Online casinos in Iowa (IA) are not regulated or authorized by state law, so Iowa residents are not permitted to play online casino games such as online slots, online roulette, online blackjack, joker poker, baccarat online, and the like. Nevertheless, Iowa has very progressive laws regarding land-based gambling, and online gambling is also undergoing gradual change.
Our Online Casino Review of Iowa
Iowa, which joined the United States in 1846 as the 29th state, is also known as the Hawkeye State, a reference to the Red Delicious apple, which was first cultivated in the state in 1856. As a state in the Midwest, Iowa has one of the finest land-based gambling laws in the region, which has resulted in over 20 casinos where adults 21 and older can play slot machines and a variety of table games. When it comes to online gambling in Iowa, however, Iowa law is much stricter; at the time of writing, only sports betting and daily fantasy sports, for which the ban was lifted in 2019, are considered permissible. Everything else may be deemed unlawful or prohibited.
Best Iowa Online Casinos
The Best Online Casinos in Iowa by CasinoTop10 must:
First, Iowa’s wagering laws must legalize online casinos and provide the following.
Secure and governed online casinos;
Diverse online casino games from leading software developers;
Guarantee Iowa players’ safety;
Ensure that participants are of legal age to gamble.
Legal Status Of Land-Based And Online Casinos In Iowa
The state of Iowa has very distinct views on land-based and online gambling, as evidenced by the over 20 land-based casinos and the fact that it is illegal to play at an Iowa online casino. At the time of writing, gambling in person is lawful for those 21 and older (provided they are on the premises of a state-approved casino or a casino on tribal land), but playing online is prohibited. Iowa’s position on online gambling appears to be steadily shifting, as the state legalized sports betting and daily fantasy sports in 2019. However, it will take time for Iowa to legalize the other forms of online gambling, and there is no definite date for when the prohibition on playing at online casinos in Iowa will be lifted. (if ever). Below, we examine in greater detail the laws and regulations governing land-based and online wagering in Iowa.
Today’s Land-Based Gambling In Iowa
Iowa has one of the most progressive laws for land-based wagering in the entire Midwestern United States, despite its strict prohibition on online gambling. And it’s no accident, as citizens are frequently requested to voice their opinions through referenda. Today, Iowa is home to more than 20 brick-and-mortar casinos that are operational and welcome players over the age of 21. These are reasonably evenly distributed across the state, so you are never too far from a poker room or roulette wheel. The Grand Falls Casino in Larchwood and the Prairie Meadows in Altoona are among the nine casinos that offer live poker. The Indian Gaming Regulatory Act of 1988, a law that granted tribes the right to operate casinos on their land, authorized the operation of a number of casinos on tribal land in Iowa, which are perfectly legal. There is also the 17,514-square-foot Casino Queen Marquette riverboat casino, which features 566 slot machines and eight table games. The state of Iowa has permitted pari-mutuel wagering on horse and canine races since 1983. While simulcast wagering on horse races held outside the state was made permissible for residents in 1989, it is currently illegal for residents to wager on horse races held outside the state. All of this is complemented by a State Lottery affiliated with Mega Millions and Powerball, as well as charitable wagering and bingo. In conclusion, things are looking up for the Hawkeye State, and Iowans have a multitude of options for playing for real money.
Top Casinos on Land in Iowa
Casino Location Size
Riverside Craps, Roulette, Face Up Pai Gow Poker, Tri Lux Blackjack, Blackjack, Ultimate Taxes Hold’em, Free Bet Blackjack with Pot of Gold, Mississippi Stud, EZ Baccarat, Poker, Electronic Craps, Electronic Roulette, Slots, Video Poker.
Slots, 21 3 Extreme Blackjack, Blackjack, Craps, DJ Wild Poker, Face Up Pai Gow Poker, Free Bet Blackjack, High Card Flush, Mississippi Stud, Roulette, Siamese Baccarat, Progressive Pai Gow, Three-Card Poker, and Ultimate Texas Hold’em are available at the Prarie Meadows Casino and Hotel in Altoona.
