Social casinos sites will be your best bet for online poker, video poker, and table games in Iowa as they offer both real cash and virtual prizes for casino games. While these sites may not have the same level of competition or variety as traditional online poker rooms, they can still provide a fun and exciting experience for players! Unfortunately, online casinos are not legal, nor are online poker rooms and real money casinos.
Best Online Gambling Sites Iowa
Updated:
7 min read
LuckyGambler is a review platform, that provides personalized casino offers through affiliate links, earning a commission at no extra cost to you when depositing. It doesn’t affect how our team rates and ranks the casino brands, we want to ensure that players are matched with the right casino offers.
While you can find several land-based casinos in the state, with some even open 24 hours, Iowa online casinos are, unfortunately, nowhere to be found. While you can’t place wagers and earn real money at online casinos in Iowa today, you can still play your favorite online casino games thanks to social and sweepstakes casinos! Sports betting is also regulated and legal, so you can find a form of online gambling that fits your niche.
The Best Iowa Casino Sites
Iowa, United States
- 1Best CasinoBonus1.75 million WOW Coins + 35 FREE Sweepstake Coins
- Number of games:1200+
- Min. deposit:$9.99
Benefits- Over 1200+ slots games
- Exclusive “Star” VIP system, email SC draws, referral programs, and chat promos
- Bingo and Live Casino
- Daily login bonuses
- Redemption available
Overview- Website
- Established 2021
- Min deposit $0.49
Payment methods21+ | New Player Only - T&C Apply - 2Highly RecommendedBonus1 Million GC + 2.5 FREE SC
- Payout speed:2-3 days
- Number of games:650+
Benefits- Impressive sign up bonus
- Regular hourly tournaments with SC prizes
- Games updated monthly with new drops
Overview- Website
- Established 2024
- Min deposit no
Payment methods21+ | New Player Only - T&C Apply - 3RecommendedBonusNo deposit 125 000 Coins +400 000 Coins & 1000 Entries
- Payout speed:2-3 days
- Min. deposit:$4.99
- Number of games:150+
Benefits- High-quality games by top developers
- Mobile app available
- Excellent bonuses and promotions
- User-friendly interface and mobile app
Overview- Website
- Established 2022
- Min deposit $4.99
- No Deposit Bonus 125 000 Coins
Payment methods21+ | New Player Only - T&C Apply - 4RecommendedBonusNo deposit 100 000 Coins +400 000 GC & free 1000 SC
- Payout speed:2-3 days
- Min. deposit:$1.99
- Number of games:140+
Benefits- High-quality selection of games
- Daily bonuses and tournaments available
- User-friendly website design
- 24/7 live chat feature and a friendly customer support team
- Amazing 10-tier VIP club, with benefits like 20% of your played coins return
Overview- Website
- Established 2021
- Min deposit $1.99
- No Deposit Bonus No deposit 100 000 Coins
Payment methods21+ | New Player Only - T&C Apply - 5Top BonusesBonusNo deposit 125 000 Coins +400 000 FC & 1000 CC for deposit over $19.99
- Payout speed:1-3 days
- Number of games:100+
Overview- Website
- Established 2024
- Min deposit $6.99
- No Deposit Bonus 125 000 Coins
Payment methods21+ | New Player Only - T&C Apply - Benefits
- Wide selection of casino-style games from top developers
- Live chat option for VIP members
- User-friendly interface and mobile compatibility
- Various bonuses and promotions
Overview- Website
- Established 2023
- Min deposit $0.99
- Min withdraw $200
Payment methods21+ | New Player Only - T&C Apply - 7Best Games ChoiceBonusUp to 1,000 Gems and Get 50% Extra Gems
- Payout speed:2-3 days
- Number of games:700+
Benefits- Massive selection of slots from top providers
- Unique currency system with Gems and Shards
- Good customer support options, including live chat
- Simple and easy-to-navigate interface
Overview- Website
- Established 2023
- Min deposit $4.99
Payment methods21+ | New Player Only - T&C Apply - 8Bonus367,000 Gold Coins + 32.3 FREE Sweepstakes
- Payout speed:1-10 days
- Number of games:700+
Benefits- A wide range of games available
- User-friendly website design
- Multiple payment credit cards accepted
- Variety of big-name gaming developers
Overview- Website
- Established 2020
- Min deposit $19.99
Payment methods21+ | New Player Only - T&C Apply - Benefits
- Intuitive, user-focused interface
- 24/7 customer support
- Opportunity to redeem real money prizes
Overview- Website
- Established 2023
Payment methods21+ | New Player Only - T&C Apply - Benefits
- Unique game types include scratchers and arcade games
- Use of cryptocurrency for banking
- Good amount of bonuses
- Expansive VIP Rewards
Overview- Website
- Established 2023
- Min deposit $9,99
- No Deposit Bonus 10 Free Spins
Payment methods21+ | New Player Only - T&C Apply
Reviews of Our Choice of the Best Online Gambling Sites IA
Our team of experts has reviewed and chosen the top sweepstakes and social casinos available for players in Iowa. These casinos excel in offering a diverse range of games, attractive bonus offers, secure payment methods, and outstanding customer service. Discover the premier online gaming experiences crafted just for Iowa players today.
