Iowa Online Casinos Sites (2023 Update)
Key takeaways
- Land-based casinos are legal in Iowa, but there are no legal online casinos. However, you can bet on sports and DFS legally.
- Offshore casinos are not outlawed, so you can play at any of our listed offshore online casino operators.
- Some offshore casinos can’t be trusted, but you can play confidently at any of our listed casinos.
- Horseracing and greyhound racing are legal in Iowa.
- There is no indication that online casinos will be legalized in Iowa soon.
Top Iowa Online Casinos Reviews – 2023
Café Casino
Since 2016, Iowans and other US players have been using the services of the independent Café Casino. Lynton Limited owns the online gambling site and has a Curacao gambling license.
The game lobby at Café Casino is set up in a way that makes it easy to look through the 230 online gaming options. You’ll find slot machines, bingo, table games, and a live dealer section. Quality is essential here, so all the games (aside from the Café Casino originals) are sourced from respected providers like Spinomenal and Rival Gaming.
Players from Iowa have both crypto and fiat payment alternatives to explore. If you fancy cryptocurrencies, you’ll find options like Bitcoin, Litecoin, Tether, and Ethereum. Mastercard and Visa are two options for paying with a credit card, but these are only for deposits. On the other hand, you can only choose between all the crypto payment options and bank transfers for withdrawals.
The casino’s perk reward system is unique because one of its perks is the chance to unlock a new payment method. However, the casino hasn’t explicitly listed these other options. Still, it is a valuable offer in case you don’t like any of the other payment methods.
Once you register, you can claim a welcome offer of 250% up to $1500 if you make a fiat deposit. If you choose to pay with Bitcoin instead, a 350% up to $2500 deposit match bonus is up for grabs.
BetUS
BetUs ranks among the oldest online casinos, having launched in 1994, which is three decades ago. The gambling site is owned by Firepower Trading Limited and accepts players from Iowa and other US states. Since its inception, BetUs has operated using a Curacao gambling license, thus building trust amongst players.
There’s nothing short of premium quality when it comes to the games on this site, as big names like BetSoft, Nucleus, and DSG power its 480 titles. You can also try the games for free using the demo mode or move on to play for real money.
When you’re ready to deposit, you’ll find cryptocurrency options like Bitcoin, Ethereum, and Bitcoin Cash. You can also use card payment options like Amex, MasterCard, and Visa, or you can opt for Apple Pay or Google Pay. However, the only withdrawal options available are cryptocurrencies.
Once you’re a registered player, you can claim a 150% up to $3000% deposit bonus. This deal has a minimum deposit requirement of $50 and a playthrough requirement of 30x. Also, the casino currently has no crypto deposit bonus; the only one available is for the sportsbook.
How to Sign up with the Best Iowa Online Casinos
1. Go to Website and Create an Online Gambling Account
Visit the Café Casino website using any promo links we have provided here. Once there, click on the “Join” icon and provide all the requested details. Check the box next to the terms and conditions section. Finally, click “Confirm” to complete your registration.
2. Deposit Funds and Enter Promo Code
Proceed to the cashier screen to make your first deposit. Select a payment method from the ones you can see and follow the steps on your screen. Choose the 250% welcome offer, then click “Confirm” to add the bonus to your deposit.
3. Choose Game and Play for Real Money
Your deposit and bonus are credited to your account instantly. You can now use this to play any of the Café Casino games for real money. Browse their slots and table games selection, choose one you like, and place your bets. Any winnings will be reflected in your account balance and can be withdrawn as real cash.
You’ll instantly receive your deposit and the bonus funds, so you can proceed to play games. Visit the lobby, choose a Café Casino real-money game from the slots or table games section, and place your bets. If you win, your balance will be credited instantly, and you can initiate a withdrawal. However, if you played with the bonus funds, you must meet the rollover requirement before withdrawing your winnings.
Iowa Online Gambling Laws – is it Legit?