Slots, Video Poker, Craps, Roulette, Pai Gow Poker Face Up, Three-Card Poker, Ultimate Texas Hold’em, Mississippi Stud, Tri Lux Blackjack, Blackjack, High Card Flush, Electronic Roulette, Electronic Blackjack, Criss Cross Poker, Six Wheel, and Interblock’s Universal Cabinets with Electronic Craps, Electronic Roulette, and Electronic Blackjack.
Worth Diamond Jo Casino, Northwood Slots, Poker, Craps, Blackjack, and additional Table Games.
Slots, Video Poker, Blackjack, Poker, Craps, Three-Card Poker, and Keno are available at the Lakeside Hotel & Casino in Osceola.
Online Gambling Iowa Laws
Online gambling in Iowa, including wagering at Iowa online casinos, is subject to significantly stricter regulations than land-based gambling. Online casino gambling is prohibited, including poker, slots, baccarat, and roulette. Current law is comprehensive and does not distinguish between operators and participants. The current Iowa statute (Section 725.1(1)) states:
A person may not engage in any of the following:
Participate in a game for any amount of money or other valuable property.
Make any wager.
Give or accept, for a fee, directly or indirectly, anything of value to be wagered on or to be transmitted or delivered for a wager to be placed within or outside the state of Iowa.
Moreover, state residents are prohibited from allowing others to compete for money from their homes (Section 725.5):
A person commits a serious misdemeanor if they keep a house, shop, or other location for the purpose of gambling, or if they allow another person in their house, shop, or other location under their control or care to conduct bookmaking or play cards, dice, faro, roulette, equality, punchboard, slot machine, or other game for money or other thing.
As a result, our recommendation is to abide by the law and avoid playing online in the state of Iowa with the assumption that you won’t be discovered. Despite all of this, online gambling in the Hawkeye State is not entirely doom and gloom as things have begun to steadily change since 2019. Currently, Iowans who wish to participate in online gambling can do so at one of the six retail sportsbooks that operate within the state. However, players should be aware that Iowa law requires them to obtain a specific app and visit a land-based affiliate of the site in order to complete registration and make their initial deposit. Then on, however, those who have been accepted can play online with little to think about other than their wagers and budgets. The bill that legalized sportsbooks and sports wagering in 2019 also permits daily fantasy sports, with sites seeking to offer the service to Iowans now approved and regulated by the state. This is a huge development, considering that DraftKings and FanDuel, two of the largest daily fantasy sports sites in the United States, did not welcome Iowa players until last year. Iowa’s online gambling landscape appears to be undergoing a slow but steady evolution. At the time of writing, online casino gambling in Iowa is prohibited, but who knows what will happen in the coming months and years?
What should I be aware of regarding Online Casinos in Iowa?
Iowa has one of the most progressive land-based gambling laws in the Midwestern United States. This has resulted in Iowa players having access to over 20 land-based casinos, racinos, indigenous casinos, and riverside casinos.
Casino wagering is available to those over the age of 21.
However, these regulations do not apply to online casino gambling, and all online casino games, including poker, blackjack, roulette, and others, are prohibited in Iowa.
In 2019, Iowa approved a bill to legalize daily fantasy sports and online sports betting. These can be played legally and securely within the state, but please read our section on Iowa’s online wagering laws for the complete details as there are some preliminary steps you must take.
Whether or not you are a resident of Iowa, the state taxes gambling winnings. These must be disclosed.
What It Means For Iowa Players Under Offshore Casino Gambling Laws
Due to Iowa’s stringent online gambling laws, some players may choose to circumvent the law and play at offshore online casinos, i.e., online casinos incorporated in offshore jurisdictions. Furthermore, some websites may claim that this is not unlawful in the Hawkeye State. In the state of Iowa, however, gambling is prohibited unless you are at least 21 years old and gambling in one of the state-approved casinos or in a handful of other situations, such as sports betting or daily fantasy sports online or simulcast wagering on horse races, among others. Online poker and other casino games are currently designated ‘banned,’ so playing these games at offshore online casinos from Iowa can be considered illegal. However, there are additional considerations for Iowa athletes who are contemplating taking the extra risk. In addition to the possibility of running afoul of the law, playing at offshore online casinos means you receive no protection from the state. You, your money, and your data may not be secure, your rights may be violated, and you would have few options for seeking justice or compensation. As a result, we advise Iowa-based players not to play at any offshore online casinos and to always adhere to Iowa law.
