Iowa was the first state to legalize riverboat gambling. The boats began operating on April Fools Day in 1991 and passengers were originally limited to $5 per bet with a maximum loss of $200 per person, per cruise. Because of these restrictions several boats later moved to Mississippi which offered 24-hour, no-limit, dockside gambling.

In September 1991 the first riverboats began operating in the bordering state of Illinois and these boats didn't have Iowa's restrictive bet or loss limits. The increased competition from these boats cut deeply into the profitability of the Iowa boats and in early 1994 the Iowa legislature voted to eliminate the gambling restrictions. Additionally, a provision was added to allow slot machines (no video poker) to be placed at the state's four pari-mutuel facilities, subject to voter approval. The slot machine measure passed in referendums in three of the four affected counties.

In mid-2004 the Iowa Gaming Commission voted to allow table games at the state's three pari-mutel facilities. The earliest those table games are expected to be in operation, however, is early 2005.

Here's information, as supplied by the Iowa Racing and Gaming Commission, showing the electronic gaming machine payback percentages for all non-Indian locations for the 2004 fiscal year from July 1, 2008 through June 30, 2004:

These figures reflect the total percentages returned by each riverboat casino or pari-mutuel facility for all of its electronic machines including: slots, video poker, video keno, etc.

As you can see, Prairie Meadows returned the most to their players, while Catfish Bend returned the least.

Admission to all Iowa riverboat casinos is free and all boats remain dockside except for the Mississippi Belle II which cruises seasonally. Unless otherwise noted, all casinos are open 24 hours.

Iowa is also home to three Indian casinos. Unless otherwise noted, all riverboats and Indian casinos offer: blackjack, roulette, craps, slots and video poker. Some casinos also offer: mini-baccarat (MB), poker (P), pai gow poker (PGP), Caribbean stud poker (CSP), let it ride (LIR), big 6 (B6), bingo (BG), keno (K), three card poker (TCP) and Spanish 21 (S21). The minimum gambling age is 21.

NOTE: If you happen to win a jackpot of $1,200 or more in Iowa, the casino will withhold 5% of your winnings for the Iowa Department of Revenue. If you want to try and get that money refunded, you will be required to file a state income tax return and, depending on the details of your return, you may get some of the money returned to you. The $1,200 threshold would also apply to any cash prizes won in casino drawings or tournaments.

For more information on visiting Iowa call the state's tourism department at (800) 345-4692.

Ameristar Casino Council Bluffs
2200 River Road
Council Bluffs, Iowa 51501
(712) 328-8888
Website: www.ameristarcasinos.com
Map: #8

Toll-Free Number: (877) 462-7827
Rooms: 152  Price Range: $99-$169
Suites: 8  Price Range: $225-$275
Restaurants: 4 (1 open 24 hours)
Buffets: L-$8.99 (Mon-Fri)
D-$14.99/$11.99 (Tue/Sun)/$15.99 (Wed)
Casino Size: 38,500 Square Feet
Other Games: S21, PGP, CSP, LIR, TCP
Overnight RV Parking: Free/RV Dump: No
Senior Discount: 15% off food, rooms and gift shop if 55 or older
Special Features: 2,700-passenger sidewheeler replica  on the Missouri River. Sports bar. Video arcade. Kids Quest supervised children's entertainment center.

Argosy Casino - Sioux City
100 Larsen Park Road
Sioux City, Iowa 51101
(712) 294-5600
Website: www.argosycasinos.com
Map: #3

Toll-Free Number: (800) 424-0080
Restaurants: 2 (1 open 24 hours)
Casino Size: 11,693 Square Feet
Other Games: S21, PGP, CSP, LIR, TCP
Overnight RV Parking: Free/RV Dump: No
Fun Book: Given at Iowa welcome centers
Special Features: 1,200-passenger old-fashioned stern wheeler on the Missouri River. Slot club members get 10% discount at gift shop. Comedy Club.

Catfish Bend Casino
902 Riverview Drive
Fort Madison, Iowa 52627
(319) 372-2946
Website: www.catfishbendcasino.com
Map: #9 (180 miles S.E. of Des Moines)

Toll Free Number: (800) 372-2946
Restaurants: 2 (1 open 24 hours)
Buffets: L-$7  D-Varies from $11 to $13
Hours: 8am- 2am (Mon)/24 hours (Tue-Sun)
Casino Size: 14,572 Square Feet
Other Games: S21, P, CSP, LIR
Overnight RV Parking: Free/RV Dump: No
Senior Discount: Various on Thursday, if 50+
Special Features: 1,500-passenger paddle wheeler on the Mississippi River. Docks in Burlington from November through April. $3 lunch or dinner buffet for slot club members on Monday.

