Is Iowa a particularly gamer-friendly state? Those who have never visited the state may be surprised by the answer. Iowa may not be quite as gamer-friendly or as progressive as Nevada, but its views toward gambling—and particularly toward poker—are really very lax. In fact, the opportunities for legal Iowa poker are quite numerous. Those who live in the state and love to play poker can do so in casinos, in their homes, or even online; indeed, Iowa has taken greater strides toward legalizing online gaming than nearly any other state in the union.
This page will seek to address a variety of topics related to gambling in the state of Iowa; intended as an educational resource for Iowa poker lovers, the page will first consider some of the specific laws concerning gambling in the state of Iowa. From there, we will turn to some of the specific opportunities for live, land-based poker that the state offers. Finally, we will make some general comments about online gambling in the state of Iowa.
Iowa Poker Laws & Statutes
Iowa does have a total of 13 licensed and regulated poker rooms scattered around the state, and the live poker scene there is a pretty lively one. With more than 85,000 square feet of nonstop casino action including all your favorite table games slots, and exciting promotions – Prairie Meadows has every game you'll want to play this side of Vegas. Iowa; Poker Rooms; Horseshoe Casino; Horseshoe Casino Council Bluffs. Facebook; Twitter; 5 4 3 2 1. 2701 23rd Avenue, Council Bluffs, IA 51501 (Directions.
To begin with, it is important to note some of the basics of Iowa's gambling laws. As we have noted, this state—while not quite as permissive as Nevada or even New Jersey—is nevertheless known as one of the more open and progressive states in the country, as far as gaming is concerned. In Iowa, there are numerous casinos—more than a dozen, mostly of the riverboat variety—that make poker opportunities relatively easy to find. For those who do not wish to venture into a casino, home-based games are generally approved, so long as they are not played on a for-profit basis.
Jun 23, 2020 Riverside Casino and Golf Resort in Larchwood, Iowa, has reopened its poker room. Players must wear masks and sanitize their hands upon entry. For more information on poker room reopenings, visit our Reopen webpage.
And then there is online gambling. Many states have taken steps toward fully legitimizing online poker, and Iowa is one of them. There was legislation introduced in 2012 to make online gaming state-sanctioned, and if it ultimately failed to pass, the mere presence of such a bill speaks volumes about Iowa's relative laxness. And even as it stands, online gambling is a perfectly safe option for Iowa poker lovers—but more on that later.
Is it Legal to Play Online Poker in Iowa?
Wisconsin Poker Rooms
The next question to consider is that of online poker. Online gambling is a topic that takes us into some murky legal waters. The technical answer is that online poker is not, strictly speaking, allowed by the State of Iowa. With that said, it is something that Iowa residents can participate in without fear of legal consequence.
As we have already noted, Iowa is obviously not totally closed-minded when it comes to online gaming. What's more, the state does not prosecute those who gamble online, even if such gaming is not explicitly condoned in Iowa's laws. As such, those who live in Iowa and wish to play poker can do so online, safely and without hesitation.
Can I Get into Trouble for Playing Online Poker Iowa?
To come at the same question from another angle, some might wonder: Will Iowa residents get into legal trouble for playing in online poker rooms? The answer, once again, is no. Internet poker rooms are perfectly safe options for those who live in Iowa. Here it is important to understand the distinction between state-sanctioned, and safe; in Iowa, online gambling may not be sanctioned by the state government, but it is very much safe and free of legal risk.
The reason for this is that there are no laws on the books that criminalize those who choose to play in Internet poker rooms. There is something of a precedent in the U.S. to penalize those who own and operate online poker rooms. Those who simply wish to play, however, can do so without worry.
Legal Poker Sites That Accept Iowa Players
Iowa residents have a strong interest in poker. There is no speculation there, just pure fact. However, with today's busy work schedules, it can be hard to put time aside to travel to a legal poker room or assemble all your interested friends in one place. Luckily, there are legal online poker sites, and the listings below should help even the most discerning Iowa resident find a good home.
