Iowa Online Casinos
Online Casinos aren't legal in Iowa, but you can still play casino games at Free Online Sweeps Casinos. Create an account and get Welcome Bonus Offers today!
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Iowa Online Casinos
The Hawkeye state is not considering legalizing online casinos with such seriousness as many would have liked. It refrains itself from the Supreme Court's powers extended to the states when it repealed the infamous Professional and Amateur Sports Protection Act 2018.
It's true that gambling is legal and is practiced throughout Iowa, but the definition of legal gambling does not include online gambling. Its scope extends to most forms of land-based gambling, poker and horse racing locations.
Are Online Casinos Legal in Iowa?
Gambling is widely legal in Iowa, and the state gambling industry is flourishing, but online casinos are still not regulated or legal in Iowa. Online gambling in the state is prohibited. This trend is expected to continue shortly because the government has focused its efforts more on legalized sports betting than anything else.
Offshore casino sites might suffice as an alternative, but players are always at financial risk when dealing with offshore casino sites. For now, the casino enthusiasts in the state have social casinos such as Funzpoints and Global Poker at their disposal.
The only thing that could potentially push the legalization of online casinos over the edge in Iowa is the grand success of sports betting.
Bottom line, the state isn't making any considerable legislative strides for online casinos, and thus, online casinos remain illegal in Iowa.
List of the Top Land-based Casinos in Iowa
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Ameristar Casino Council Bluffs
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Blackbird Bend Casino
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Casino Queen Marquette
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Catfish Bend Casino
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Diamond Jo Worth Casino
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Grand Falls Casino
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Hard Rock Sioux City
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Harrah's Council Bluffs
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Horseshoe Council Bluffs
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Isle Casino Bettendorf
What to Look for When Choosing an Online Casino in Iowa
Here's a quick guide of the most important parameters you should look for in Iowa Casino Sites:
Safety and Trust
There's a shady side of the online gambling industry that discourages many new players. That being said, we have considered the safety parameters before suggesting the sites as mentioned above. Still, it would be best if you were a tad cautious because ultimately, it's you who will stake money. Look for their history in making successful payouts and internal control procedures in place.
Brand Value of the Casino and Bonus Offers
An online casino might offer a 10x bonus to you on signup, but that should not be the only trigger for you to join that casino. If that casino doesn't offer the games you intend to play, then what's the point of putting your time and effort and not getting the desired fun.
Safe and Fast Banking Options
Make sure your online casino site offers a safe payout through trusted banking options, along with a reasonable time frame.
Some of the safe banking options for players in Iowa are:
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Through Credit and debit cards
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Using different Cryptocurrencies like Bitcoin or Ethereum
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Money transfer programs (Western Union)
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Bank transfers or wires
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Paper checks delivered to your doorstep
Signing up for an Online Casino
It takes only a couple of minutes to sign up on an online casino site in Iowa, provided you have all your credentials ready.
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Enter your email address and create a password.
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Enter your valid credentials like name, date of birth, and address. Some sites might ask for the last four digits of your Social Security number.
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Set security questions to help you in case you forget your password. Read and Agree to terms and conditions.
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Submit your information and wait for confirmation; once the gambling site confirms your credentials, your account is created.
Can I Play Legally at Online Casinos in Iowa?
Yes, you can play casino-style games online in Iowa for cash prizes, but only through sweepstakes casinos operating in the Hawkeye state. The model on which the sweepstakes casinos use makes them legal to operate in Iowa.
Remember, sweepstakes casinos can’t ask for monetary contributions - you always play with Sweepstakes coins for free, as this is the regulation that keeps them in legal standing.
Best Sweepstakes Casinos in Iowa - 2023
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Funzpoints
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Global Poker
Tons of games are available at your disposal, much more than any brick-and-mortar casino in the state. There are plenty of exciting games that are not found in their land-based counterparts.
You can enjoy the likes of Slots, Video Poker, Keno Blackjack, Roulette, Caribbean Poker, and Texas Hold 'em all for free with a special no-deposit bonus for people in Iowa.
Until real money online casinos are legal in Iowa, playing casino games on the go must be done via a Sweeps Casino.
Apart from the above online Sweeps Casinos, the following land-based casinos in Iowa also have their version of social casinos:
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Harrah's Council Bluffs
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Horseshoe Council Bluffs
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Isle of Capri Casino Bettendorf
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Isle of Capri Casino Waterloo
We can expect online slots, poker, roulette, keno, bingo, online blackjack, and plenty of live dealers to come online once online casinos get the green light in Iowa.
Can I Bet on Sports in Iowa?
Sports betting is legal in Iowa; one can visit any of the 30 retail sportsbooks in Iowa to place a sports wager. Unlike playing at Sweeps Casinos, you need to be of at least 21 years of age and physically located within the state to place any sports bet.
What Sports Can I Bet on in Iowa?
Interestingly Iowa has made it legal to bet on collegiate-level tournaments in the state, which is on the prohibited list in many other states. Being able to bet on college teams was necessary because the state doesn't have any professional franchises, and college-level tournaments were the only option to lure betting players.
Currently, all sports bettors can wager on Football, Hockey, Baseball, Golf, Snooker, MMA, Auto Racing, Basketball, etc.
Do I Have to be a Resident of Iowa to Gamble Online?
No, visitors from other states paying a visit to Iowa can also gamble online in Iowa. However, they need to meet the following two criteria:
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They should be over 21 to bet on sports (or 18 to play at Sweeps Casinos)
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They need to be physically located within the state boundaries of Iowa as all the providers use geolocation software for compliance purposes.
Top Online Sportsbooks in Iowa
BetMGM Iowa
Get a 100% matched deposit of up to $600 when you use our link and sign up today!
BetMGM has a considerable betting menu and is the largest growing platform in the United States. MGM Resorts and Entain's joint venture caters to all the casino games you may think of playing.
Fanduel Sportsbook Iowa
Place risk-free bets up to $1,000. Don't forget to use this link when you create your new account.
It's the most popular provider of daily fantasy sports betting. FanDuel's mobile app is popular for its ease of use, and generous Welcome Bonus offers.
William Hill Sportsbook Iowa
Get a $500 risk-free bet from William Hill Sportsbook when you use our OddsSeeker link!
William Hill has been a globally established gambling operator has been in the business since 1934 and offers players an unparalleled betting experience.
The Future of Iowa Online Casino Apps
We can expect all the operators like BetMGM, BetUS Casino, Las Atlantis, etc., to develop their respective online casino apps. Currently, some sportsbooks at land-based casinos in Iowa provide on-site mobile betting.

Frank Weber is a sports & gaming writer with a Bachelor's Degree in Journalism and years of experience in the gambling world. He loves baseball, football, basketball, soccer, and the UFC - he even collects sports cards and memorabilia! In his free time, you could find Frank either out at a concert with friends, or at home sweating out all his (soon to be won) bets!
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