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As for the online legal gambling options, Iowans are free to enjoy sports betting, daily fantasy sports, and horse racing betting. However, online gambling is still in the legal gray area. This is why the Hawkeye State residents won’t find any state-licensed online casinos offering online slots for real money in Iowa.
On the other hand, slot aficionados can choose among multiple offshore sites that feature hundreds of fantastic slot titles.
So, take a look at our list of trusted operators below and start playing slots right away.
Are Slots Legal in Iowa?
Casino gambling in Iowa started in 1989 after passing the riverboat gambling bill. This kicked off the gambling industry in Iowa. However, these gambling facilities had to operate on water, leaving the docks every two hours. A few years later, the state made compacts with local Native American tribes, and in 1992 the first tribal casino saw the light of the day.
In 1994, racetracks were added to the mix after allowing slot machine use within the tracks. This aimed to boost the racing industry.
In 2007, the state amended the law to remove the requirement for gambling facilities to be located on the water. Currently, Iowa is home to 23 land-based casinos.
When it comes to online casinos, operating a site within state borders is prohibited. Furthermore, Iowa regulated sports betting, but the bill didn’t address online gambling in any way. This is why Iowans have been gravitating more and more toward offshore websites that are not authorized by the Iowa Racing and Gaming Commission.
Iowa Slots Laws
To familiarize yourself with all the intricacies of the legality of slot games and gambling in general in Iowa, check out the following laws:
- Iowa Administrative Code r. 491-11.12 — Progressive Slot Machines
- Iowa Administrative Code r. 491-11.9 — Slot Machine Requirements
- Iowa Administrative Code r. 491-11.5 — Gambling Games Authorized
- Iowa Code, Section 725.7 — Gambling and Betting — Penalty
- Iowa Code, Chapter 99B — Social and Charitable Gambling
- Iowa Code, Chapter 99F — Gambling Games and Sports Wagering Regulation
How to Register for Online Slots in Iowa
Whichever site you choose for playing real-money slot games, you need to open an account first. Fortunately, the entire process is simple, and it will take a few minutes of your time.
Below is a step-by-step guide that will get you started:
Once you choose the casino you like from the list we supplied, click on the link next to the casino’s name. It will lead you to the website directly.
Hit the Register or Sign-Up button and open an account. During this step, you’ll need to input necessary information such as your name, address, email, phone number, and date of birth. You’ll also need to create a password.
Some operators will send a link to your email to verify your account. After that, you can log in.
Upon logging in, head to the Cashier section and locate the Deposit button. Select your preferred payment method and transfer the funds to your account. Wait for the transaction to clear.
Go to the lobby, browse a little, and pick one of the slot games the casino offers. Have fun and good luck!
Best Slots in Iowa
Iowa residents can choose from about two dozen land-based casinos offering numerous slot games. Aside from offshore casinos, other online options are off-limits since the state hasn’t regulated online gambling.
Let’s take a closer look at both alternatives.
Legal Online Slots in Iowa
Those who want to play real money games in an online casino can do that only by visiting a sweepstake site. However, the slot options are minimal. The law specifically prohibits online casinos from operating without a license.
Luckily, many offshore casinos that offer real-money slots are available to Iowans. Since no law addresses them, this loophole allows them to play slot games legally.
Although Iowa has legalized sports betting in May 2019 by introducing Senate File 617, online gambling remains unregulated. The odds of regulating it are fairly low at the moment, but at least regulating sports betting indicates that things are slowly going in the right direction.
Land-Based Casinos in Iowa With Slots
As we have already mentioned, the 1989 bill that introduced riverboat casinos marked the expansion of land-based gambling establishments.
Iowa is home to one racino, 18 commercial, and four tribal casinos that offer more than 20,000 slot machines.
The Iowa Racing and Gaming Commission is the main regulatory body that oversees these gambling venues. Many of them are located in Altoona, Council Bluffs, Waterloo, and Riverside, the leading gambling hubs.
With over 2,000 slots, Prairie Meadows is Iowa’s largest land-based casino, while Horseshoe Casino in Council Bluffs has more than 1,700. Since casino gambling is thriving in Iowa, numbers from 2021 show that only slot revenue was more than $148 million.
Iowa Slots for Real-Money Play
Despite the fact that the Hawkeye State doesn’t perceive playing online slots as a lawful activity, it also doesn’t prevent its residents from joining multiple offshore websites searching for slot entertainment. Numerous such sites accept Iowans, but not all are trustworthy and licensed.
You may feel overwhelmed when picking the right online operator. Luckily, we have tested many websites to cut your search time. We have inspected all ins and outs, including game selection, bonuses, and licenses.
You can find those sites that passed out rigorous criteria at the top of this page. Scroll up and start playing right away.
Casinos With Slot Machines in Iowa
To play slot machines in the Hawkeye State land-based casinos, you need to be at least 21 years old.
Offshore casinos usually require players to be 18.
You’ll need to provide a government-issued ID with photo identification at a land-based venue.
On the other hand, you have to go through the identity verification process by submitting documents that will prove your age, address, and identity on an offshore site.
Useful Guides for Iowa Players
Iowa online casinos can be difficult to understand especially with all the laws that govern their use, so here are some excellent, easy to read and in-depth guides to get you started.
Conclusion
As we can see, Iowa’s gambling laws are both lenient and strict. On the one hand, the state regulates numerous forms of gambling, and on the other, Iowa’s criminal code punishes all kinds of illegal gambling.
Despite those regulations, Iowan players have tons of options for playing slots. One of them refers to brick-and-mortar casinos and another to offshore sites featuring tons of various slot titles.
Casinos on our list are secure and licensed; thus, you can play your favorite slots right off the bat.
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