Meskwaki Bingo Casino Hotel
The casino is owned by the Sac & Fox Tribe of the Mississippi. This is a massive complex with slots and table games available, plus a bingo hall. There’s accommodation, a museum, and a Prime Cut Grille for dining.
Find Your Favourite Iowa Casinos 2026
Updated by Lynsey Thompson
Casino Expert
Fact Checked by Michael Graham
Content Editor
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Iowa isn’t always top of mind for a casino trip, but it probably should be. For a Midwest state, it packs in a surprisingly wide range of places to play, with 23 casinos dotted from the Missouri River in the west to the Mississippi in the east. You’ll come across everything from large Iowa casino resorts and riverfront properties to tribal casinos in Iowa, plus a racino and even one remaining riverboat. Whether you’re planning a short trip or just looking for casinos in Iowa near you, this guide breaks down the land-based options and what it’s actually like to visit them.
A Quick Look at Iowa's Casino Scene
If you’re traveling out our way to immerse yourself in our casinos, then you might not yet know where you want to visit and where to gamble in Iowa. You can walk into 23 casinos in our state, which cover the river-town clusters and inland properties. That’s just over 300 miles of car journey, with a lot of gaming in between. From commercial to tribal, Iowa casinos are open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. But there’s more. Racinos are also available if you like to bet on live horse racing. Nothing like the dry dust cloud lifting into the air during a race. It’s a whole other experience awaiting you.
Casino Resorts & Full-Service Properties
If you’ve flown or driven out here to experience the biggest Iowa casino resorts, with the most lavish accommodations, plenty of nightlife entertainment, and exquisite dining, then these are our amenity-rich destinations to visit.
Horseshoe Casino Council Bluffs
This resort, owned by Caesars Entertainment, offers classic table games and slots plus access to the World Series of Poker. Enjoy the Jack Binion’s Steakhouse and the live concerts at the Whiskey Roadhouse.
Harrah's Council Bluffs Casino & Hotel
At this Ceasars-operated casino, you get 3-star accommodation, with a gaming floor hosting slots and traditional table games. You can feast at the 360 Steakhouse and enjoy the river views along with the evening entertainment inside the Stir Cove.
Ameristar Casino Hotel Council Bluffs
Presented by PENN Entertainment, this casino hotel offers a mix of tables and slot machines. Take comfort in the 4-star hotel, which also features an indoor pool and a range of dining options, including the Heritage Buffet.
Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Sioux City
This venue is an AAA Four Diamond hotel and casino, ideal for day and nighttime activities. There are live events in the Anthem and slots in the casino. You have the Fuel America Grill, and you can take pictures of their extensive collection of rock memorabilia.
Riverside Casino and Golf Resort
The name gives it all away, but beyond the championship golf course and poker rooms, you have a resort offering a luxury full-service spa, with Ruthie’s Steak & Seafood as a dining option.
Rhythm City Casino Resort
Passing through Davenport? Then take a stop at this venue, which boasts luxurious accommodation, spa treatment, concerts, and the option of casino gaming. Plus, you can hang out in the Draft Day Sports Lounge.
Meskwaki Bingo Casino Hotel
This Tama resort is owned and operated by the Meskwaki Nation. The gaming floor comes with bingo halls and slot machines. You have pool access, accommodation, the Jackpot Buffet, and a museum of historical and cultural displays.
Wild Rose Casino & Resorts – Clinton
Owned by Wild Rose Entertainment, the venue comes with a DraftKings Sportsbook and slot terminals. The hotel offers accommodation, events, and the Coaches Corner Sports Bar for unwinding.
Wild Rose Casino & Resorts – Emmetsburg
Find this resort by heading northwest of Iowa, and when you get there, you can use the RV park and dine in the Lucky’s Sports Grill. There are also live events hosted in the 777 Bar. For games, they have slot terminals and electronic table games.
Wild Rose Casino & Resorts – Jefferson
Come on in and play yourself a round of table games and some slots. If you want to relax, you have the accommodation to take rest, or just kick back in the Coaches Corner and watch live sports, and make use of the DraftKings Sportsbook.
Mid-Size & Standalone Casinos
If your journey is solely focused on the gaming experience, without the other thrills of spa pampering and golfing, here are my recommendations for solid casino merriment.