Online gambling isn’t legal in Iowa but isn’t outright illegal, either. The state’s gambling laws don’t mention the internet, so there is no definition of what could be considered online gambling there. It’s safe to play at Iowa casino sites licensed outside the state, like those we have listed here.
Here is the current landscape of legal gambling in Iowa:
- Iowa has no legal IA online gambling site, but that doesn’t stop you from playing at any of our listed offshore sites. Here are other things to note:
- Although not strictly forbidden, online casino activities are in legal limbo. This means you are exempt from prosecution if you play online casino games at offshore casinos overseen by foreign governments.
- In 1989, Arkansas authorized land-based casinos for those who are 21 or older. Today there are 18 commercial and four tribal casinos with slot machines and table games.
- Iowa Code 99B.12 permits residents to engage in social gambling, but no win or loss must exceed $50 in one or more games.
- Daily fantasy sports are legal in Iowa.
- Daily fantasy sports were included in the 2019 sports betting law proposed by Governor Kim Reynolds. Due to this, daily fantasy sports (DFS) providers like DraftKings and FanDuel have been able to set up shop in the Hawkeye State.
- Horseracing is legal in Iowa.
- Betting on horseraces has been legal in Iowa since 1989 when simulcast wagering was approved.
- The state also permits Pari-mutuel horseracing and has one commercial racino (racetrack casino).
- Online and in-person sports betting are legal in Iowa:
- Iowa made online sports betting legal in May 2019.
- Up to 16 sports books are available in the state, where you can play from age 21.
Is Gambling at Offshore Casino Sites Safe?
Unfortunately, there are some unsafe offshore sites. Fair play and safe transactions are not guaranteed because offshore casinos work outside US law. However, given the absence of regulated Iowa online gambling, these are your only available choices at this time.
You can discover trustworthy offshore gambling websites if you know what to look for. As part of our review process, we examine each operator and only endorse honest, reliable, and secure ones. Here are some of the safety considerations we take into account:
- We confirm the operator possesses a gaming license from a foreign government, such as the governments of Malta, Curacao, and Panama.
- The casino must use a random number generator (RNG) and regularly audit it to give players a fair shot at winning. Also, they must have games like slots, Pai Gow Poker, roulette, and other popular options.
- We exclusively support online casinos that provide secure and prompt withdrawals because the safety of the available payment methods is also essential.
When Will Iowa Legalize Online Gambling?
In recent years, different forms of internet gambling have been legalized in Iowa. Before 2019, no options for legal online betting existed, but now you can legally play DFS games and bet on sports online.
It is doubtful that Iowa will legalize and regulate the online casino sector soon. No legislative ideas are being discussed right now that would steer the market this way.
Iowa Online Gambling Legislation Timeline
The Hawkeye State may not have legalized online casinos yet, but the gambling industry has undeniably been progressive. Here is a rundown of the state’s gambling history:
May 1983: The Iowa Legislature enacts the Pari-Mutuel Wagering Act, enabling qualified sponsoring groups to apply for a license to run pari-mutuel betting on dog races and horseraces.
July 1983: The first racing commission is established on July 1, 1983, after the governor approves the legislation.
July 1984: The Bondurant Thoroughbred Racing Association receives a three-year authorization from the Iowa Racing Commission with conditions.
The National Cattle Congress, operating in Waterloo since October 15, 1986, under the name Waterloo Greyhound Park, is also given a three-year conditional license for greyhound racing for the winter season.
December 1984: The Racing Association of Central Iowa is granted a site move from Bondurant to Altoona for their planned thoroughbred facility. On March 1, 1989, it first welcomes visitors as Prairie Meadows.
March 1985: The Iowa Horse Racing Association Ltd. is given a three-year license for pari-mutuel harness racing at county fairs across the state.
April 1985: The Iowa Lottery, which sold pull tabs, scratch tickets, and lottery tickets, is founded.
June 1985: On June 1, 1985, the Dubuque Racing Association, Ltd. opens Dubuque Greyhound Park after being awarded a greyhound racing license for the city of Dubuque for a three-year seasonal period.
