A debit card is the best deposit option at sites like WOW Vegas, High 5 Casino, and Pulsz. Iowa has outlawed credit card payments at online sportsbooks, so you should get used to debit cards going forward.
Iowa Legal Online Gambling & Casinos
Iowa online casinos have not been legalized yet. Lawmakers have introduced multiple online casino bills in recent years, but none have passed.
However, Iowans can still play online slots and table games at sites like WOW Vegas, Funzpoints, High 5 Casino, and Pulsz. They allow players aged 18 or older to enjoy a wide range of casino games for fun, and you can also redeem premium coins for cash prizes.
This page highlights the best online casino options for players in Iowa, and it also discusses the current legal situation in the Hawkeye State.
Our top recommended online casinos in Iowa
These are the best online casinos in Iowa. They are social and sweepstakes casino sites.
Rank
Casinos
Offer
Features
Play
1
35 Free Sweepstakes Coins
With 1.5 Million WOW Coins Purchase
WOW Vegas Casino Review
- Get 5 Free SC + 250,000 WOW Coins on Sign Up
- Over 1000 Slots Games
- Welcome Bonus and Daily Login Bonuses
- Use Promo Code: WOWBONUS
2
5 Sweeps Coins
250 Game Coins & 600 Diamonds on Sign Up
High 5 Casino Review
- US Players Accepted
- 1200+ Slots & Live Dealer Games!
- FREE Daily Rewards
- Authentic Brand, Made in the USA
3
Up to 27.5 FREE SC
PLUS 57,500 GC
McLuck Review
- US Players Accepted
- Get 2.5 Free SC + 7,500 GC on Sign Up
- Live Dealer Blackjack, Roulette, and MORE
- Use Promo Code: PLAYBONUS
4
Up to 625,000 Gold Coins
Plus 125 Free SC on First Purchase
RealPrize Review
- PLUS Earn 1,250 VIP Points
- Daily 5,000 GC Login Bonus
- Choose from 400+ Games
- To Claim: Click Play Now
5
30 FREE Sweepstakes Coins
With 362,000 Gold Coin Purchase
Pulsz Review
- Free 2.3 SC + 5,000 GC on Sign Up
- Daily FREE Sweepstakes When Logging In
- Choose From Over 700 Games
- Use Promo Code: BONUSPLAY
6
100,000 Crown Coins
Plus 2 Sweeps Coins on Sign Up
Crown Coins Review
- 800K CC + 40 SC on 1st Purchase for $15.99 (150% Bonus!)
- FREE Daily Rewards & Weekly Challenges
- Available iOS Mobile App
- To Claim: Click Play Now
7
250,000 Gold Coins
PLUS $25 Stake Cash
Stake.us Review
- Over 1,000 Slots + Live Dealer Casino-Style Games + Live Poker!
- 10,000 GC + $1 Stake Cash Daily Bonus
- Partnerships with Drake, Alfa Romeo F1 Team Stake, Everton FC, and more!
- Use Bonus Code: USABET
8
5,000 SC Free
Plus 10,000,000 Coins
Carnival Citi Review
- Generous Bonuses & Daily Freebies
- Feat. Casino Floor Slot Games
- Daily, Weekly & Monthly Lucky Draws
- To Claim: Click Play Now
9
7,500 Gold Coins
PLUS 2.5 Free SC on Sign Up
MegaBonanza Review
- 150% Extra Coins on 1st Purchase: GC 50,000 + SC 25 FREE for $9.99
- Fast and Reliable Prize Redemptions
- Intuitive and Easy-to-Navigate Platform
- To Claim: Click Play Now
10
50,000 Gold Coins
Plus 25 Free SC on First $9.99 Purchase
Jackpota Review
- Get 7,500 GC + 2.5 SC Free on Sign Up
- Play a Huge Range of Casino Games
- Get Free Coins Daily
- To Claim: Click Play Now
11
Up to 27.5 FREE SC
PLUS 65,000 GC
Hello Millions Review
- GC 15,000 PLUS SC 2.5 Free on Sign Up
- Pragmatic Jackpot Play + Over 700 Slots Games
- Free Daily Coins Reward
- Use Exclusive Promo Code: BONUSPLAY
12
20 Free Sweep Coins
On First $20 Purchase
Chanced Casino Review
- PLUS 2 SC + 20,000 Gold Coins on Sign Up
- PLUS 20 FREE Spins on Account Verification
- Live Blackjack, Roulette, and MORE
- Instant Redemptions for US Players
Online gambling in Iowa snapshot
Iowa has legalized online sports betting, pari-mutuel wagering, and fantasy sports contests, but the Hawkeye State does not permit traditional online casinos or poker rooms.
