Iowa Online Casinos 2022 & Gambling Laws

Considering real money gambling in Iowa? Too bad, the state hasn’t passed laws regulating online casinos. But still, adult residents can enjoy the thrill of internet casino games without getting in trouble with law enforcement.

You want to get started but stuck where to go? No need to stress over it. We know where you can play real money online casino games in Iowa. That’s why we have put together this informative piece to guide you through your quest.

Top 5 Iowa Online Casino Sites of 2022

If you don’t have time to read our guide in full, here’s a list of our top-rated online casinos available to players from Iowa:

  1. Sportsbetting.ag Casino – Best Diverse Payment Options
  2. Casino Brango – The Best Casino for Mobile
  3. iNetBet Casino – Great choice for in-house & pooled progressive jackpots
  4. Casino Extreme – Best for Diverse Payment Options
  5. Cherry Jackpot Casino Safe, fast and secure methods of payments, including bitcoin

Is Online Gambling Legal in Iowa? No!

On paper, engaging in internet gambling is technically illegal, can get you felony charges. The penalties also depend on the amount you spend. Iowa Code 99 (gambling houses) et seq. and Code 725.5 (gambling and betting), et seq. constitute State gambling and gaming statutes

Iowa is a terrible place for online punters. Its laws define gambling as participating in a game for anything of value or making any bet, and outlaws any form of gambling, except as permitted in chapters 99B [bingo] and 99D [racetracks].

These laws have a broad definition of illegal gambling. Surprisingly, the state allows riverboat casinos and gambling in casinos on Indian reservations, which conflicts with the law.

The law is not entirely clear, but its definition of gambling is broad enough to include every possible real money gaming. Skill-based video gaming with cash prizes and online gambling, all fall under real money gaming. In a few words, it is illegal to gamble online in the Hawkeye State.

With this sort of wording, you would expect the state to make several bursts. But no! It has made not a single arrest, yet the residents of Iowa play real money casino games online. We can only conclude the law is impractical and needs revisiting. For a second, let suppose it were to happen, how crazy would that charge sheet read? It would be the joke of the century to be arrested in your house for placing some $20 bet at an online blackjack table. Ridiculous!

Note: Right now, Iowa doesn’t regulate online casinos, so there isn’t any casino within its borders. However, many Iowans access overseas sites and play real money casino games. Our work here is to help you get some trustworthy, reputable casino operators that accepts Iowa online casino players.

Checklist for Iowa Best Online Casinos

Here is our checklist upon which we reviewed these casinos:

  • License and jurisdiction
  • Customer support
  • Quality and variety of the available games.
  • Bonuses, promotions, and rewards
  • User interface.
  • Banking options
  • Security and Privacy
  • Mobile Access
  • Casino’s reputation

Iowa Online Casinos 2019

1. Sportsbetting.ag Casino – Best Diverse Payment Options (Claim up to $3,000 in welcome Bonus)

Sportsbetting.ag is one of the few complete gambling sites serving the American market, and accepting players from all the 50 states. So, as a resident of Iowa, you can play poker, casino games, and even back your favorite teams in the casino’s sportsbook. The casino operates with a is a license from the jurisdiction of Panama.

Before BetOnline Group Casinos acquired it, Sportsbetting.ag had a lot of issues. It was sinking in debts, failed to pay winners, and lots of other controversies. However, those were in pre-2015. BetOnline Group had the casino change its tact, and is now one of the best casinos serving the US market.

With its partnership with BetSoft, Sportsbetting.ag offers more than 150 varieties of casino games, integrated alongside sportsbook and poker room seamlessly. Besides, it has both virtual and live casino games, and emphasis on 3D slots. The games include different variants of slots, blackjack, roulette, and many other table games.

You can choose the standalone PC app or instant play as the casino is compatible with both Windows PC and Mac. Most of the games here are also mobile-friendly, playing on virtually every mobile platform, including windows, android, iOS, and even Blackberry.