July 1989: A law permitting pari-mutuel betting on simulcast races accepts a licensed pari-mutuel facility that delivers a required number of live performances.
July 1989: Legislation is passed on July 1, 1989, enabling the Commission to issue licenses to qualified sponsoring organizations to operate gambling games on excursion boats in counties where the electorate has approved a proposal by referendum.
March 1990: The qualified sponsoring organizations and excursion boat operators receive permits from the Commission to operate riverboat gambling. These included Dubuque Casino Belle Inc., formerly the Dubuque Casino Belle, and the Southeast Iowa Regional Authority/Steamboat Southeast Inc., which started operating as the Emerald Lady. Others are The Diamond Lady in Bettendorf, belonging to Riverbend Regional Authority/Steamboat Development Company; the Connelly Group/Riverboat Development Authority, which launches as “President”; and Missouri River Historical Development Inc.
1991: On August 20th, 1991, in Allamakee County, and on October 15th, 1991, in Clayton County, referendums on excursion boat gambling are passed. The first riverboat casino takes its first bet.
1992: The Director of Inspections and Appeals arranges three Native American Indian community gaming compacts on the Governor’s behalf during 1992. The compacts are not subject to any regulation or oversight obligations from the Commission.
1994: The first slot machines are introduced and set up on pari-mutuel racetracks all over the state. Near the close of 2000, bingo is also made legal. Video lottery terminals that look like slot machines in a casino are introduced in 2004. Still, they are later taken down in 2006 following a flood of complaints.
May 2019: Governor Kim Reynolds signs bill SF617 to regulate online sports betting in Iowa. Thirteen (out of 19) state casinos received their permits three months after the state starts taking its first sports wagers.
Iowa Tribal Partnerships
The Director of Inspections and Appeals approved three Native American Indian community gaming compacts on the Governor’s behalf in 1992. The Commission is not tasked with regulating or monitoring the compacts. Below is a list of each of them:
- The Winnebago Tribe of Nebraska launched WinnaVegas Casino on April 30, 1992.
- The Omaha Tribe of Nebraska launched CasinOmaha on June 22, 1992.
- The Sac and Fox Tribe of the Mississippi launched Meskwaki Bingo and Casino on December 31, 1992.
Iowa Licensed Gambling Sites
The only licensed gambling sites in Iowa are sportsbooks. You’ll find these big names, among others, in the IA online sportsbooks space:
Caesars Sportsbook: August 15, 2019
Elite Sportsbook: August 27, 2019
PointsBet: November 26, 2019
Q Sports: November 12, 2019
Hard Rock Sportsbook: December 16, 2019
DraftKings: February 19, 2020
FanDuel: September 19, 2020
Iowa Online Casino Promotions
Although there are no state-licensed casinos in Iowa where you can gamble online, you can still benefit from numerous bonuses worth hundreds or thousands of dollars at offshore gaming sites.
Deposit Match Bonuses
A deposit match is one of the most common incentives at offshore online casinos. These offer you extra funds equivalent to a certain percentage of your deposit. An example is 100% up to $500 while leaving you with a $1000 bankroll if you made a $500 deposit.
The 250% welcome bonus at Wild Casino is a perfect illustration. Your starting balance of $100, for instance, will increase to $350 after the incentive of $250 is applied. Depositing just $400 will get you a maximum bonus of $1000 with this bonus deal.
Cryptocurrency Bonuses
Online gamblers who use cryptocurrency for deposits are eligible for special deposit match bonuses. These bonuses almost always exceed the value of similar offers made in fiat currency, making cryptocurrency an excellent option for bonus seekers.
Wild Casino has a 300% incentive for deposits made with cryptocurrency up to $3,000. The maximum bonus amount is triple their regular deal.
No-Deposit Bonuses
The only type of bonus that can be considered “free” is the no-deposit bonus, which does not require a player to pay into their account. You can take advantage of the deal, use the bonus, and still win real money. They’re great for giving games a test run before shelling out actual cash, but they’re rare.