| Type of Gambling | Status | Gambling Age |
| Online casino | Unavailable | Likely 21 |
| Sweepstakes casino | Available | 18 |
| Social casino | Available | 18 |
| Online lottery | Unavailable | Likely 21 |
| Online poker | Unavailable | Likely 21 |
| Online sports betting | Available | 21 |
| Online horse racing | Available | 21 |
| Daily fantasy sports | Available | 21 |
Latest Iowa online gambling updates
- Oct. 17, 2024 – After boasting three straight months of winning more than $140 million in revenue, Iowa casinos finally cooled off, posting $131.4 million in September.
- Sept. 20, 2024 – Iowa casinos had difficulty keeping pace with their July revenue, falling 0.4% from $144.7 million to $144.2 million in August.
- Aug. 13, 2024 – In July, Iowa casinos generated $144.72 million in revenue, a 2.82% monthly increase but a 3.55% drop year over year.
- July 24, 2024 – The Iowa Racing and Gaming Commission has approved a timeline for a casino in Cedar Rapids. The commission should make a final decision on the casino in February 2025.
- July 12, 2024 – Casinos in Iowa posted $140.7 million in June revenue, down about $8 million from May. Year-on-year, revenue fared better, dropping around $1 million.
- June 14, 2024 – Iowa casinos shook off their revenue swoon from April 2024 in May 2024. The locations collected $148.8 million in adjusted gaming revenue.
- Feb. 12, 2024 – Iowa casinos reported more than $116.4 million in January win, a decline of over 14% compared to the same month in 2023.
- Feb. 7. 2024 – Fanatics Sportsbook launches in Iowa, which brings the US sports betting operator’s total presence to 12 states.
- Jan. 8, 2024 – Iowa casinos in December generated nearly $156.04 million in adjusted gross revenue from poker, slot machines and table games.
- Dec. 12, 2023 – Iowa casinos came close to record revenue in November ($136.3 million), while sports bettors in the state nearly set a record of their own (almost $290 million).
- Nov. 16, 2023 – Revenue from poker, slots and table games dropped in October (5.5% from September and 6.48% year over year) while sports betting was up, according to the Iowa Racing and Gaming Commission.
- Oct. 11, 2023 – Iowa gambling revenue of $168 million for September 2023 was behind state record numbers in September 2022, but only slightly.
- Sept. 22, 2023 – Q Casino in Dubuque has expanded its partnership with the Palms Las Vegas Casino to support biweekly nonstop flights between the cities.
- Sept. 12, 2023 – Iowa casino revenue dipped in August, while sports betting revenue spiked 27% in August, according to data from the IRGC.
Legal online casino options in Iowa
Anyone aged 18 or older can legally play at social and sweepstakes casinos in Iowa. There are no upper limits on prize redemptions in the Hawkeye State. These are the top five online casino options for players in Iowa.
WOW Vegas
WOW Vegas is the best option for anyone that wants to play online slots in Iowa. You will find approximately 900 slots from esteemed providers such as Pragmatic Play, BGaming, Betsoft, 3Oaks, Habanero and NetGaming and impressive WOW Vegas bonuses to play them. The site is stylish and accessible, and WOW Vegas also has an impressive app, which holds an average user rating of 4.9 stars on the App Store and 4.5 stars on Google Play.
High 5 Casino
High 5 Casino is a trusted, established site that has been available in Iowa since 2013. Players can enjoy around 800 slots, including 200 exclusive games from parent company High 5 Games, plus live dealer games like blackjack and Casino Hold’em. New customers will receive 5 free Sweeps Coins and 250 Game Coins as a no-purchase welcome bonus.
Pulsz
Pulsz allows Iowans to play more than 800 slots, plus a wide range of exclusive online scratchcards, arcade-style games, multi-hand blackjack, and Casino Hold’em. You can play online or download the Pulsz app via Google Play or the App Store. There are lots of ongoing bonuses for Pulsz customers, providing regular opportunities to earn free Gold Coins and Sweepstakes Coins.
Chumba Casino
You can play slots, casino solitaire, blackjack, and video poker with Gold Coins or Sweeps Coins at Chumba Casino. The site also hosts live bingo games throughout the day, with guaranteed monthly prize purses of 125 billion Gold Coins and 2.5 million Sweeps Coins. The range includes a selection of exclusive slots.
