skill or chance at carnivals, county fairs, and charitable fundraising events. However, these games must be licensed and conducted by a nonprofit organization, and the proceeds must be used for educational, civic, public, charitable, patriotic, or religious uses.

Are any new casinos opening in Iowa soon?

Not new casinos, as such, but Iowa is set to see one of its few remaining true riverboat casinos (not moored in a man-made basin) come ashore, as the Casino Queen Marquette plans to make a change.

Are there any legal restrictions to gambling at casinos in Iowa?

Yes, there are legal restrictions when gambling at land-based casinos in Iowa. You must be at least 21 years old to gamble at casinos in Iowa, and all casinos must be licensed by the Iowa Racing and Gaming Commission. On the upside, online sports betting in Iowa is perfectly legal.

Casinos in Iowa can operate 24 hours a day, but some may choose to have specific operating hours. Iowa law requires casinos to take measures to prevent problem gambling, including self-exclusion programs and information about gambling addiction resources.

Can you smoke in Iowa casinos?

Smoking is generally allowed in casinos in Iowa. However, individual casinos may have their own policies regarding smoking, and some may offer designated non-smoking areas. It’s always a good idea to check the specific rules of the casino you plan to visit.

Are pets allowed in casinos in Iowa?

Most casinos in Iowa do not allow pets, with the exception of service animals. Service animals, like guide dogs for the visually impaired, are generally allowed under the Americans with Disabilities Act.

Where can I receive help with gambling addiction in Iowa?

In Iowa, there are several resources available to help with gambling addiction. The Iowa Department of Public Health has a website dedicated to identifying and assisting problem gamblers, while Gamblers Anonymous and the National Council on Problem Gambling can also be of great assistance to Iowans. We always encourage you to engage in responsible gambling in Iowa.