Iowa Poker Rooms
Bovada Poker - Most Trusted Online Poker Room For Iowa
When Iowa residents think online gambling of any kind, it's a good bet the first brand that pops into their head will be Bovada. Bovada is the highest name in legal online poker, and for very good reason. There is simply no one who does it better than this Canadian poker site. They have been in the business and serving Iowa residents for over 20 years, and in that time they have learned that not only do users from Iowa expect a poker software that runs clean, but diversity in both selection of poker games and style of play. Users may enjoy everything from a hold ‘em tournament to a five card draw table, and play for whatever stakes they choose. At Bovada, the player is king.
Perhaps the easiest feature to love about the Bovada poker room is how easy and functional the online cashier is. With money deposited into Bovada, players never have to worry about accounts being hacked or the money simply disappearing like with some illegitimate sites. Players can focus purely on the game at hand. What's even better is that as often as once a month this legal poker site will cover any fees associated with a payout, so you can rest assured that with Bovada the user goes home with the highest possible percentage of their winnings: all of them.
SportsBetting Poker - All Iowa Players 18+ Welcome Here
'I LOST EVERYTHING'. Kemp was left stunned after he met a gambling addict who revealed he blew £127,000 in just 26 minutes playing online roulette. Lost everything roulette.
To begin with, it is important to note some of the basics of Iowa's gambling laws. As we have noted, this state—while not quite as permissive as Nevada or even New Jersey—is nevertheless known as one of the more open and progressive states in the country, as far as gaming is concerned. In Iowa, there are numerous casinos—more than a dozen, mostly of the riverboat variety—that make poker opportunities relatively easy to find. For those who do not wish to venture into a casino, home-based games are generally approved, so long as they are not played on a for-profit basis.
Jun 23, 2020 Riverside Casino and Golf Resort in Larchwood, Iowa, has reopened its poker room. Players must wear masks and sanitize their hands upon entry. For more information on poker room reopenings, visit our Reopen webpage.
And then there is online gambling. Many states have taken steps toward fully legitimizing online poker, and Iowa is one of them. There was legislation introduced in 2012 to make online gaming state-sanctioned, and if it ultimately failed to pass, the mere presence of such a bill speaks volumes about Iowa's relative laxness. And even as it stands, online gambling is a perfectly safe option for Iowa poker lovers—but more on that later.
Is it Legal to Play Online Poker in Iowa?
Wisconsin Poker Rooms
The next question to consider is that of online poker. Online gambling is a topic that takes us into some murky legal waters. The technical answer is that online poker is not, strictly speaking, allowed by the State of Iowa. With that said, it is something that Iowa residents can participate in without fear of legal consequence.
As we have already noted, Iowa is obviously not totally closed-minded when it comes to online gaming. What's more, the state does not prosecute those who gamble online, even if such gaming is not explicitly condoned in Iowa's laws. As such, those who live in Iowa and wish to play poker can do so online, safely and without hesitation.
Can I Get into Trouble for Playing Online Poker Iowa?
To come at the same question from another angle, some might wonder: Will Iowa residents get into legal trouble for playing in online poker rooms? The answer, once again, is no. Internet poker rooms are perfectly safe options for those who live in Iowa. Here it is important to understand the distinction between state-sanctioned, and safe; in Iowa, online gambling may not be sanctioned by the state government, but it is very much safe and free of legal risk.
The reason for this is that there are no laws on the books that criminalize those who choose to play in Internet poker rooms. There is something of a precedent in the U.S. to penalize those who own and operate online poker rooms. Those who simply wish to play, however, can do so without worry.
Legal Poker Sites That Accept Iowa Players
Iowa residents have a strong interest in poker. There is no speculation there, just pure fact. However, with today's busy work schedules, it can be hard to put time aside to travel to a legal poker room or assemble all your interested friends in one place. Luckily, there are legal online poker sites, and the listings below should help even the most discerning Iowa resident find a good home.
