Online Casino Gambling in Iowa

Iowa is located in the Midwestern region of the United States and has a population of around 3.2 million residents. Its capital is Des Moines, bordered by six other states: Minnesota to the north, Wisconsin to the northeast, Illinois to the east, Missouri to the south, Nebraska to the west, and South Dakota to the northwest.

Casino properties in Iowa

Iowa has a thriving casino industry, with several casinos throughout the state. In 1989, Iowa became the first state outside of Nevada to legalize riverboat gambling. Since then, the industry has grown significantly.

Iowa’s casinos are spread throughout the state. Most are located near major population centers such as Des Moines, Cedar Rapids, and Council Bluffs. Some of the largest casinos in Iowa include the Horseshoe Casino in Council Bluffs, the Diamond Jo Casino in Dubuque, and the Isle Casino Hotel in Waterloo.

There are three types of casinos in Iowa: riverboat casinos, land-based casinos, and racetrack casinos. Riverboat casinos must be on a body of water and can only offer gambling while the boat is in motion. Land-based casinos are located on land and can operate 24 hours a day. Racetrack casinos are located at horse and dog racing tracks and offer both racing and casino games.

Iowans can enjoy a wide array of casino games, including slot machines, video poker, blackjack, roulette, craps, and poker. Some casinos also offer sports betting.

Iowa’s casino industry has a significant economic impact on the state. In 2020, Iowa’s casinos generated over $1 billion in sports revenue and provided over 10,000 jobs. The industry also generates tax revenue for the state and local governments.

The Iowa Racing and Gaming Commission regulates the casino industry in Iowa. The IRGC also oversees licensing, compliance, and enforcement of gaming laws and regulations.

Horseshoe Casino Council Bluffs

The Horseshoe Casino offers over 1,700 slot machines, table games, and a poker room on the Missouri River banks in Council Bluffs. The casino also features several dining options, a hotel, and a live entertainment venue.

Ameristar Casino Hotel Council Bluffs

Also located in Council Bluffs, the Ameristar Casino Hotel offers over 1,500 slot machines, table games, and a poker room. The property features several dining options, a hotel, a spa, and a live entertainment venue.

Diamond Jo Casino Dubuque

The Diamond Jo Casino in Dubuque offers over 1,000 slot machines, table games, and a poker room. The casino also features several dining options, a bowling alley, and a live entertainment venue.

Grand Falls Casino & Golf Resort

The Grand Falls Casino & Golf Resort in Larchwood offers over 900 slot machines, table games, and a poker room. The property features a hotel, a spa, several dining options, and an 18-hole golf course.

Prairie Meadows Racetrack and Casino

In Altoona, Prairie Meadows is a racetrack casino offering over 1,700 slot machines, table games, and a poker room. The property features a hotel, several dining options, and live horse racing during summer.

Online Casino in Iowa

Currently, online casinos are not legal in Iowa. While the state has a thriving land-based casino industry, Iowa law prohibits online casinos from operating.

However, Iowa does allow online sports betting, which was legalized in 2019. Under Iowa law, residents and visitors can place bets on sporting events through licensed online sportsbooks.

Esports in IA

Esports refers to competitive video gaming, where players compete against each other in popular video games such as League of Legends, Overwatch, and Fortnite.

The esports industry is growing in Iowa, with several colleges and universities offering esports programs and competitions. These include the University of Iowa, Iowa State University, Drake University, and Coe College. These programs allow students to compete against other schools in organized leagues and tournaments.

Multiple venues in Iowa have been set up specifically to host esports competitions and events. Esports tournaments have been held at the UNI-Dome located at the University of Northern Iowa. Similarly, the Iowa Events Center in Des Moines has been a venue for various events, including the Midwest Campus Clash and the Big Ten Sports Conference.

The esports industry is expanding rapidly, and Iowa is poised to reap the benefits of this growth. Colleges and universities in the state are nurturing talented individuals who have the potential to become professional gamers or work in the esports industry. Businesses have the chance to sponsor and provide support to esports events and teams all across the state.

Daily Fantasy Sports (DFS)

Have you heard about Daily Fantasy Sports (DFS) in Iowa? It’s a popular way for sports fans to engage with their favorite teams and players while potentially winning some money.
Governor Kim Reynolds signed a bill into law in 2019 that made DFS legal in the state. Iowa has become the sixth state in the United States to legalize daily fantasy sports.

According to the laws of Iowa, companies that operate DFS, such as DraftKings and FanDuel, must obtain a license from the Iowa Racing and Gaming Commission. Operators are also expected to pay a licensing fee and comply with the Commission’s regulations and oversight.

In DFS contests, the objective is to assemble a roster of professional sports figures, with points granted based on their real-world accomplishments during competitions. In these competitions, players can win cash prizes based on their own performance and the performance of their DFS lineup. Such competitions usually last for a single day or up to a week.

It’s essential to highlight that although DFS is legal in Iowa, other online betting activities are restricted, with sports wagering being the sole exception. Participating in web-based casinos and poker platforms is presently illegal within the state. For those eager to engage in DFS tournaments in Iowa, opting for operators that have obtained the necessary licenses and are subject to regulation is very important.