Diamond Jo Casino
3rd Street Ice Harbor
Dubuque, Iowa 52004
(319) 583-7005
Website: www.diamondjo.com
Map: #7

Toll-Free Number: (800) LUCKY-JO
Restaurants: 3 (Deli on boat)
Buffets: B-$5.50 (Sun)  L-$6.95/$8.50 (Sun)  D-$13.95 (Fri-Sat Only)
Valet Parking: $2
Hours: 8am-3am/24 hours (Fri/Sat)
Casino Size: 17,813 Square Feet
Other Games: CSP, LIR, TCP
Overnight RV Parking: Free (Free electric)
RV Dump: No
Senior Discount: Players club members, 55 or older, free valet parking 9am-4pm daily and free breakfast 7:30-9:30am Monday-Friday
Special Features: 1,600-passenger old-fashioned steamboat replica on the Mississippi River. Players club members get 20% buffet discount and 25% discount in gift shop.

Harrah's Casino - Council Bluffs
One Harrah's Boulevard
Council Bluffs, Iowa 51501
(712) 329-6000
Website: www.harrahs.com
Map: #8

Toll Free Number: (800) HARRAHS
Rooms: 240  Price Range: $59-$179
Suites: 11   Price Range $199
Restaurants: 3 (1 open 24 hours)
Buffets: L-$7.99/$10.99 (Sun)  D-$9.99/$10.99 (Wed) /$12.99 (Fri/Sat)
Casino Size: 28,006 Square Feet
Other Games: P, PGP, CSP, LIR, B6, S21
Overnight RV Parking: Free/RV Dump: No
Special Features: 2,365-passenger paddle wheel-replica on the Missouri River.

Isle of Capri Casino - Bettendorf
1821 State Street
Bettendorf, Iowa 52722
(563) 359-7280
Website: www.isleofcapricasino.com
Map: #2

Toll-Free Number: (800) 724-5825
Rooms: 220  Price Range: $60-$110
Suites: 36  Price Range $99-$185
Restaurants: 3 (1 open 24 hours)
Buffets: B-$5.99  L-$7.99  D-$13.99
Other Games: P, PGP, CSP, TCP, LIR
Casino Size: 28,298 Square Feet
Overnight RV Parking: Free/RV Dump: No
Senior Discount: Various on Tue/Thu if 50+
Special Features: 2,500-passenger old-fashioned paddle wheeler on the Mississippi River.  55-space marina.

Isle of Capri Casino - Marquette
100 Anti Monopoly Street
Marquette, Iowa 52158
(563) 873-3531
Website: www.isleofcapricasino.com
Map: #10 (60 miles N. of Dubuque)

Toll-Free Number: (800) 4-YOU-BET
Rooms: 22  Price Range: $85
Suites: 3  Price Range: $125
Restaurants: 2
Buffets: B-$6.49/$9.99 (Sun)  L-$7.49  D-$10.29/$12.99 (Fri/Sat)
Hours: 9am-3am/24 hours (Fri/Sat)
Other Games: CSP, LIR, TCP
Casino Size: 18,747 Square Feet
Overnight RV Parking: Free/RV Dump: No
Fun Book: Distributed by local hotels
Senior Discount: Various on Tue/Thu if 50+ 15% off buffet if 55 or older
Special Features: 1,200-passenger paddle wheeler on the Mississippi River.

Lakeside Casino Resort
777 Casino Drive
Osceola, Iowa 50213
(641) 342-9511
Website: www.lakesidecasino.net
Map: #12 (50 miles S. of Des Moines)

Toll-Free Number: (877) 477-5253
Rooms: 60   Price: $69-$125
Suites: 3   Prices $145
Restaurants: 2 (1 open 24 hours)
Buffets: B-$4.50 (Sat/Sun)  L-$6.50  D-$9.50/$11.50(Wed)
Casino Size: 25,000 Square Feet
Other Games: S21, LIR, P, TCP
Overnight RV Parking: Free (can't put jacks down)/RV Dump: No
Senior Discount: Various on Mon if 50+
Special Features: 1,500-passenger old-fashioned paddle wheeler on West Lake. 47-space RV park. Fishing/boating dock.

Mississippi Belle II
Showboat Landing
Clinton, Iowa 52733
(563) 243-9000
Map: #1 (83 miles E. of Cedar Rapids)

Toll-Free Number: (800) 457-9975
Restaurants: 2
Buffets: B-$8.00 (Sat-Sun) L-$8.00  
D-$13/$11 (Tue)/$12 (Sun/Mon/Wed/Thu)
Hours: 9am-2am/4am (Fri/Sat)
Casino Size: 9,952 Square Feet
Other Games: S21, CSP, PGP, TCP, LIR
Overnight RV Parking: Free/RV Dump: No
Special Features: 1,000-passenger old-fashioned paddle wheeler on the Mississippi River.  Cruises 1pm-3pm Mon-Fri, from mid-May through mid-October.