McLuck
McLuck is a stylish online casino that offers hundreds of slots and a handful of live dealer games. New players are given 2.5 free Sweepstakes Coins and 7,500 Gold Coins immediately after registering with this Irish luck-themed site. There are purchase McLuck bonuses available if you decide to buy coins, and you can claim lots of ongoing promotions too.
Pros and cons to sweepstakes and social casinos in Iowa
Social casinos and sweepstakes casinos are the only options for Iowans that want to play online casino games. Players can enjoy several benefits at these sites, but we have also highlighted some potential drawbacks to consider.
Benefits
- Anyone aged 18 or older can legally play online casino games and redeem cash prizes at these sites in Iowa.
- There is never any obligation to make a purchase, so you can always enjoy high-quality casino games for free, without risking your own money.
- It is easier and more convenient to play online rather than visiting one of Iowa’s land-based casinos.
Drawbacks
- They host fewer games than the leading traditional online casinos in Michigan and New Jersey.
- Redeeming a cash prize can take several business days at some social and sweeps casinos, and there are normally just a couple of banking options.
- These sites do not offer phone support, and many don’t have live chat either, so you may need to wait for a reply via email if you need assistance.
Are online casinos legal in Iowa?
No, traditional online casinos have not been legalized in Iowa. However, sweepstakes and social casinos are legally available in the state.
Chapter 714B of the Iowa Codes provides the legal framework for sweepstakes. Iowa sweepstakes law states that a site “shall not require a person to purchase merchandise or pay or donate money as a condition of awarding a prize.” Prizes must be awarded based on chance, as opposed to skill, and the site offering the prize must provide it “no later than 30 days after making the representation.”
That means a site like WOW Vegas, Jackpota, or Hello Millions cannot sell you premium coins. They can only be issued free of charge via bonuses or when you buy regular coins. You can use them on games of chance, such as slots, blackjack, and roulette. If you win, you can redeem them for cash prizes, and the site must provide you with the prize within 30 days.
Insight:
The nearest state with legal online casino gambling is Michigan. Learn more with our casino bill tracker.
Will Iowa legalize online casinos in the future?
Iowa is likely to legalize online casinos in the future. The Hawkeye State rolled out legal online sportsbooks in 2019, and lawmakers then shifted their focus to casino gaming. The House Committee on State Government introduced an online casino bill called House Study Bill 604 in 2022. This bill cleared a couple of hurdles, but it died in committee.
In 2023, Rep. Bobby Kaufmann filed another online casino bill. House Study Bill 227 would have allowed each land-based casino in Iowa to host two online skins. The bill proposed an initial licensing fee of $45,000, and an annual renewal fee of $10,000. However, this bill also died in committee when the two-year legislative session ended in April 2024.
Lawmakers could reignite attempts to bring online casinos to Iowa in the future. Yet they may need all of the state’s land-based casinos to support the plans. In 2023, Iowa Gaming Association executive director Wes Ehrecke told PlayUSA that 13 of the 19 casino operators favor online casinos, but a stronger case for legalization could be made if they present a united front.
What online casino games are available in Iowa?
Sites like Pulsz, High 5 Casino, WOW Vegas, and McLuck host similar games to the leading US online casinos in Michigan, New Jersey, and Pennsylvania. Many of them are also similar to the games found at land-based casinos in Iowa. These are the options at your disposal.
Slots
The largest brick-and-mortar casinos in Iowa host more than 1,000 slot machines. You can alternatively play slots online. The games are similar, but online slots tend to have higher payout rates.
Sites like WOW Vegas, High 5, Pulsz, and Stake.us host hundreds of slots from a wide array of providers. They run the full gamut from basic 3-reel slots to impressive new releases with thousands of paylines, large progressive jackpots, and various bonus features.
Blackjack
Blackjack tables are available at all the land-based casinos in Iowa. Some venues offer several versions, including classic blackjack, Blazing 7s progressive jackpot blackjack, and TriLux blackjack.
If you are seeking a more convenient option, you can play online blackjack at High 5 Casino, Pulsz, Chumba Casino, McLuck, Stake.us, and Chanced Casino in Iowa. There are virtual blackjack games, including classic and multi-hand blackjack, plus live dealer options.
Roulette
There are live roulette wheels at the leading retail casinos in Iowa. They are popular with casino visitors, as they offer simple gameplay, lots of betting options, and a sense of anticipation as the wheel spins and the ball gradually comes to a stop.
You can also play roulette online at certain sites. Chanced Casino and Sweeptastic stand out by offering French roulette, but you can also play European roulette at High 5 Casino, McLuck, and Stake.us.
