Best Iowa Online Casinos 2025
Sweepstakes casinos offer Iowans a legal and exciting way to play online casino games. While these platforms don’t involve real money, players can enjoy casino games for free with chances to redeem cash prizes and gift cards.
This expert guide covers everything you need to know about sweepstakes casinos in Iowa, including recommendations for the top casinos, an explanation of how sweepstakes casinos work, and instructions on claiming bonuses while playing for free.
Our Top Five Recommended Casinos in Iowa
We test every sweepstakes casino available in Iowa based on strict criteria and only recommend those that meet our standards.
Play 17,000+ Free Casino Games
Top Legal Games to Play at Iowa Casinos
Iowa doesn't have the reputation of Nevada or New Jersey when it comes to casinos and gambling. Don’t let that fool you, though. Iowa has a thriving gambling industry that stacks up well against the biggest gambling markets in the US.
Currently, sweepstakes casinos are the best online casino option in Iowa for users looking to play on their devices. There is no indication that real-money casinos will be legalized soon. Even Iowa’s most pro-casino lawmaker, Bobby Kaufmann, has acknowledged that there is a slight chance of the Hawkeye State legalizing online casinos in the near future.
However, land-based casinos are the crown jewel of Iowa’s gambling market. The Hawkeye State has nearly two dozen casinos, including unique riverboat casinos and racinos that aren’t available in many other states.
Iowa’s sports betting industry is also very impressive. You can play at 13 different sports betting sites in Iowa. There are also 17 different retail sportsbooks available at racetracks and casinos throughout that state.
Best Casino Games to Win Real Money in Iowa
Our top-rated sweepstakes casinos in Iowa each have hundreds of slots, dozens of table games, and even live dealer casino games.
Here are some popular games that you will see at these sites and other Iowa social casinos:
Slots
Blackjack
Roulette
Live Dealer
Crash Games
Card Games
Baccarat
Arcade
Bingo
Casual Games
Craps
Dice Games
Fish Shooting
Game Shows
Instant Games
Keno
Other
Scratch Cards
Slingo
Table Games
Video Poker
Virtual Sports
Spinmatic
Amatic Industries
Barcrest Games
Spinmatic
SmartSoft Gaming
Casino Web Scripts
How to Win Real Money on Casino Games in Iowa
If you win enough SC, you can redeem your winnings for cash prizes and gift cards. Just like real-money casinos, sweepstakes casino games are based on chance with random outcomes, so while they’re exciting to play, there’s no guaranteed way to win.
Iowa Online Gambling Overview
Iowa Gambling Law
Gambling was illegal in Iowa for the first 126 years of its existence as a state. That all changed in 1972, and voters approved a constitutional amendment to legalize gambling. Over the next two decades, the Iowa legislature legalized horse racing betting, lottery games, and land-based casinos.
In 2019, Iowa legalized sports betting and daily fantasy sports, becoming one of the first states in the country to do so.
The most recent attempt to legalize online casinos in Iowa was House Bill HSB277, which died in session in 2023. Since then, no actual attempts have been made to legalize online casinos in the state.
How to Play With Iowa Casinos
The easiest part about playing at online casinos in Iowa is signing up. All you need to do is choose where you want to play, fill out a simple sign-up form, and verify your identity. The whole process should not take you more than a few minutes.
To make things go as smoothly as possible for you, we have a simple step-by-step guide for you to follow below:
- Select a casino site: Utilize this guide, casino reviews, and player feedback to determine which sweepstakes casino is best suited for you. Consider the welcome offer, casino games, and any other factor that you find personally meaningful.
- Create your account: Fill out the sweepstakes casino registration form. Most websites will ask for your name, email address, date of birth, and address. Some users may request your phone number to verify your account.
- Verify your identity: If prompted, follow the steps to upload a picture of your government-issued ID and a selfie to verify your identity before starting the game.
Accepted Iowa Online Casino Banking Methods
The exact process for buying coins varies from casino to casino. These three steps are all you need to know to buy coins:
- Select the coins package you want to purchase
- Choose your payment method
- Enter your payment information
You should receive your coins instantly after you submit your purchase request. However, depending on the coin and network congestion, some cryptocurrencies may take a few minutes to a few hours to process. This is rare, so you shouldn’t worry too much.
Here are some of the most common payment methods that you will see at social casinos in Iowa:
| Payment Method | Deposits/Purchases? | Withdrawals/Redemptions? |
|---|---|---|
Visa
| ✅ | ✅ |
MasterCard
| ✅ | ✅ |
American Express
| ✅ | ✅ |
Discover
| ✅ | ✅ |
PayPal
| ✅ | ✅ |
Skrill
| ✅ | ✅ |
Neteller
| ✅ | ✅ |
Bank Transfer
| ✅ | ✅ |
Apple Pay
| ✅ | ✅ |
Google Pay
| ✅ | ✅ |
Bitcoin
| ✅ | ✅ |
Ethereum
| ✅ | ✅ |
Tron
| ✅ | ✅ |
Ripple
| ✅ | ✅ |
Tether
| ✅ | ✅ |
DOGE
| ✅ | ✅ |
Who Can Play at Iowa Online Casinos?
You can start playing at sweepstakes casinos as soon as you reach the age of 18. However, you must be 21 to play at land-based casinos in Iowa, and this will likely be the age when real-money online casinos are legalized within the state.
What Legal Requirements Must Players Meet for Iowa Casinos?
When you play at an Iowa casino, you must verify that you are who you claim to be. This means you will need to upload a photo of your government-issued ID (such as a driver’s license or passport).