Iowa Online Casino Games
Because the state of Iowa prohibits playing casino games online, including poker, roulette, blackjack, baccarat, slots, and many other popular games, there are no games available at Iowa online casinos. However, anyone interested in playing these games can do so at one of the state’s over 20 land-based casinos. Iowa’s prohibition on online wagering is not, however, absolute. In fact, as of 2019, residents of Iowa can participate in sports wagering and daily fantasy sports. There are many websites offering this service.
Banking Options At Online Casinos In Iowa
Due to the fact that Iowa considers online casinos to be unlawful, we have no information regarding the preferred payment methods of Iowa-based players. Nonetheless, if you are located outside of the state and in a jurisdiction that allows you to legally play casino games online, your best bet is to check the terms and conditions of the online casino of your choice and our casino reviews page to determine which payment methods and currencies are accepted.
Online Casinos FAQs in Iowa
Is online gambling permissible in Iowa?
No, it is illegal in Iowa to gamble online at Iowa online casinos or at casinos registered in other states or offshore jurisdictions. In fact, the majority of casino games, including poker, blackjack, roulette, slots, baccarat, and online craps, cannot be played legally in Iowa. This does not imply, however, that gambling is prohibited in Iowa. More than 20 land-based casinos in the state offer slot machines and table games. Pari-mutuel wagering on horse and canine races, simulcast wagering on horse races, the state lottery, and charitable gambling are also permitted. In 2019, Iowa legalized online wagering on sports and daily fantasy sports, which can be played online. (please read our section on Online Gambling Laws in Iowa above for more information on the steps you need to take before playing these).
Can I participate at an online casino from my smartphone or tablet in Iowa?
In Iowa, online casino games cannot be played on any device or from any location, which makes mobile casinos and tablet gambling prohibited. However, the state does allow certain intrastate wagers to be submitted via mobile device.
What casino activities are available at online casinos in Iowa?
Internet-based casino gambling is prohibited in the Hawkeye State. Despite this, Iowa residents can engage in online sports wagering and daily fantasy sports with minimal restrictions.
Can dollars be used to play online casino games?
Since online casinos and online casino activities are prohibited in Iowa, no currency is accepted. If you are located outside of Iowa and in a jurisdiction that regulates online casinos, you should review the terms and conditions of your preferred legal online casino to determine which currencies and payment methods are accepted.
Are the online casinos in Iowa listed on this site regulated?
All of the online casinos listed on this website are legal, regulated, and protect your money, personal information, and legal rights. Obviously, since real-money online casino gambling is not considered lawful in Iowa, we do not list any casinos here.
Am I eligible for an online casino incentive at a casino in Iowa?
No, due to the illegality of online casinos in Iowa, it is not possible to play casino games online and you are therefore ineligible for any incentives.
How do I begin gambling for real money in an online casino in Iowa?
The law of Iowa is crystal explicit regarding online gambling and wagering on games such as poker, roulette, blackjack, baccarat, and others: it is strictly prohibited. Therefore, we advise Iowa residents and visitors not to play for real money at any Iowa online casinos or any other online casinos registered in other jurisdictions or offshore.
Which online casino deposit methods are most prevalent in Iowa?
Because online casinos are prohibited in the state of Iowa, we have no data or evidence regarding the most prevalent payment methods among Iowa-based players.
In Iowa, am I required to pay taxes on my gambling winnings?
Although it is illegal to play online casino games for real money in Iowa, many other forms of gambling are permitted, including land-based casinos, pari-mutuel on horse and canine races, sports betting and daily fantasy sports online, the state lottery, and charitable gambling. According to the official website of the Iowa Department of Revenue, ‘gambling winnings are entirely taxable in Iowa, even if the winner is not an Iowa resident.’ State income tax of 5% and federal income tax of 24% may be withheld from winnings.
Play At A Real Money Casino In Iowa And Win A Large Amount!
We trust this has answered any questions you had about online casinos in Iowa and gambling in general in Iowa. Always adhere to the laws of the jurisdiction in which you are gambling, and never risk more than you can afford to lose. If you are from another state in the United States, our wagering guide will provide you with additional information.