An unusual example of a no-deposit offer is at Red Dog Casino. You can choose between a $40 slot play credit or a $25 table game credit to use at the casino. Getting this bonus is a little tricky because it’s not listed on the casino’s promotions page. You’ll need to contact customer support and request it.
Reload Bonuses
You may be eligible for a reload bonus if you’ve already taken advantage of all the welcome bonuses. The most common type of welcome incentive is a percentage match on deposits. Still, some sites also offer free play or wagers. If you time your payments around these deals, you can push your bankroll further.
BetUS is the best place to take advantage of reload bonuses thanks to the many weekly promos it offers, such as:
- 250% bonus of up to $2,500 for slots on Tuesdays.
- Every Thursday, a 10% bonus on cryptocurrency deposits.
- On Saturday, a 150% slots bonus up to $1,500 plus 20 free spins.
VIP Programs
Loyal customers are rewarded through VIP programs. While the specifics of how and when you earn loyalty points can vary widely between casinos, generally, wagering with real money earns you some points. These are the key to accessing better benefits as you progress through the various reward tiers.
Ignition has a top-notch VIP program. As you place bets, you accumulate Ignition Miles that can be redeemed for various bonuses and monetary payouts. Earning miles is faster at higher VIP levels, and the miles you receive last for life.
Mobile Gambling Apps in Iowa
In Iowa, mobile devices account for nearly 90% of all internet gambling actions. Here are your choices if you’d like to gamble whenever and wherever you like.
Android Mobile Gambling
If you are interested in wagering on sporting events, you may already know the state’s bookies. You’ll need Android 6.0 or later to install their apps, but you can’t get them all from Google Play. It’s Google’s policy not to publish real-money online casinos in its app store.
Here are your two choices to access online casino activities on your Android device:
- Downloading from the Operator: It is possible to play at some offshore casinos via downloadable apps. If you decide to do this, make sure to only use reputable sites so that you don’t end up with malware on your device.
- Web-Based Android Apps: Playing on the casino’s website via a good mobile browser is a superior option. All our best Iowa gambling establishments are created in HTML 5. So, you can play your favorite games on the go without hiccups on your smartphone or Android tablet.
iOS Mobile Gambling in Iowa
If you own an iPhone, the scenario is essentially the same. If you have a device running iOS 10.0 or later, you can find sportsbooks, but you won’t find any state-licensed casinos in the app store. Instead, you can play at offshore casinos by downloading the app from the site.
We recommend web play rather than downloading apps. Using Chrome or Safari to access games means instant entry, and you need not worry about taking up space on your device. Any recent Apple device will work with any of our suggested casinos, and you’ll have access to the same features as on your computer.
Advantages of Offshore Gambling Sites
Welcome Bonuses
The promotions at offshore gaming sites are very lucrative. Wild Casino offers a $9,000 welcome incentive to cryptocurrency users. The bonuses at the state-run bookmakers in Iowa are significantly smaller than this. Offshore incentives would still be more generous even if online gambling became legal in Iowa.
Game Variety
Offshore gaming sites offer hundreds of thrilling casino games across different genres. The top providers are:
- Bovada gaming
- 3 Oaks Gaming
- Amatic Industries
- Genesis
- RTG
- Everymatrix
- Authentic Gaming
- Spinomenal
- Betsoft
- Dragon Gaming
- BGaming
- Microgaming
- Woohoo games
- DGS
- Platipus
- Revolver Gaming
- Concept Gaming
- Nucleus
- Rival
Cryptocurrency Deposits/Withdrawals
Legal online gambling options are prohibited from accepting cryptocurrencies due to federal regulations. Due to their location outside the United States, offshore casinos can accept cryptocurrency deposits and payouts. Using cryptocurrency for internet gambling has many benefits, including safety, speed, and anonymity.
Privacy
Gambling winnings accrued in Iowa must be reported to the IRS for taxation purposes. Remote locations are not subject to these rules, however. Therefore, offshore casinos will not disclose your gaming activities or winnings.