Betting on Horses in Iowa

The Iowa Racing and Gaming Commission, which is in charge of licensing, compliance, and enforcement of horse racing laws and regulations, oversees horse racing and betting in Iowa.

Prairie Meadows Racetrack and Casino in Altoona is Iowa’s largest horse racing venue. The track hosts live horse racing from April to October each year, and visitors can place bets on the races at the track’s betting windows or self-service kiosks.

Simulcast racing allows patrons to watch and wager on horse races from other tracks nationwide and is another popular feature at Iowa racetracks. Simulcast racing allows players to wager on races taking place in different states, and the wagers are added to those made at the host track.

On horse races, bets of all kinds, including win, place, and show bets, can be made by spectators. Depending on the number of horses entered in the race and their chances of winning, different types of bets have different odds and payouts.

Visitors can wager on horse races at off-track betting outlets spread out over the state in addition to doing so on the racetrack. Visitors can also watch and wager on horse races that are taking place at various tracks across the nation at off-track betting sites.

Lotteries in Iowa

In Iowa, lottery games are legal, and the Iowa Lottery is the recognized state lottery operator. The state of Iowa’s lottery games are operated and governed by the Iowa Lottery, which was founded in 1985.

The Iowa Lottery is governed by the Iowa Lottery Authority, which oversees the state’s lottery policies and procedures. The Authority ensures that shops and players abide by all rules and regulations and that lottery games are performed fairly and safely.

Traditional draw games like Powerball and Mega Millions, as well as scratch-card and pull-tab games, are all available through the Iowa Lottery. Lottery retailers, including convenience stores, grocers, and gas stations, all around the state sell these games.

The Iowa Lottery provides games with cash prizes and contributes to charitable organizations. The state’s General Fund, which provides funding for public services like education and healthcare, receives a part of lottery winnings.

Betting on Sports in Iowa

Sports betting is legal in Iowa. Residents and visitors can place bets on sporting events through licensed online sportsbooks or at land-based casinos. In 2019, Governor Kim Reynolds signed a bill into law legalizing sports betting in the state.

Under Iowa law, online and mobile sports betting is allowed. Still, bettors must register in person at a licensed casino to activate their online account. Sports betting is allowed on professional and college sports, but betting on in-state college teams is prohibited.

Licensed sportsbooks in Iowa offer various betting options, including moneyline bets, point spreads, totals, futures, and prop bets. Iowa also allows in-game betting, where bets can be placed on events happening during a game, such as the outcome of a particular play or quarter.

The Iowa Racing and Gaming Commission oversees licensing, compliance, and enforcing sports betting laws and regulations. Simply put, the IRGC controls Iowa’s sports betting industry. The Commission ensures that sportsbooks operate fairly and responsibly while generating revenue for the state and local governments.

Responsible Gambling in Iowa

Below are just a few examples of the many local centers in Iowa that provide help and support for individuals struggling with problem gambling. If you or someone you know is struggling with problem gambling, it’s essential to seek help from a qualified professional.

Iowa Gambling Treatment Program

This program is run by the Iowa Department of Public Health and offers free treatment services to Iowans who are struggling with problem gambling. The program offers outpatient services, individual counseling, and group therapy.

Phone: 1-800-BETS-OFF (1-800-238-7633)

Website: yourlifeiowa.org

Substance Abuse and Gambling Treatment Services

This program is run by the Iowa Department of Public Health and offers gambling treatment services for individuals who are also struggling with substance abuse. The program offers outpatient services, individual counseling, and group therapy.

Phone: 1-866-242-4111

Website: idph.iowa.gov

Prelude Behavioral Services

Prelude Behavioral Services offers gambling treatment services at locations throughout Iowa. The organization offers outpatient services, residential treatment, and support groups for individuals struggling with problem gambling.

Phone: 1-844-820-4673

Website: preludeiowa.org

Compass Pointe Behavioral Health Services

Compass Pointe Behavioral Health Services offers gambling treatment services in the Des Moines area. The organization offers outpatient services, individual counseling, and support groups for individuals struggling with problem gambling.

Phone: 515-263-2424

Website: compasspointe.org

UnityPoint Health – Behavioral Health

UnityPoint Health offers gambling treatment services in the Cedar Rapids area. The organization offers outpatient services, individual counseling, and support groups for individuals struggling with problem gambling.

Phone: 319-369-7755

Website: unitypoint.org

Catie Di Stefano

Catie Di Stefano has worked in the gambling industry since 2011 for major brands like Hard Rock Hotel & Casino, Gaming Innovation Group and Betsson Group. She started in customer support at age 19 and has since worked her way through VIP, CRM and Marketing. Today, Catie is passionate about educating players on consumer rights and the best approaches for legal play in the United States as the Director of Community Marketing at OnlineGamblers.com. Catie was born in Indonesia but grew up in Sweden. Currently, she resides in Spain with her two daughters.

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