Most will require you to do this immediately after creating your account. Others will only request it before you make your first withdrawal. Always provide accurate information when you fill out the casino sign-up form to avoid issues verifying your identity.
Who Regulates Online Casinos in Iowa?
The Iowa Racing and Gaming Commission (IRGC) regulates all gambling in Iowa. Online gambling falls under the jurisdiction of the IRGC.
The agency issues licenses and oversees all Iowa casinos, sportsbooks, and iGaming operators to ensure they comply with state law and are not engaging in unfair practices. It also provides resources to help you gamble responsibly.
In our opinion, the IRGC is one of the most transparent gambling regulators in the US. If you want to know anything about a casino or sportsbook in Iowa, the IRGC’s website is a great place to start.
Iowa Casino Apps for Players
All the best sweepstakes and social casinos in Iowa are available on desktop and mobile devices. Many even have dedicated casino apps available for download on the Apple App Store and Google Play Store for iOS and Android devices.
Whether you download an app or use your mobile browser, your mobile device will have access to all the same games and casino features that you would find on your PC.
Iowa Casino Apps for Android
Iowa Casino Apps for iOS
History of Online Gambling Laws in Iowa
Today, Iowa boasts a thriving gambling industry, featuring 23 land-based casinos, 17 retail sportsbooks, and over a dozen licensed sports betting sites. Compared to other U.S. states, Iowa has a relatively short history. Online gambling was only legalized in 2019. Here are some other significant milestones:
Timeline for Online Casino Gambling in Iowa
1972
Iowa voters approve removing the ban on gambling from the original state constitution.
1983
Iowa legalizes pari-mutuel betting on horse and dog racing.
1985
The Iowa Lottery is established.
1989
Riverboat casinos are legalized.
1992
The Iowa legislature agrees to “Tribal Gaming Compacts,” allowing three tribes to open tribal casinos in Iowa.
1994
Iowa gambling law is amended to allow video slots at racetracks.
2019
Governor Kim Reynolds signs Bill SF-617 into law, legalizing sports betting and daily fantasy sports.
Legal vs Offshore Casinos in Iowa: What’s the Difference?
There are no legal online casinos in Iowa. However, this doesn't mean you can’t play online casino games, it just means that the state of Iowa licenses no casino sites. This is obviously because the state legislature hasn’t yet legalized online casinos.
Until Iowa legalizes online casinos, the only real money online casinos in Iowa are offshore casinos. These sites are owned by companies outside the US and are typically licensed by foreign regulatory bodies such as the Malta Gaming Authority.
Playing at offshore casino sites is not illegal, but it carries significant risks. These casinos are not required to comply with US Anti-Money Laundering or Know-Your-Customer laws. Many sites have rigged games and unfair bonus terms, and some exist solely to exploit players.
We recommend avoiding offshore sites and sticking with companies you can trust, like the Iowa social casinos we have covered on this page.
Land-Based Casinos in Iowa
While Iowa online casinos are somewhat limited, Hawkeye State players are fortunate to have several land-based casinos available. Land-based casinos were legalized in 1994. Iowa has 23 casinos, including three tribal casinos and four casinos with over 1,000 slot machines.
We have provided an overview of every casino in Iowa below. To learn more, check out the Iowa Racing and Gaming Commission website.
Prairie Meadows
With an 85,000-square-foot gaming floor, 1,193 slot machines, and 40 tables, Prairie Meadows Casino is one of the largest casinos in the Midwest. This Polk County casino also features a three-star hotel, a racetrack, and a Caesars Sportsbook located within.
Ameristar Casino Council Bluffs
Located on the Missouri River, the Ameristar Casino Hotel in Council Bluffs is one of many historic riverboat casinos still operating in Iowa today. In addition to the scenic views and the taste of history, you can enjoy over 1,200 slots, 28 tables, and an ESPN BET sportsbook at Ameristar Casino Council Bluffs.
Horseshoe Council Bluffs Casino
Horseshoe Council Bluffs Casino is smaller than the other two casinos highlighted here, but it has more tables than any other Iowa casino. The Caesars Entertainment location has a staggering 54 tables where you can play blackjack, roulette, craps, baccarat, and poker. The casino also has a dedicated Caesars Sportsbook location, hotel, and multiple restaurant options.
FAQs
Are online casinos legal in Iowa?
Real-money online casinos are illegal in Iowa. The Hawkeye State has yet to legalize online gambling, except for daily fantasy sports and sports betting, which were both legalized in 2019. In addition, sweepstakes casinos are available in the state as they are not subject to the gambling laws forbidding real-money online gambling.
Are sweepstakes casinos legal in Iowa?
While Iowa hasn’t officially legalized sweepstakes casinos, they aren’t banned in the state like real-money casinos. Because sweepstakes casinos use virtual currency instead of real money, they are available in Iowa and are generally considered safe to play.
What are the best online casinos in Iowa?
The best online casino will depend on your preferences. Are you looking for the best game selection, the most generous bonuses, or a mobile app? Our experts rigorously test every casino, and we recommend the best brands based on various criteria outlined on this page.
Are Iowa online casinos safe?
Yes. If you play at the trusted Iowa sweepstakes casinos – such as the ones mentioned on this page – you can have a safe and secure experience. However, because Iowa’s gambling market is unregulated, there are also a lot of unsafe sites out there. Always do your research before creating your casino account.
Can I claim bonuses at casinos in Iowa?
Yes! While traditional casino bonuses are not available, sweepstakes casinos in Iowa offer no deposit casino bonuses that can be claimed when you create your account. These sites also offer first deposit bonuses and promotions for existing customers to all Iowa players.