WOW Vegas
WOWVegas is much more than a social casino. It’s one of the few social casinos with backing by a celebrity, and for good reason. Launched in 2021, this sweepstakes casino has grown a wide following thanks to its plethora of slot games, prizes, payment methods, and more. Now, our team brings you everything you need to know about this platform, from WOWVegas casino reviews to the best games and more to explore!
- Website
- Bonus 1.75 million WOW Coins + 35 FREE Sweepstake Coins
- Established 2021
- Games 1200+
- Legal in States All except WA, NV, MI, ID
- Live Dealer No
Pros
- Over 1200+ slots games
- Exclusive “Star” VIP system, email SC draws, referral programs, and chat promos
- Bingo and Live Casino
- Daily login bonuses
- Redemption available
Cons
- Jackpots are only available in WOW Coins
- No dedicated mobile app available at this time
Modo Casino
With some of the biggest names in the iGaming industry already sharing their best titles with Modo.us, it’s no wonder this new social casino is on the rise and gaining popularity! Our Modo.us casino review explores why players are flocking to this site to play their favorite games, participate in tournaments, or simply unwind. Find out more in this casino review.
- Website
- Bonus 20,000 Gold Coins (GC) +1 SC
- Established 2023
- Games 647
- Legal in States Everywhere except for CT, DE, ID, MI, MT, NV, NJ, PA, RI, WA, WV
- Live Dealer No
Pros
- Wide selection of casino-style games from top developers
- Live chat option for VIP members
- User-friendly interface and mobile compatibility
- Various bonuses and promotions
Cons
- Limited banking options compared to other casinos
- No mobile app
- No live dealer games
Pulsz casino
Exclusive slots, fun bonuses, and an engaging social media community are just a few of the key elements of Pulsz online social casino so popular. Their user interface is simplified, as are their payment methods, so you can get straight to business and start playing your favorite games. How does Pulsz Casino stack up to the competition? Pulsz casino reviews are a dime a dozen, but ours at Lucky Gambler gives you an inside look at what sets this online casino apart from the rest and gives insight into what areas can also be improved.
- Website
- Bonus 367,000 Gold Coins + 32.3 FREE Sweepstakes
- Established 2020
- Games 966
- Legal in States All states except WA, ID, MI, NV, MT
- Live Dealer No
Pros
- A wide range of games available
- User-friendly website design
- Multiple payment credit cards accepted
- Variety of big-name gaming developers
Cons
- Slow customer support
- Limited bonuses and promotions
Iowa Online Casinos and Gambling Laws
Currently, there are only a handful of options for online gambling in Iowa. These options include gambling through social casinos and sports betting platforms. However, it’s important to brush up on the types of games you can bet on through these platforms. The games allowed under social gambling include poker, pinochle, pitch, gin rummy, bridge, euchre, hearts, cribbage, dominoes, checkers, chess, backgammon, pool, and darts.According to Iowa online gambling laws, a bettor can’t win or lose more than $50 in cash during a 24-hour period with these social casino sites.
There are also offshore gambling sites that accept Iowa residents, but note that these sites may not be regulated and can potentially put players at risk. That’s because they are operating legally in their country, but the same protections aren’t given to residents of the U.S. who place wagers on the site. As such, it’s recommended to stick with legal and regulated options when participating in online gambling Iowa.
How Does Iowa Regulate Gambling?
Iowa has a separate governmental body that regulates its sports betting pari-mutuel wagering. This regulatory state agency is known as The Iowa Racing and Gaming Commission (IRGC) within the Department of Inspections and Appeals. It’s important to know that, although racing is a big component of Iowa gambling, these races can only take place on certain days. The Commission decides the type, number, and location of all these licensed racetracks and the number of days they will race.
The IRGC also makes sure that all the casinos in Iowa comply with all of the gaming laws. It oversees the licenses, audits, casino games, house edges, and complaints to ensure fair play for all players. Additionally, this commission also regulates Fantasy Sports contests and charitable gambling within the state. From sports betting to Fantasy Sports to casinos, the IRGC has a say in it all.