Rhythm City Casino
130 West River Drive
Davenport, Iowa 52801
(319) 328-8000
Website: www.rhythmcitycasino.com
Map: #2 (80 miles S.E. of Cedar Rapids)

Toll-Free Number: (800) BOAT-711
Rooms: 98  Price Range: $59-$79
Suites: 23  Price Range: $110-195
Restaurants: 2 (1 open 24 hours)
Buffets: B-$3.95  L-$6.95/$10.95 (Sun)  D-$9.95/$11.95 (Fri-Sat)
Casino Size: 32,862 Square Feet
Other Games: S21, PGP, CSP, LIR
Overnight RV Parking: No
Special Features: 2,200-passenger riverboat cruises the Mississippi River.

INDIAN CASINOS

Casino Omaha
1 Blackbird Bend Boulevard
Onawa, Iowa 51040
(712) 423-3700
Map: #4 (30 miles S. of Sioux City, 60 miles N. of Omaha, 4 miles W. of I-29 at exit 112)

Toll-Free Number: (800) 858-U-BET
Restaurants: 1   Liquor: Yes
Buffets: B-$5.95 (Sat/Sun)  L-$4.95  D-$5.95/$9.95 (Fri)
Hours: 8am-2am/24 Hours (Fri/Sat)
Other Games: P
Overnight RV Parking: Free/RV Dump: No
Casino Size: 30,000 Square Feet
Fun Book: Coupons available at the slot club booth on some weekdays.

Meskwaki Bingo & Casino
1504 305th Street
Tama, Iowa 52339
(641) 484-2108
Website: www.meskwaki.com
Map: #5 (40 miles W. of Cedar Rapids)

Toll-Free Number: (800) 728-4263
Rooms: 204  Price Range: $64-$99
Suites:  4  Price Range: $185
Restaurants: 4   Liquor: No
Buffets: B-$5.25  L-$7.25   D-$8.25
Hours: 24 Hours Daily
Other Games:   S21,   P, CSP, LIR, MB, TCP, K, BG, Off-track Betting
Overnight RV Parking: Free/RV Dump: No
Senior Discount: $1 off buffet if 55+
Special Features: 70-space RV park

WinnaVegas Casino
1500 330th Street
Sloan, Iowa 51055
(712) 428-9466
Website: www.winnavegas-casino.com
Map: #6 (20 miles S. of Sioux City)

Toll-Free Number: (800) 468-9466
Restaurants: 1   Liquor: Yes
Buffets: L-$4.95  D-$6.95
Hours: 24 Hours Daily
Other Games: MB, P, CSP, LIR, BG
Overnight RV Parking: Free/RV Dump: Fee
Special Features: $7 hookup for RV's includes electric and dump.

Pari-Mutuels

Bluffs Run Casino
2701 23rd Avenue
Council Bluffs, Iowa 51501
(712) 323-2500
Website: www.harrahs.com
Map: #8 (102 miles S. of Sioux City)

Toll-Free Number: (800) BET-2-WIN
Restaurants: 4 (1 open 24 hours)
Buffets: L-$7.99/$10.99 (Sun)  D-$9.99/$10.99 (Wed) /$12.99 (Fri/Sat)
Hours: 24 Hours Daily
Casino Size: 40,272 Square Feet
Other Games: Only slots
Overnight RV Parking: Free/RV Dump: No
Special Features: Owned by Harrah's. Live dog racing (Tue-Sun). Horse and dog race simulcasting. 120-space RV park. Free shuttle service from local hotels. Table games may be added in early 2005.

Dubuque Greyhound Park & Casino
1855 Greyhound Park Drive
Dubuque, Iowa 52001
(563) 582-3647
Website: www.dgpc.com
Map: #7

Toll-Free Number: (800) 373-3647
Restaurants: 1
Buffets: B-$9.95 (Sun)  L-$7.95 (Wed/Sat)  D-$11.95/$13.95 (Fri-Sat)
Hours: 8am-3am/24 hours (Fri/Sat)
Casino Size: 11,675 Square Feet
Other Games: Only slots
Overnight RV Parking: Free/RV Dump: No
Senior Discount: $2 off buffet, if 55 or older
Special Features: Live dog racing (Wed-Sun) during season which runs from May through October. Greyhound, harness and thoroughbred simulcasting all year. Free valet parking. Table games may be added in early 2005.

Prairie Meadows Racetrack & Casino
1 Prairie Meadows Drive
Altoona, Iowa 50009
(515) 967-1000
Website: www.prairiemeadows.com
Map: #11 (5 miles E. of Des Moines)

Toll-Free Number: (800) 325-9015
Restaurants: 1
Buffets: B-$5.50/$6.50 (Sat/Sun) 
L-$6.50  D-$8.95 (Mon/Tue)/$12.95 (Fri-Sat)
Hours: 24 Hours Daily
Casino Size: 39,324 Square Feet
Other Games: Only slots
Overnight RV Parking: Free (can't put jacks down)/RV Dump: No
Senior Discount: 15% off in restaurant and gift shop if 55 or older
Special Features: Live thoroughbred and quarter-horse racing  during season which runs from April through November. Simulcasting of dog and horse racing all year. Table games may be added in early 2005.