Reviews Of Local Iowa Casinos

Does Iowa Have 18+ Casinos?

While the state does not authorize or license online casino sites, it’s important to note that the online casinos recommended by the experts on Casinos18 are all available from out-of-state sources. This means that no local restrictions forbid online gambling, allowing IA players to sign up and gamble with any site they choose.

When selecting an online gambling site, it’s crucial for players to opt for licensed sites that are regulated by a reputable gaming commission. These sites provide additional safeguards for players, ensuring a secure and fair gaming experience. The 18+ casino sites we review are a great starting point, as we detail banking methods and bonus options and provide detailed recommendations for each site.

The Minimum Gambling Age In Iowa

The state’s minimum gambling age is set at 21 for casinos, sportsbooks, and poker rooms. The only state-licensed gambling option for players under 21 is the lottery. However, as one of the legit states listed in our 18+ guide on Casinos18.com, Iowa players can access a slew of sites that will accept adult players under 21.

Since state laws concerning gambling vary, we also provide a legal gambling age-by-state guide that covers both local and online gambling options.

Commercial Casinos In Iowa

Currently, 19 commercial casino locations in the state each offer a gaming selection that includes blackjack betting, roulette, slots, video poker, and more. The first two commercial casinos opened their doors in 1991, and today, each is licensed and regulated by the Iowa Racing and Gaming Association, providing a fair and secure gaming environment that you can trust.

Below are a few reviews of the top-rated local gambling destinations in the state and the options they offer their players.

Riverside Casino & Golf Resort  – Riverside, IA

• Slot Machines: 895
• Gaming Tables: 38
• On-Site Poker: Yes
• Sportsbook: Yes
• Online Gambling: Sports only
• Hotel Accommodations: Golf Course, Spa, Concert Venue, Top Golf
• Hotel Rooms: 201
• Hotel Price: $160 range
• Entertainment: Yes
• On-Site Restaurants: 5
• Smoking Allowed: Yes
• Casino Gambling Age: 21

The Riverside Casino and Resort is one of the state’s most versatile gambling facilities. It offers live-dealer table games, numerous slot titles, and other entertainment options. The on-site sportsbook, poker room, and golf course are nice additions.

Address: 3184 IA-22, Riverside, IA 52327
Phone: (319) 648-1234

Ameristar II – Council Bluffs, IA

• Slot Machines: 1,297
• Gaming Tables: 28
• On-Site Poker: No
• Sportsbook: Yes
• Online Gambling: Sports only
• Hotel Accommodations: Indoor pool
• Hotel Rooms: 160
• Hotel Price: $140 range
• Entertainment: No
• On-Site Restaurants: 5
• Smoking Allowed: Yes
• Casino Gambling Age: 21

The Ameristar Casino opened its doors in January 1996, providing the state with numerous gambling options, including a handful of table games and gambling machines. The only things this location lacks are entertainment and a dedicated poker area.

Address: 2200 River Road, Council Bluffs, IA 51501
Phone: 712-328-8888

Harrah’s Council Bluffs Hotel & Casino – Council Bluffs, IA

• Slot Machines: 650
• Gaming Tables: 13
• On-Site Poker: Yes
• Sportsbook: Yes
• Online Gambling: Sports only
• Hotel Accommodations: Fitness Center, Pool, Shuttle, Pets Allowed
• Hotel Rooms: 251
• Hotel Price: $99 range
• Entertainment: Yes
• On-Site Restaurants: 4
• Smoking Allowed: Yes
• Casino Gambling Age: 21

Harrah’s game room floor spans over 27k sq-ft, with a handful of live dealer table games and enough slots for the area. Harrah’s is also one of the few casinos in the state with a dedicated poker area.

Address: 1 Harrah’s Boulevard, Council Bluffs, IA 51501
Phone: 712-329-6000

More Commercial Casinos

• Casino Queen Marquette
• Catfish Bend Casino
• Diamond Jo Casino
• Diamond Jo Worth
• Grand Falls Casino Resort
• Hard Rock Hotel and Casino
• Horseshoe Casino Council Bluffs
• Isle Casino Hotel Waterloo
• Isle of Capri - Bettendorf
• Lakeside Hotel Casino
• Prairie Meadows Racetrack & Casino
• Q Casino
• Rhythm City Casino
• Wild Rose Casino & Resorts - Clinton
• Wild Rose Casino & Resorts - Emmetsburg
• Wild Rose Casino & Resorts - Jefferson

Tribal Casinos In IA

There are currently only four tribal casinos in Iowa, each on a smaller scale compared to the commercial locations in the state. Below, we review two of the most notable tribal locations and offer our opinions on what makes each site unique.

Blackbird Bend Casino – Onawa, IA

• Slot Machines: 373
• Gaming Tables: 7
• On-Site Poker: Yes
• Sportsbook: No
• Online Gambling: None
• Hotel Accommodations: None
• Entertainment: No
• On-Site Restaurants: 2
• Smoking Allowed: Yes
• Casino Gambling Age: 21

Located just northwest of Louis and Clark State Park, the Blackbird Bend Casino is one of the few tribal casinos in the state. Only a few tabletop games are offered, and slots are limited, but it is convenient for the area. With no hotel on site, the casino offers shuttle services from nearby Onawa and Decatur.

Address: 17214 210th St, Onawa, IA 51040
Phone: (712) 423-9646

Prairie Flower Casino – Carter Lake, IA

• Slot Machines: 200
• Gaming Tables: Electronic Only
• On-Site Poker: No
• Sportsbook: No
• Online Gambling: None
• Hotel Accommodations: None
• Entertainment: No
• On-Site Restaurants: 1
• Smoking Allowed: Yes
• Casino Gambling Age: 21

As one of the few casinos near downtown Omaha, NE, the Prairie Flower Casino flourishes as one of Iowa’s tribal casino destinations. The casino is smaller and doesn’t offer poker or access to online sports betting.

Address: 17214 210th St, Onawa, IA 51040
Phone: (712) 423-9646

More Tribal Casinos

• Meskwaki Casino
• WinnaVegas Casino Resort

Do Local Casinos In Iowa Offer Online Gambling

The state only authorized online sports betting following the passage of HF 2497 in August 2019. Initially, players had to register in person at the casino to play the state-licensed online sportsbook; however, since 2021, Iowa residents have been able to sign up exclusively online.

State-licensed sportsbooks only accept players over the age of 21, and potential bettors must provide identification upon signing up.