What Games Can I Play at Iowa Online Casinos?
Online casinos in Iowa offer an even better variety of games than land-based ones. Here are the main online gaming subcategories:
Slots
Online slots feature in the hundreds at all our top-rated casinos. These games come in all shapes.
All our top-rated casinos feature online slots with diverse themes and features. You’ll find everything from classic three-reel offerings to modern games with cluster-pay mechanics and cascading reels. Both high rollers and regular players will find slots that suit them because betting limits range from $0.01 to $5 per payline.
Wild Casino is the best pick from our list to play online slot machines. You’ll find up to 363 options from renowned providers like BetSoft and Nucleus. If you want more immersive gameplay, try the live slot options on the site.
A few of the titles we’ve tried and loved are the following:
- StarCash
- 88 Frenzy Fortune
- Junkyard Super Reels
- Reels of Fortune
- Dragon Blast
You’ll also find some slot tournaments to try for a more competitive session. These are available weekly and can deliver as much as $5000 in the prize pool. If you become the biggest lucky winner, $1000 out of the total pot could be yours.
Video Poker
Video poker is found at all our Arkansas online casinos, with BetUS having the most variety. Its 24 video poker games include several versions of the famous Jacks or Better and other exciting titles.
Not every casino on our list features video poker games, but BetUS stands out in this area. The operator competes with standard online poker sites because it has 24 video poker options, from the most popular variants to those you’ll probably encounter for the first time. Here’s a short list of the offerings you’ll find:
- Aces and Eights
- Tens or Better
- Double Double Bonus
- Deuces Wild
- Aces and Faces
- Joker Poker
Blackjack
Not all our recommended online casinos have blackjack, but BetUS takes the cake with a whopping 32 unique versions. Moreover, some of these versions are exclusive to the online realm and cannot be found in land-based casinos. Among them are Blackjack Switch and Multi-Hand Blackjack, which are sure to add an extra layer of excitement to your gameplay.
If you’re looking to take your blackjack skills to the next level, you might want to check out the blackjack tournaments at Café Casino and Wild Casino. Not only are they free to enter, but they also offer impressive cash prizes that can reach up to $20,000. So, put your skills to the test and see if you have what it takes to come out on top.
Roulette
If you’re a roulette fan, you’ll be pleased to know that our recommended online casinos offer a wide variety of this classic casino game. While Red Dog only has one roulette game available (European Roulette by RTG), our other highlighted sites have a choice of versions.
BetUS and Ignition offer five different titles that will keep you entertained for hours on end. Meanwhile, Café Casino has four options, each with a unique spin on the traditional game. If you’re looking for the ultimate roulette experience, you won’t want to miss Wild Casino; it offers an impressive selection of 11 roulette games.
From the classic American Roulette to the more deluxe European Roulette Deluxe, you’ll find something to suit your preferences. For something a little more unique, try American Double Ball or Platinum Chip roulette at Wild Casino.
Table Games
Table games, such as craps, baccarat, three-card rummy, and casino war, are available in some of our listed casinos’ specialty or table games sections. Online poker is one of the games in this category that offers different variants, such as Caribbean Stud Poker or Triple Edge Poker.
You can try Ignition Casino online poker rooms for the best table game experience. Ignition’s poker room is integrated with its online casino platform. Their generous $3,000 welcome bonus is split evenly between the two, making it an excellent choice.
Live Dealer
Besides Red Dog, all our recommended gambling sites feature high-quality live dealer casino games optimized for smartphone play. Live European Roulette, Blackjack HD, and Early Payout are some of our best live casino games. If you are looking for something more unusual, you can try your luck at live slots or the money wheel.
If you’ve never been to a real casino, these games will make you feel like you’re right in the action. A live croupier will serve you as you experience the game in real time via video streaming.