Video Poker
You will notice video poker machines and terminals at land-based casinos in Iowa. These games do not require any bluffing, as you compete against the house rather than rival poker players.
If you want to play video poker online, there are games at Chumba Casino, Stake.us, and Sweeptastic. The idea is to compile a strong five-card poker hand, but the rules and payout rates vary depending on which game you play.
Table Games
There are additional table games at the best Iowa online casinos too. They include table poker games, such as Pai Gow Poker, Oasis Poker, and Caribbean Stud. Baccarat is sometimes available too.
You will rarely find online craps, although a social casino named BetRivers.net hosts virtual and live dealer craps games from Evolution Gaming. Additional games at Iowa casino sites include Sic Bo, bingo, keno, crash games, and variety games like Mines and Plinko.
Find more information about some of your favorite games through the links above or below.
Live Dealer Casinos
Some sites allow Iowans to play table games with real dealers. You can connect with them via a video stream on your phone or computer, and you’ll be able to watch on as the cards are dealt, hands are played, and bets are won and lost.
Live dealer games include blackjack, roulette, baccarat, Casino Hold’em, Teen Patti, and Sic Bo. There will be a chat box, which you can use to interact with the dealer when playing these games.
Iowa retail casinos & cardrooms
There are 23 casinos in Iowa, including 19 commercial casinos and four tribal casinos. These are the most popular.
- Number of slots: 1,300+
- Number of table games: 48
- Poker room: Yes
- Year opened: 1989
- Owner: Polk County
Live racing began at Prairie Meadows in 1989, but it was suspended a few years later after the establishment filed for bankruptcy. Polk County voters handed Prairie Meadows a lifeline in 1994, when a referendum allowed it to add slot machines. They were rolled out in 1995, turning the site into a racino, and live gaming tables were added in December 2004.
Prairie Meadows Casino and Hotel is operated by a local, non-profit board of directors, and revenues are used on community projects in the Des Moines area. The site now hosts a poker room, sportsbook, live racing, and entertainment.
- Number of slots: 1,300+
- Number of table games: 54
- Poker room: Yes
- Year opened: 1986
- Owner: Caesars Entertainment
This venue started out as Bluffs Run Greyhound Park in 1986, but it was renamed Bluffs Run Casino after slot machines were added in 1999. The site was renamed Horseshoe Casino Council Bluffs in 2006 after benefiting from an $85 million expansion and renovation. Greyhound racing ended in 2015, and it now offers slots, live gaming tables, a WSOP poker room, a Caesars Sportsbook lounge, and various restaurants.
- Number of slots: 1,300+
- Number of table games: 25
- Poker room: Yes
- Year opened: 1992
- Owner: Sac and Fox Tribe of the Mississippi in Iowa
This is the largest tribal casino in Iowa. The Sac and Fox Tribe of the Mississippi in Iowa launched a bingo parlor near Tama in 1992, and it then added slot machines, table games, a poker room, and a sportsbook. You can also play bingo and keno at Meskwaki.
Why you should choose legal online casino option in Iowa
Sites like Chumba Casino, WOW Vegas, and Pulsz adhere to consumer protection laws in Iowa. These laws are designed to keep you safe and ensure you are treated fairly.
You will not benefit from any state or federal laws if you play at unregulated casinos. These sites are based offshore, but some of them actively target players based in Iowa.
Unfortunately, you cannot trust unregulated casinos to safeguard your data, host fair games, or pay out if you win. Many players in the United States have been scammed after registering with unregulated casinos, so we recommend avoiding them and only playing at legal sites like those mentioned on this page.
Online casino payment options in Iowa
You cannot deposit funds or make withdrawals at online casinos in Iowa. However, you will have the option to buy coins, and you can redeem premium coins for cash prizes too. Here are the main payment options to consider.
Skrill Casinos
If you would prefer to use an e-wallet, Skrill is often available. You can use a Skrill address when buying coins, and it is often the quickest option for cash prize redemptions too.
All Banking Options
Online banking, instant bank transfers, and Apple Pay are payment options in Iowa. You may also use Play+ prepaid cards, PayPal, Venmo, PayNearMe, cash at the cage, online banking, e-checks, and wire transfers.
Responsible gambling in Iowa
Responsible gambling is important if you visit a brick-and-mortar casino, play online casino games, bet on sports and races, or play lottery games in Iowa. That means gambling in moderation, treating it as a form of entertainment, and never playing with money that you can’t afford to lose.
