Iowa has had legal casino gambling for some decades now, and casinos have had ample opportunity to spread out throughout the Buckeye State. Today there are 19 commercial casinos in Iowa and four Native American-run casinos on reservation land within the state. But which are the best options in Northern Iowa?
From a local gambling and entertainment hotspot in Sioux City to a prime horse racing and gambling destination ran entirely to support the local community, or a slice of Las Vegas in the Midwest, these are the four best casinos in and around the northern regions of the Buckeye State.
Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Sioux City is a Regional Entertainment Hub
The farthest north casino on this list, Hard Rock Sioux City is located conveniently near the downtown area of the region’s biggest city. With a scenic spot on the banks of the Missouri River this rock ‘n’ roll themed venue has the attractions to match its location.
Although Hard Rock offers premium casino gaming in Northern Iowa, there’s no need to spend that gas money on leaving the house to get some gambling in. Not with plenty of low minimum deposit casinos available online right now. Browse expert comparison sites today to find the best casinos with deposit options and minimums suitable for you, plus great games and bonus offers to boot. Easy.
The features and amenities at Hard Rock Casino Hotel Sioux City include:
- 630 slot machines
- Two dozen table games including roulette, craps and blackjack
- A Hard Rock-branded sportsbook and sports bar
- A rock music memorabilia museum and collection including pieces from local artists
- A 1200-seat live music and entertainment venue
All that is contained inside a historic warehouse building, built in 1905 and now called the Battery Building after its former occupant The Sioux City Battery Company.
Prairie Meadows is One of the Only Non-Profit Casinos in the US
Although not exactly in Northern Iowa, at around an hour’s drive north east of Des Moines, Prairie Meadows had to be included on this list as it is a unique operation among US casinos – because it isn’t run for profit.
All revenues from the large casino and hotel are put back into the venue itself, for employees and expansion, or given to local community organizations.
It also has a horse racing track, which was once big business in Iowa. Outside of its appeal as a more wholesome, community oriented operation than most casinos can claim to be, Prairie Meadows offers visitors:
- 1700 slot and video poker machines
- A dozen table games in roulette, blackjack, craps and casino poker
- A race track home to the Iowa Derby, the biggest race in the state
- A William Hill-branded sportsbook and sports bar area
- Half a dozen bars and eateries, from sit down dining to fast food
Prairie Meadows is also close to Iowa’s biggest theme park, Adventureland, which has been a staple of the area since 1974.
Meskwaki Casino Hotel is an Award-Winning Destination
The first of Iowa’s nine tribal casino venues on this list Meskwaki Casino Hotel has an expansive casino gambling floor as well as 400-room hotel. It is run by the local Sac and Fox Tribe of the Mississippi in Iowa.
The casino’s features include:
- Hundreds of slots and video poker machines in a 67,000 square foot casino floor
- A large convention centre, with smaller private rooms for weddings, business meetings and other larger events
- A full poker room with a dozen tables and regular tournaments
- An independently operated sportsbook and sports bar
- Half a dozen restaurants and bars including Lucky’s Grill and Taproom and the Jackpot Buffet
Horseshoe Council Bluffs Brings Las Vegas-Vibes to Western Iowa
Owned and operated by Las Vegas-based Caesars Entertainment (via corporate spin off VICI Properties) Horseshoe Council Bluffs is a true northern Iowa gem.
The former Bluffs Run Greyhound Park and Casino was closed and reopened with an $85 million refurbishment in 2006. The casino is one of the larger options on this list, with 1400 slot machines, 63 table games and a separated racebook and sportsbook under the William Hill brand.
Horseshoe Council Bluffs, through its Las Vegas connections, has one of the best poker rooms in the state. Using the official World Series of Poker branding, until recently owned by Caesars – the well-equipped room plays host to WSOP circuit events where prizes go into the hundreds of thousands and WSOP rings are up for grabs.
Outside of gambling, Horseshoe Council Bluffs is one of the better looking casinos on this list, from the exterior at least. It also has half a dozen restaurants. Including some more upscale options than others on this list, if that’s your thing.
It is also, only around an hour’s drive from Sioux City. Horseshoe Council Bluffs is on the south side of Iowa’s 10th most populated city, just across the Missouri River – and state lines – from Omaha, Nebraska.