Bingo
Ignition and Café Casino are the only sites on our list that feature online bingo games. You’ll find interesting variants of this simple classic in the “Specialty Games” section at both casinos. We’ve listed some of the titles you’ll find at either of our two recommended offshore sites:
- Tribo Bingo
- Go-Go Bingo
- Bingo Goal
- Amazonia Bingo
New Online Casino Sites in Iowa
With new offshore casinos popping up every month, trying out the latest and greatest in online gaming can be tempting. However, it’s essential to exercise caution when it comes to these newly launched sites because they may not have the necessary experience to guarantee fair and fun gaming.
We consider recently launched casinos only if they are a brand of an older operator with an impeccable history of fairness. This way, you can be more confident in the quality of their service.
If you’re keen on playing at a newer casino site, we’ve compiled a list of the best options available:
- Red Dog Casino: 2019
- Rich Palms: 2020
- Las Atlantis Casino: 2020
- Super Slots: 2020
- El Royal: 2020
What to Look for When Choosing the Best Iowa Betting Site
The abundance of options can be overwhelming when choosing the best offshore casino. To help make the decision process easier for Iowa residents, we’ve compiled a list of seven important factors to consider when comparing operators.
Reviews
Make sure you read reviews from players and experts like us. This helps you gauge the casino’s reliability based on real-life experiences rather than a surface view. If there are any negative comments or anything that sounds suspicious, it’s best to steer clear.
Licensing
Always check that the operator holds a valid gaming license, even though it is an offshore online casino. Look for licensing badges from Curacao, Panama, or Malta on the casino site, or use our recommended picks.
Promotions
Bonuses can significantly impact your bankroll, so compare them and look for the ones with the biggest offer, longest validity period, and lowest wagering requirements.
Accessibility
The best Iowa betting sites adjust to all screen sizes and work with all major operating systems and mobile devices. Try accessing the site on different devices before registering to ensure a user-friendly experience.
Game Variety
Look for casinos that offer a wide range of table games, slots, and specialty titles. The more variety there is, the more fun you can have switching between games. Also, check the list of developers to ensure the best quality of games.
Min/Max Bets
Online casino games have minimum and maximum bet limits, so make sure you choose a casino with a range of limits to fit your budget. You’ll also need to search for tables with high limits if you’re a high roller.
Banking Options
Check the available banking options to see if they are useful and safe. The offshore casinos on our list offer crypto, credit cards, vouchers, and bank transfers. Always look out for transaction fees, times, and limits.
Iowa State Revenues from Gambling
Without an industry for online gambling in Iowa, the only sources of gambling income are its land-based casinos and sportsbooks.
Despite state residents betting less in January 2023, sports betting income in Iowa grew 15.4% year on year. The total revenue for the month was $16.5 million, up from $14.3 million in January last year but 19.1% less than the $20.4 million in December 2022.
Also, adjusted gross revenue from slot machines and table games at Iowa’s state-licensed casinos was roughly $1.78 billion, per the July 2022 report. This is a significant increase from the $1.5 billion in revenue from the 2021 fiscal year that resulted in $330 million in both state and federal taxes.
Iowa Lawmakers Involved in Gambling Legislation
- Rep. Bobby Kaufmann introduced legislation to legalize sports betting in 2018.
- Governor Terry Branstad signed File 482 to simplify and update the state’s charitable gambling laws.
- Rep. Jake Highfill supported the bill to legalize sports betting at racetracks and casinos in 2018.
- Governor Kim Reynolds signed SF 617 on May 13, 2019, thus legalizing sports betting.
Charitable Gambling in Iowa
Charitable gambling has been legal in Iowa since 1973. Amusement games, bingo, casino nights, contests, games of skill and chance, and raffles can all be held by charitable groups. Charitable gambling in the state is governed by Iowa Code Chapter 99B, and the Social and Charitable Gambling Program of the Department of Inspections and Appeals enforces it.
To legally host charitable games, organizations must first acquire a gambling license for that purpose. Also, charities organizing game nights can pay out as much as $10,000.
Iowa Gambling Taxes
The tax rate in Iowa is 5% on gambling winnings up to $1 million. There is also a tax rate of 10% for gains over $1 million and under $3 million. Federal taxes amounting to 24% will also apply to your winnings.
