Brick-and-Mortar Casinos in Iowa – An Inside Look At The Hawkeye State’s Local Casino Industry
- Explore the best local casinos in Iowa, including riverboat properties and commercial gaming resorts.
- Learn about all in-person gambling options for residents and visitors.
- Understand state regulations and gaming agreements that shape how Iowa casinos operate.
In addition to online Iowa casinos operating from offshore, Iowans have access to multiple local casinos. Today, the Hawkeye State has a strong gaming scene, with 19 state-regulated brick-and-mortar casinos across multiple counties.
In recent years, Iowa’s gaming sector has evolved into a key force in the state’s entertainment landscape. The casino properties we discuss on this page each offer a Class III gaming experience, including slots, table games, poker, and sportsbooks, alongside hotels, restaurants, concert venues, and seasonal attractions that draw visitors from across the region.
From the Mississippi River casinos in Dubuque and Bettendorf to the resort‑style properties in Council Bluffs and Altoona, Iowa’s gaming destinations offer a wide range of amenities without the crowds or chaos of the Vegas strip.
Below, we will discuss all 19 commercially licensed casinos in Iowa, including the games you can expect to find and the atmosphere each destination offers.
Are There Casinos in Iowa?
Yes, Iowa is one of the most casino-friendly states in the Midwest. The Iowa Racing and Gaming Commission* regulates 19 commercial casino properties, each offering electronic gaming (slots, video poker), live table games (blackjack, roulette), and sports wagering.
Most local Iowa casinos feature:
- Slot machines and video poker
- Table games like blackjack and roulette
- Poker rooms (select locations)
- Retail sportsbooks
- Hotels, restaurants, entertainment, and events
Commercial Casinos in Iowa
All commercial casino license holders in the state of Iowa can offer class III gaming options including slots, table games, poker, sports wagering, and specialty games. However, the local casino scene is mixed with resort style gaming facilities and smaller venues that only offer select games.
Below we will briefly discuss the gaming options found at each casino and detail some of the properties unique features that keep players coming back.
What Games Can You Play at Iowa Casinos?
While online casino games still reign supreme in gaming variations, local Iowa casinos offer an eclectic selection including electronic slot machines and live dealer table games. While not every casino in Iowa offers table games, slots are fairly common.
Local casinos typically feature:
- Slots
- Table Games – blackjack, roulette, craps,
- Video Poker
- Poker Rooms (select locations)
- Bingo halls (select locations)
- Retail sportsbooks and lounge betting
Council Bluff Casino District - Iowa's Top Casino Destination
The most significant casino district in Iowa is located in Council Bluffs, right along the western border near Omaha, Nebraska. This area is home to some of the state’s largest and most popular casino resorts, including Horseshoe Council Bluffs, Harrah’s Council Bluffs, and Ameristar Casino Hotel, all within just a few minutes of each other.
Because of this tight cluster of major properties, Council Bluffs offers the most concentrated casino experience in Iowa, with huge gaming floors, live table games, poker rooms, sportsbooks, and plenty of dining and entertainment options.
For many visitors, Council Bluffs is the closest thing Iowa has to a true “casino strip,” making it the top destination for a full weekend of gaming and nightlife.
Iowa’s Legal Gambling Age
The legal gambling age in Iowa is set to 21 years old, which applies to all casino-style gaming across the state. This means you must be at least 21 to play slot machines, table games like blackjack and roulette, place bets at a sportsbook, or participate in poker rooms and tournaments.
Iowa casinos are strict about checking identification, especially at entrances and on the gaming floor, so visitors should always bring a valid ID. Whether you’re visiting a major resort in Council Bluffs or a smaller local casino elsewhere in Iowa, the 21+ rule is enforced statewide to ensure legal and responsible gambling.
When Did Iowa Launch Sports Betting?
Iowa officially launched legal sports betting in August 2019, becoming one of the first Midwestern states to embrace regulated wagering after the repeal of PASPA. The state allowed both retail and online sports betting, with major casinos opening sportsbooks shortly after legalization.
In the early days, Iowa required bettors to register in person at a casino, but that rule was later removed, making mobile sports betting much more accessible statewide.
Today, sports betting is fully integrated into Iowa’s casino industry, with retail sportsbooks and approved mobile apps available across the state.