This commission was created by the Pari-Mutuel Wagering Act in May of 1983. All five members of their board are chosen by the Iowa Governor and are then approved by the Iowa Senate. No members can serve more than three years on the board.
Online Casino Gambling in Iowa
Social casinos often combine sportsbooks with various other online, table, and even live dealer games. While these online gambling sites call themselves “casinos,” the difference is they don’t involve any actual money or prizes. Unlike real money offshore Iowa online casinos, they allow players to enjoy traditional casino games and potentially win virtual games and currency or rewards.
Players can sign up to sites like BetRivers, where they can earn free spins daily and use a welcome bonus to gain gold coins. These gold coins are free, but you can always buy more or ask for some in writing. Along with these gold or other types of online currency, players can win other rewards through sweepstakes coins.
These coins can earn you prizes like gift cards, bonus spins, or even real money! While it’s a bit more complicated than simply betting with real money, social casinos in Iowa can be a fun and risk-free way to enjoy gambling.
Poker
Daily Fantasy Sports
There is a big selection of legal Daily Fantasy Sports sites in Iowa, including big names like DraftKings and FanDuel. These websites offer players the chance to build dream teams of their favorite athletes and potentially win real money or prizes. Daily fantasy sports are different from traditional online sports betting as they involve creating a team for a specific game or tournament rather than placing bets on individual games.
Sports Betting
Similar to Fantasy Sports, Iowa also offers legal online sports betting through sites like BetMGM. These websites should be regulated by the Iowa Casino Racing and Gaming Commission. Legalized platforms offer a variety of sports to bet on, from professional leagues like the NFL and NBA to college team sports sports!
Online Horse Betting
As we mentioned earlier, horse racing is legal in Iowa and the state offers online betting options through sites like TVG. These horse racing betting options are only available through pari-mutuel wagering, which means all bets are pooled together and divided among the winners. Horse racing fans can also enjoy betting in person at various race tracks across the state.
Lottery
There is a state lottery program already in place in Iowa. People can purchase tickets at existing stores and enter for a chance to win at the PowerBall, Mega Millions, Lotto America, and InstaPlay Progressive Jackpot games. However, online lottery sales are not yet legal in Iowa. While there is a website available, it only offers information on the various games and winning numbers.
Iowa Land Based Casinos
What Iowa lacks in online gambling options, it makes up for with its many land-based casinos. There are over 20 casinos in the state, offering a variety of games including slot machines, table games, and poker rooms. These casinos also often have restaurants, entertainment venues, and hotels attached to them, making them popular tourist destinations. Some of the most well-known casinos in Iowa include Harrah’s Council Bluffs Hotel and Casino, Ameristar Casino Hotel Council Bluffs, and Diamond Jo Worth Casino.
States with legal online gambling
FAQ
What is the Gambling Age in Iowa?
Currently, you must be 21 years old to gamble in Iowa. This applies to both land-based casinos and online gambling, as well as lottery tickets.
Who Regulates Gambling in Iowa?
The Iowa Racing and Gaming Commission oversees all gambling activities within the state. They license sports betting, land-based casinos, and pari-mutuel wagering facilities.
Are Online Casinos Legal in Iowa?
No, online casinos are not currently legal in Iowa. However, players can participate in online sports betting and Daily Fantasy sports. Sweepstake coins casinos are also available to play in Iowa.
Can I Win Real Money at Online Casinos in Iowa?
Unless you use offshore real money online Iowa casinos, you cannot win real money at online casinos in Iowa. Sweepstakes-based online platforms offer the opportunity to win cash prizes through the use of virtual currency. You can even use a welcome bonus to help earn more coins. But, unlike other casino websites, you cannot deposit real money or withdraw any winnings in cash.
Are Gambling Winnings Taxable in Iowa?
Yes, however, tax rates are somewhat lower, with casinos withholding 5% for winnings up to $1 million. For any revenues above $1 million and up to $3 million, the tax rate rises to 10%. Fortunately, losses from gambling can also be deducted from your Iowa state tax return.
When Will Online Casinos Be Legal in Iowa?
While sports betting has been legalized in Iowa, there are currently no plans to legalize IA online casinos. A bill to legalize online Iowa casinos was launched in 2023 but never made it past the House. However, this could change in the future as more states begin to regulate online gambling.
Jeremy Olson runs team of writers and creates the overall content strategy. With years of experience in the gambling industry, Jeremy has honed his skills not only as a writer but also as a strategic thinker, making long-term content plans that align with the website’s goals.