You never have to pay gambling taxes when you play at any of our listed offshore gambling sites because they are not under the jurisdiction of Iowa gambling laws. That means all your winnings are yours to keep.
Banking Methods at Iowa online casinos real money
Each online casino offers unique payment methods to cater to the diverse needs of its clients. While the specific options may vary between sites, there are several main categories that you can expect to find across most reputable online casinos, like the following:
Bitcoin and Cryptocurrencies
Our top-rated online casinos support various cryptocurrencies, such as Tether, Bitcoin, Ethereum, and Litecoin. Among these options, Tether deposits start at a low minimum of $5.
If you want to use altcoins, Wild Casino supports Shiba Inu, Solana, and Polygon. We strongly recommend using Bitcoin or other cryptocurrencies for depositing and withdrawing funds because they offer several advantages over traditional fiat currencies.
Withdrawals are typically processed more quickly, and transactions are secured by blockchain technology. In addition, our casinos often provide exclusive bonuses for cryptocurrency deposits.
Credit and Debit Cards
Our casino sites offer several payment options, including the widely accepted Mastercard, Visa, and AMEX credit cards. In addition, Discover is supported by Wild Casino and Red Dog.
However, some US banks may block charges to online gambling sites. Moreover, fees and deposit limits for credit cards are generally higher, starting at $20―$25.
Bank Transfers
Only a few casinos offer the convenience of bank transfers for deposits. However, this luxury is often reserved solely for withdrawals, leaving players with limited options to fund their accounts. Still, you can withdraw up to a staggering $25,000 in one go. However, before you start counting your winnings, brace yourself for a weeklong wait for the funds to reflect in your account and high processing fees.
We recommend using Red Dog Casino if you fancy bank transfers. The operator doesn’t levy any transaction fees, and its swift payout process ensures you receive your winnings within a mere five days.
eWallets
Offshore casino sites do not offer the convenience of eWallets due to legal restrictions. Providers like PayPal and Skill can only authorize gambling transactions at state-licensed operators.
However, Ignition Casino offers a remarkable alternative payment method: MatchPay. This platform allows users to exchange instantly and purchase credits from other players through their secure and user-friendly trading platform.
What Forms of Gambling Are Available in Iowa
- Casinos: Gambling at land-based casinos are permitted for those of lawful casino gambling age in Iowa. For now, online casino gambling exists in legal limbo, with no clear guidelines or prohibitions. However, you can play at offshore sites.
- Lottery: Once you are 21 or older, you can legally purchase Iowa lottery tickets.
- Sports Betting: In 2019, the government legalized sports betting in Iowa for anyone aged 21 and over.
- Horseracing: Both online and in-person horserace betting is legal and available in Iowa to persons aged 21 and older.
- Greyhound Racing: Iowa is one of the few states where greyhound racing and betting are available in the USA.
- Bingo: Bingo and raffles are legal in Iowa under its charitable gambling law.
Land-Based Casinos in Iowa
Prairie Meadows casino
Address: 1 Prairie Meadows Dr., IA 50009
With 81659 square feet of gaming space, Prairie Meadows casino is the largest casino in Iowa. The location houses 44 table games, 11 poker tables, and 2000 slots.
Horseshoe Council Bluffs
Address: 2200 River Rd., IA 51501
The Council Bluffs, Iowa Horseshoe is conveniently located next to the Mid-America Center. Within its 68,000 square feet of space, the casino is home to more than 1600 slot machines, 54 table games, video poker machines, and a poker room with 18 tables.
Ameristar Casino Council Bluffs
Address: 2200 River Rd., IA 51501
With 1,500 slot machines and 20 table games spread across 38,500 square feet, the Ameristar Casino Council Bluffs has entertained visitors for over 20 years. This is the third-largest casino on our list.
Meskwaki Bingo Casino Hotel
Address: 1504 305th St., Tama, IA 52339
Meskwaki Bingo Casino Hotel opened its doors to players in December 1991. The casino houses 10 poker tables, 21 table games, and 1350 slot machines.