Iowa Poker Rooms
Bovada Poker - Most Trusted Online Poker Room For Iowa
When Iowa residents think online gambling of any kind, it's a good bet the first brand that pops into their head will be Bovada. Bovada is the highest name in legal online poker, and for very good reason. There is simply no one who does it better than this Canadian poker site. They have been in the business and serving Iowa residents for over 20 years, and in that time they have learned that not only do users from Iowa expect a poker software that runs clean, but diversity in both selection of poker games and style of play. Users may enjoy everything from a hold ‘em tournament to a five card draw table, and play for whatever stakes they choose. At Bovada, the player is king.
Perhaps the easiest feature to love about the Bovada poker room is how easy and functional the online cashier is. With money deposited into Bovada, players never have to worry about accounts being hacked or the money simply disappearing like with some illegitimate sites. Players can focus purely on the game at hand. What's even better is that as often as once a month this legal poker site will cover any fees associated with a payout, so you can rest assured that with Bovada the user goes home with the highest possible percentage of their winnings: all of them.
SportsBetting Poker - All Iowa Players 18+ Welcome Here
'I LOST EVERYTHING'. Kemp was left stunned after he met a gambling addict who revealed he blew £127,000 in just 26 minutes playing online roulette. Lost everything roulette.
Iowa Casinos With Poker Rooms
Different kinds of expansion slots. Residents of Iowa who prefer their online poker with all the possible frills and whistles they deserve would do well to check out the online poker room at SportsBetting. With this legal poker site, all the features spring from your screen and dance. Enjoy the sleekest and fastest poker software along with great features like mobile poker and poker with live dealers, ensuring that players can carry a fully functional poker room around in their pocket that will always be available to serve them.
Iowa Poker Rooms For Sale
In order to convince the highest volume of Iowa residents possible to sign up with them, SportsBetting offers one of the most insane deals in the business as an incentive. When a new SportsBetting account is created and money is first put in, the new player is able to play not only with the money that was just deposited, but with a full 200% of that deposit that will be distributed over time in the form of bonus money. Players who sign up with sports betting will literally have free money thrown at them, and the people behind SportsBetting are confident that once they get used to the service, they will use it for a long, long time.
| Legal Iowa Poker Sites | Welcome Bonus | What To Play | Site Rating |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bovada Poker Play / Sign Up | $1,000 FREE - 100% Match | Hold'em - Omaha Hi/Lo - Stud Hi/Lo | |
| BetOnline Poker Play / Sign Up | Maximum $1K: 200% Rate | Texas Hold'em - Omaha Hi/Lo | |
| SportsBetting Play / Sign Up | 200% Match / $1,000 Max | Texas Hold'em - Omaha Hi/Lo | |
| 5Dimes Poker Play / Sign Up | Vary Weekly - Check Website | Texas Hold'em - Omaha Hi/Lo |
Does Iowa Have Legal Land-Based Poker?
All of these legal considerations aside, the next question for Iowa poker lovers to ask is that of where they can play. There are several sets of options, including both live, land-based games as well as online games. We'll list some of the land-based options first. In addition to home games, there are also plenty of poker tables to be found in the state's several casinos.
Online poker options are even more abundant. There are innumerable Internet gaming sites, and all of them are perfectly safe for those who live in Iowa. Not only are they safe, in fact, but they are perfectly willing to accept the participation of Iowa residents!
Legal Land-Based Poker Rooms For Iowa Players
Next, we turn our attention to some more specific questions about gambling in the state of Iowa. To begin with: It is legal to play poker in Iowa, in a live, land-based setting? The short answer to this is yes, so long as it is done in the approved locations. These include the state's numerous casinos, of course, and they also include private residences. So long as you do not turn your living room into a fully-functional, money-generating casino, home and social games are generally fine!
Future of Poker/Online Poker in Iowa
Of course, many Iowa residents will wonder about the future of poker laws in the state, specifically those governing online poker. Will Iowa ever revive its efforts to legalize online poker, fully and formally? Nobody can predict the future, of course, but it stands to reason that, given the state's generally gamer-friendly attitudes, its gaming laws will likely become increasingly progressive over time.
Right now, though, there are already several avenues available to Iowa natives who wish to play poker. Casinos and home games are always good bets, but online poker rooms may be the most convenient options. Here, Iowa residents can play poker any time, and without any legal worry!