Isle Casino Hotel Bettendorf
Owned by Caesars, this casino supports both casino and sports fans, as it comes with a gaming floor of slot machines, and you have the DraftKings Sportsbook available. For the table enthusiast, take a seat at the blackjack, roulette, and craps tables. The energy in this place is palpable.
Isle Casino Hotel Waterloo
Caesars does it again, with a mouth-watering selection of casino games and sports betting facilities. The DraftKings Sportsbook will have you on the edge of your seat, while those playing the slots and table games like Ultimate Texas Hold ‘Em won’t be able to leave their seats.
Diamond Jo Casino – Dubuque
Boyd Gaming presents a casino with an air of sophistication. Here you can play slots, traditional table games, and poker tournaments. It’s a popular spot, and so is its Mississippi Moon Bar.
Diamond Jo Worth – Northwood
Found along the border of Iowa and Minnesota, you can indulge in some slot gameplay along with a range of electronic table games that include craps and blackjack. The site is also home to the FanDuel Sportsbook.
Q Casino – Dubuque
This venue, owned by the city, offers a mix of sports betting, traditional table games like roulette and blackjack, and slot machines. Check out the Q Rewards in case you’re able to benefit.
Grand Falls Casino Resort – Larchwood
If you’re in South Dakota, head to the Grand Falls. Here you can play high-stakes blackjack and poker. There are slot machines, and sports fans can enjoy the Betfred Sportsbook. They say it’s like Vegas here, what do you think?
Catfish Bend Casino – Burlington
The PointsBet Sportsbook is a magnet for those who want to bet on their favorite sports. The casino hosts blackjack, roulette, and craps, along with slot terminals. Beats playing in the waterpark, right?
Lakeside Hotel Casino – Osceola
How about playing your games right on the water? At this casino, you can play a range of classic table games and slot machines. For those who like sports betting, the William Hill Sportsbook rounds off your riverboat-style experience.
Bally's Marquette
Another riverboat experience to share on your socials. Don’t forget to highlight your potential successes on the casino’s electronic tables and slots. Get a blend of nostalgic and classic gaming in a quieter, more relaxing setting.
Iowa's Only Racino: Prairie Meadows
If your trip out here demands something special, then how about Prairie Meadows in Altoona? It is the only racino in our glorious state. What is a racino? It’s a sports venue with a racetrack and comes with a full casino floor, giving you the best of both worlds.
While here, you can watch and bet on the thoroughbred and the quarter horse racing that takes place. Make sure that you check the schedule as races can be subject to change. The racino offers the opportunity to place simulcast bets year-round. Between races, you can relax on the slot machines, gaming tables, or within the poker room. Complete your day with a short trip to Des Moines, our beloved capital city.
Iowa's Four Tribal Casinos
Upon our sovereign land, four tribal casinos operate. These casinos are supported by the federal IGRA compacts and provide guests with a mix of commercial gaming like slots, sportsbooks, and tables. These venues are separate from the IRGC licensing board. Step into a part of Iowa’s culture and history. Check out the must-visit tribal casinos in Iowa below:
WinnaVegas Casino Resort – Sloan
Step into the world of the Winnebago Tribe of Nebraska. This resort provides guests with Cajun stud poker, blackjack, slots, and more. Relax in the 3-star hotel and enjoy the fitness center and indoor swimming pool, along with the Flowers Island Restaurant.
Prairie Flower Casino – Carter Lake
Ran by the Ponca Tribe of Nebraska, this casino presents visitors and guests with a vast selection of slots and tables that include Double Down Madness Blackjack. Plus, they recently added a new sportsbook service. If you win, why not celebrate in the SKY Bar?
Blackbird Bend Casino – Onawa
Owned by the Omaha Tribe, this place is described by locals and themselves as the “friendliest casino around.” Gaming experiences come in the form of slots and classic table games like roulette and craps. You can also play bingo if you’re not distracted by the daily buffets.
Other Ways to Gamble in Iowa
No doubt, whilst you journey around our great state, you will discover many more gaming opportunities outside the walls of our casinos. So, let’s just give you a comprehensive breakdown of what’s available if you want to experience everything!
- Iowa Lottery — There are plenty of lottery retailers north, south, east, and west, and you must be 21 or older to play.
