Iowa’s casino industry posted stronger revenue numbers in August, with the state’s 19 licensed casinos generating $151.2 million, a 4.9% increase compared to the same month in 2024. According to data from the Iowa Racing and Gaming Commission, the month saw solid performance across most of the state’s gaming properties, despite a few locations showing modest declines.
Prairie Meadows in Altoona once again led the pack, bringing in $21.1 million, up from $19.8 million the year before. It wasn’t alone in its gains. Diamond Jo Worth Casino near the Minnesota border also improved its results, jumping nearly 11%. Isle Casino Hotel Waterloo stood out with the largest year-over-year increase: its August revenue grew from $7.1 million in 2024 to $9.4 million this year, a boost of nearly 32%.
Other properties also recorded positive numbers. Rhythm City in Davenport rose by 5.5%, and Q Casino in Dubuque posted a 7.8% increase. On the other end, Wild Rose Jefferson fell from $3.1 million to $2.9 million, while Riverside Casino saw a 1.7% drop. Horseshoe Council Bluffs slipped by 1%, and Ameristar II posted a 4.4% decline.
The gains were largely driven by increased slot play. Slot machines made up the bulk of the revenue, generating $136.7 million, up 4.1% from August last year. Table games also attracted more players, increasing from $13 million to $14.5 million, a 12.1% rise.
Although traditional casinos still have a loyal following, an increasing number of gamblers now split their time between in-person visits and digital gaming platforms.One recent development in online gaming is the use of Telegram bots for online casinos. These bots operate directly within the messaging app and allow users to place bets, withdraw winnings, and interact with casino-style games, all without needing to download separate software. Some even accept cryptocurrency. This kind of quick-access gaming has been gaining ground, especially with players who prefer fast-paced mobile play.
Touted as central to the state’s economy and tourism sector, Iowa’s physical gaming establishments continue to hold weight, especially in this ever-changing digital world. These establishments are far more than a wagering apparatus. Hotels, restaurants, concerts, and localized advertising all come into play. The physical experience, something that computing and gaming networks have not been able to replicate, is the reason for the constant growth in casino users for mobile and crypto systems.
Operators, however, realize that players move on. A number of casinos are making efforts to rethink their loyalty schemes, available technologies, and advertising to keep their edge. They are also attempting to re-engage players who, during and after the pandemic, shifted to online gaming.
August’s results thus mark a return to form following several weaker months earlier in the year. Revenue was down in February and March, and June saw a 2.7% decline. July showed modest gains, but August was the strongest month since spring. This late-summer boost was likely helped by travel activity, local events, and targeted marketing.
But while the August increase is a good sign, there’s still caution. The economy is affecting discretionary spending, especially with inflation and higher costs on essentials. Entertainment budgets are tighter for some, which can impact how often people visit casinos or how much they spend once they’re there.
Despite that, Iowa’s casino market continues to hold up. Operators are investing in upgrades, reviewing staffing needs, and adjusting hours or services in response to changing demand. Some are considering partnerships with online platforms or developing their own digital games to offer a blend of in-person and online play.
The next few months will provide more context. Fall usually brings a slight dip in traffic after the summer months, but holiday weekends and sports betting promotions could balance things out. Many casinos will be watching September and October numbers closely to see whether this recent growth holds.
For now, August stands out as a bright spot. With nearly every major operator seeing gains and strong engagement in both slot and table games, Iowa’s gaming industry has reasons to feel optimistic heading into the final quarter of the year.