We review all USA online casinos with a data-driven, unbiased rating system. On this page, we’re specifically looking for the best ones for Iowa casino players. Every online gambling site we feature offers online casino bonuses and rewards specifically for Iowans.

Social and sweepstakes: legal alternative to online casinos in Iowa

Online casinos aren’t legal in Iowa at present — when it comes to anything online, the whole Iowa online gambling scene is a pretty new thing. But getting back to casinos, that doesn’t mean you can’t play your favorite online casino games on your desktop or mobile device. Sweepstake and social casinos, like SweepSlots, allow you to play online slots, online blackjack, and video poker for free.

Some sites, like BetRivers.net, even let you play free live table games. The gameplay experience on these sites is very similar to real-money online casinos sites which Iowa will (hopefully) legalize in the near future. You’ll find similar games, promotions, and site design. The main difference is that you can’t win real money while playing at sweepstakes and social casinos.

Iowa online casino bonus offers — sweepstakes promos you can claim

Sweepstake casinos don’t technically use real money, but still have other bonus offers to entice players. You can get free spins, play credits, and many additional bonuses that give you the chance to play online casino games without risking capital.

Many of these bonuses are available to players registering for the first time, often referred to as a casino welcome bonus. Want to redeem an Iowa online casino bonus? Easy. Simply to select the relevant link, register, and the site will boost your account with virtual rewards.

When will real money online casinos in Iowa become legal?

Real money online casinos in Iowa aren’t legal, but that doesn’t mean this won’t change in the future. A bill has been reviewed and passed by a House subcommittee. The whole State Committee will now consider the bill.

If it passes, online casinos will soon be able to launch in Iowa by signing a partnership with a land-based casino and paying a $45,000 fee. Each land-based casino would be able to license two online sites, meaning there is potential for 40 different online casinos to launch in the Hawkeye State.

Iowa gaming through time

The history of Iowa’s casino scene is quite new compared to other states. The Hawkeye State’s online gambling and online sports betting history is a whole other thing, and also pretty new. Legal, land-based, casinos only became a thing in 1989, when casino games were permitted on licensed riverboats. Want to learn more? Read on for the highlights of Iowa’s casino history.

Land-based Iowa casinos and the law

Iowa is home to various land-based casinos, including Native American, riverboat, and commercial casinos. All legal commercial casinos and riverboat casinos must hold a license with the Iowa Racing and Gaming Commission.

The Commission checks to ensure each casino keeps strictly to Iowa casino regulations for safety and fairness. This includes keeping an inventory of how many slots and table game are in each facility. There are also Native American casinos licensed and operated by tribal authorities.

The casinos listed below are the only legal options in Iowa. Any other location claiming to offer offline casino games doesn’t do so legally or with state-enforced safety measures.

How to choose the best Iowa online casinos

How do you pick the best Iowa casino site for you? Each operator we rate offers something for players – the best bonuses, game selection, security, and more. Read on for a breakdown of each category.

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