- Charitable gaming/bingo — Our state proudly boasts over 150 licensed non-profit organizations. They host weekly bingo to help local communities. You can be 18 or older to take part.
- Off-track betting (OTB) — Bet on races without being at the location. The state OTB services are tied to the races that take place at Prairie Meadows. Participants must be 21 years or older.
- Retail sportsbooks — Yes, as of 2019, we finally have sportsbooks in Iowa, found inside most commercial and tribal casinos. Sports betting requires a minimum age of 21.
Iowa's Major Casino Operators
The landscape of our casinos presents national chains and independent enterprises. You have the glitz and glam alongside the heritage. This range of styles brings about not only loyalty programs to frequent visitors and guests, but also a personal service that is rooted in the local good nature of our people.
Planning Your Visit: What to Know Before You Go
We hope you’re just as excited about your trip to Iowa as we are seeing you enjoy what our state has to offer. But before you pack your bags and head on out here, run through a checklist to make sure you leave nothing behind and plan your trip accordingly.
- Minimum age: For all casinos, the minimum age to enter is 21. For slots, all classic table games, poker, and sports betting, you must be 21 or older to play. The minimum age for bingo and pari-mutuel wagering is 18.
- ID requirements: Do not forget to bring your government-issued photo ID. This is absolutely required for entry; even if you’re grey and look like you’ve had a hard life, always carry it.
- Hours: Every casino in Iowa is open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Can you keep up? Pack some energy drinks.
- Gaming floors: Inside many Iowa casinos, smoking is permitted. If you’re a non-smoker, check ahead to find a suitable location.
- Sportsbooks: Many venues come with a sportsbook service from major national brands like DraftKings, Caesars, or FanDuel.
- Racing events: Horse racing events that take place in the racinos in Iowa may be subject to change. Check events and races before you travel, just in case you’re coming specifically for a derby dash or other event.
Responsible Gambling Resources in Iowa
We want your visit to be fun and for you to be entertained. When this stops, then take action. Budget, take breaks, and consider stopping altogether.
The state of Iowa offers a self-exclusion service via the Iowa Racing and Gaming Commission. You can also call the 1-800-BETS OFF helpline or contact the Iowa Department of Public Health for further support. The help is there and online at YourLifeIowa.org.
Informational Disclaimer
This guide is designed to give a clear overview of in-person gambling options in Iowa and is for informational purposes only. It doesn’t provide financial, gambling, or legal advice. For the most accurate and up-to-date details, readers should check with official sources such as the Iowa Racing and Gaming Commission (IRGC) or individual venues.
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FAQ
How many casinos are there in Iowa?
There are 23 casinos across Iowa, including 19 state-licensed commercial properties and four tribal casinos. You’ll find them dotted all over the state, with several clustered along the Mississippi River in the east and around Council Bluffs in the west.
Are Iowa casinos open 24 hours?
Yes, all casinos in Iowa are open 24 hours a day, seven days a week. That means you can drop in whenever it suits you, whether it’s late at night, early in the morning, or just a quick stop during a longer trip.
What is the difference between a casino and a racino?
A racino is essentially a casino with a racetrack attached. In Iowa, Prairie Meadows in Altoona is the only one in Iowa. Alongside slots and table games, it hosts live horse racing during the season and simulcast betting year-round.
Can you bet on sports in Iowa casinos?
Yes, you can. Most casinos in Iowa have on-site sportsbooks where you can place bets in person. These are usually set up with betting counters, large screens, and seating areas, making them easy to use even if it’s your first time.
What is the minimum age to gamble in Iowa?
For casino gaming and sports betting, you’ll need to be 21 or older. Some other options, like bingo or betting on horse races, may be open to those 18 and over. It’s always worth checking the specific venue before you visit to be sure.
Meet The Author
10 Years
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Experience
Lynsey is a regular Las Vegas visitor and a keen slots and roulette player. As well as significant experience as a writer in the iGaming and gambling industries as an expert reviewer and journalist, Lynsey is one half of the popular Las Vegas YouTube Channel and Podcast 'Begas Vaby’. When she is not in Las Vegas or wishing she was in Las Vegas, Lynsey can usually be found pursuing her other two main interests of sports and theatre.
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This review is based on the writer's personal opinion
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