If you need support, call 1-800-BETS-OFF. That is the 24/7 helpline run by the Iowa Office of Problem Gambling Prevention & Treatment Services, a division of the Iowa Department of Health and Human Services.
The department also oversees Your Life Iowa, which has a dedicated responsible gambling section. You will find a screening test, information about problem gambling, and details of the support services available to Iowans. Players can also fill out a simple contact form, and a gambling treatment professional will contact you.
Iowa online casinos FAQ
Yes, you can redeem cash prizes at social casinos and sweepstakes casinos in Iowa. They are legal for players aged 18 or older, as they adhere to the state’s sweepstakes regulations. You can earn premium coins, which can then be redeemed for cash prizes if you play them through.
Iowans can play online slots, table games, video poker, and casual games. The table games include blackjack, roulette, baccarat, and poker-style games, which you can play with regular coins or premium coins. The premium coins are redeemable for prizes if you win.
WOW Vegas is the best casino app in Iowa. This app has an average rating of 4.9 out of 5 among iOS users, and Android users have given it an average rating of 4.5 on Google Play. The WOW Vegas app is fast, accessible, and dependable, and it hosts a broad variety of games.
Sweeptastic is the best site for online roulette players in Iowa. The site hosts French and European roulette games. Chanced Casino is another excellent option, as it has live French roulette and virtual European roulette, while High 5 Casino, Stake.us, and McLuck host roulette games too.
The Iowa Racing and Gaming Commission oversees commercial casinos, sports betting, and pari-mutuel wagering in the Hawkeye State. Iowa’s tribes have their own gaming commissions, but they must comply with the terms laid out in state-tribal gaming compacts. Meanwhile, the Iowa Lottery regulates lottery games.
You must be 21 or older to play at a casino, bet on sports, enter fantasy sports contests, place pari-mutuel wagers, or buy lottery tickets in Iowa. Players aged 18 or older can take part in sweepstakes, but most forms of gambling require you to be at least 21 years of age in the Hawkeye State.
Iowa casino players also liked
Some players in Iowa like to register with a variety of casino sites. That gives you access to a broad variety of games, and you can also try out different platforms to see which one you like the most. These are some of the additional sites for Iowa casino players to check out.
Funzpoints
... people viewed today
- Provides exclusive slots and keno games.
- Daily jackpot drawings available.
Funzpoints is a simple, accessible site that hosts around 90 slots and a few keno games. The site cannot compete with rivals like WOW Vegas and High 5 in terms of game variety, but it offers some unique bonuses. Funzpoints also has lower prize redemption limits than most competitors, so it may appeal to beginners and casual players in Iowa.
Stake.us Casino
... people viewed today
- Large range of slots, table games, and casual games.
- Sleek design, lots of bonuses, and fast prize redemptions.
Stake.us hosts more than 650 slots and a large array of virtual table games, live dealer games, and original, arcade-style games. You can play with Gold Coins or Stake Cash, which can be redeemed for crypto prizes if you satisfy a 3x wagering requirement. There are loads of bonuses at Stake.us, including prize drops, leaderboards, and much more.
Chanced Casino
... people viewed today
- Hosts lots of quality games.
- Accepts fiat and crypto payments.
Chanced Casino is another polished, modern site with a similar portfolio of games to Stake.us. It does not host as many games, but some titles stand out for their low house edge, such as French roulette, classic blackjack, video poker, and certain original games. The Chanced Casino bonus is also very competitive, and they also accept crypto and traditional, fiat-based payments.
Sweeptastic
... people viewed today
- Wide array of card games, roulette games, and dice games.
- Provides players with regular rewards.
Sweeptastic is the best Iowa online casino for virtual table games. You can play a large selection of card games, roulette games, and dice games with Lucky Coins or Sweeps Coins, and it hosts hundreds of slots too. Sweeptastic has an excellent loyalty program, and new players can also claim 1 free Sweeps Coins and 10,000 Lucky Coins via the no-purchase welcome bonus.
LuckyLand Slots
... people viewed today
- Exclusive slots developed in-house.
- Great welcome bonus for new players.
LuckyLand Slots gives new customers 10 free Sweeps Coins and 7,777 Gold Coins. You can use your coins to play exclusive slots developed in-house, many of which have progressive jackpots. There are ongoing promos and lots of social media contests at LuckyLand Slots too.
Vegas Gems
... people viewed today
- New site offering unique promotions.
- Slots and casual games available.
Vegas Gems is one of the newest sites for casino players in Iowa. You will be able to play slots and a few casual games with regular coins or premium coins at this site. Vegas Gems offers interesting bonuses, presented in the form of mystery cases.
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