Lakeside Hotel Casino
Address: 777 Casino Dr., Osceola, IA 50213
Indoor performances continue throughout the year, while the outdoor amphitheater seats 800 people and hosts concerts in the summer. The gambling establishment features over a thousand slot machines, video poker terminals, 13 gaming tables, and a live poker room.
Blackbird Bend Casino: 17214 210th St., Onawa
Casino Queen Marquette: 100 Anti Monopoly, Marquette
Catfish Bend Casino: 3001 Winegard Dr., Burlington
Diamond Jo Casino: 777 Diamond Jo Ln., Northwood
Grand Falls Casino: 1415 Grand Falls Blvd., Larchwood
Hard Rock Sioux City: 111 3rd St., Sioux City
Harrah’s Council Bluffs: 1 Harrah’s Blvd., Council Bluffs
Isle Casino Bettendorf: 1777 Isle Pkwy., Bettendorf
Isle Casino Waterloo: 777 Isle of Capri Blvd., Waterloo
Prairie Flower Casino: 1031 Ave. H East, Carter Lake
Q Casino: 1855 Greyhound Park Rd., Dubuque
Rhythm City Casino Resort: 7077 Elmore Ave., Davenport
Riverside Casino and Golf Resort: 3184 IA-22, Riverside
Wild Rose Casino and Resort Clinton: 777 Wild Rose Dr., Clinton
Wild Rose Casino and Resort Emmetsburg: 777 Main St., Emmetsburg
Wild Rose Casino and Resort Jefferson: 777 Wild Rose Rd., Jefferson
Winnavegas Casino Resort: 1500 330th St., Sloan
Frequently asked questions
Is online Gambling Legal in Iowa?
Online gambling is not legal in Iowa. However, there is also no law against playing at offshore casinos.
What is the Legal Gambling age in Iowa?
The legal gambling age in Iowa is 21. If you are 18 or older, you can play at any of our listed casinos without legal repercussions.
When did Iowa Regulate Online Gambling?
Iowa has not regulated online gambling. For now, it is a legal gray area, so you can opt for other operators licensed outside the state.
Who Regulates Online Sports Betting in Iowa?
The Iowa Racing and Gaming Commission regulates online sports gambling in the state. It also regulates land-based casinos.
Can I Play Daily Fantasy Sports in Iowa?
You can play daily fantasy sports in Iowa. DFS became legal in the state once sports betting was legalized.
Can I Win Real Money Playing Online?
Yes, you can win real money by playing online casino games. However, you would need to place real-money bets to win real money.
What is the Best Online Casino in Iowa?
The best online casinos in Iowa are the offshore sites we’ve suggested. You can decide which of them best suits you based on your preferences.
Are Iowa Betting Sites Safe?
State-licensed betting sites in Iowa are safe. These sites operate under strict rules laid down by the regulatory body, which puts player safety first.
Is DraftKings Legal in Iowa?
DraftKings is legal in Iowa. However, only their sportsbook is available as online casinos have yet to be legalized.
Is FanDuel Legal in Iowa?
FanDuel is legal in Iowa. Still, only their DFS services are available.
Is Cafe Casino Legal in Iowa?
Café Casino is not legal in Iowa, but residents can play there. So far, no one has been punished for accessing the casino from Iowa.
Is BetUS legal in Iowa?
BetUs is not legal in Iowa, but it is safe for residents to play on the site. There are no laws against playing offshore at online casinos.
Is Wild Casino Legal in Iowa?
Wild Casino is not legal in Iowa. Because no law against playing offshore has been passed, no resident has been prosecuted for playing on the site.
Is Red Dog Casino Legal in Iowa?
Red Dog Casino is not legal in Iowa, but it is safe to play there. You won’t be in trouble because the law doesn’t prohibit offshore casinos.
Do Games at Iowa Casinos use an RNG?
Games at Iowa casinos use random number generators (RNG). The only exceptions are live dealer games, where your skill determines the outcome of each round.