Like most casinos, Sportsbetting.ag has a 24/7 customer support system. The live chat service is the most convenient as it connects you with an agent in a matter of seconds. Also, you have an email service for the not so urgent issues.

The integrity of the casino is at par with the best, employing the industry standard of SSL encryption to protect all data. And on the fairness of the games, BetSoft randomly audits its random number generators using independent agencies and publish the result.

Sportsbetting.ag is the home of bonuses. You get a 100% match deposit for your first three deposit, with each capped at $1,000. Also, it doubles your first, ever cryptocurrency deposit, and give you an extra 35% for reloads. Some other bonuses include the $50 referral bonus when you invite a friend, and much more. These bonuses are optional.

Cryptocurrencies supported by the casino include Bitcoin, Bitcoin Cash, Ethereum, Litecoin, and Ripple. Other payment methods are credit/debit cards, Wire Transfer, check, e-wallets like Skrill, and much more. In other words, you are spoilt of choice when it comes to how you want to fund your account or withdraw your earnings. Cryptocurrency and e-wallet cashouts take 24 hours max. The other options take three to five days.

Pros:

  • Plays seamlessly on mobile
  • Three-in-one gambling platform
  • Completely instant-play
  • Features Betsoft 3D slots and a variety of games
  • Real live dealer casino
  • 24/7 support (live chat, toll-free phone, and email)
  • Secured with SSL encryption
  • Games checked by independent audits
  • Variety of banking options
  • Accepts Iowa players

Cons:

  • Tainted history
  • Only hosts BetSoft games

Sportsbetting.ag Casino

2. Casino Brango – The Best Casino for Mobile (Accumulate up to $2,000 in welcome bonuses)

The catchy name is a reflection of the website itself. An intuitive RTG gambling platform that hosts hundreds of high quality and thrilling games. It is a product of Anden Holdings Ltd, registered under the jurisdiction of Curacao. Iowa players are gladly accepted here.

Brango carries the full RTG game library, including the latest and the hottest video slots. You’ll play the classic slots such as Achilles, Aztec’s Million, Cash Bandits, Big Shot, and any more. If slots don’t move you, then perhaps table games such as Roulette, Blackjack, and other table games will. Some exciting picks are European Roulette, American Roulette, 21 Blackjack, Let ‘Em Ride, and Rummy. That’s not all. You can also enjoy video poker and many card games. But if you are looking for live dealer games, you’ll be disappointed as there’s none. Even so, you’ll do yourself justice if you visit its game lobby.

What’s even fascinating is that these games use Random Number Generators, which are independently audited to assure players of fairness. They also play smoothly on mobile devices. Thus, players can have fun on the go, whether on an iOS or Android-powered device. The mobile casino plays effortlessly through a mobile browser. You might miss a few games on mobile, though, as some are not compatible.

If these features have already enticed you, then get ready to pocket up to $2,000 free playing money spread equally across your first five deposits besides free spins. Plus, you get a free $30 no deposit bonus. But these bonuses have win limit clauses.

Casino Brango accepts deposits and cashouts through credit/debit cards, Bitcoin, eWallets, and bank transfers. But since it supports only three currencies (AUD, EUR, & USD), it converts all BTC deposits to USD. Players from Iowa should use Bitcoin or an eWallet if possible, to receive your winnings within minutes of request. The other methods take days or even a week to complete. Also note, the casino imposes a $4000 weekly withdrawal limit on winnings. This threshold doesn’t apply to progressive jackpot winnings, though.

Concerned about your security and safety? Brango Casino considers that too. It uses sophisticated RSA encryption to guarantee your data don’t get in the wrong hands. For assistance, you can get the agents on live chat, which is open 24/7. Alternatively, you can get support through email, phone, and fax.

Pros:

  • Secure and fair
  • Amiable staff
  • Quick payouts!
  • Top notch games.
  • An excellent payout record.
  • RSA encryption
  • Easily navigable interface
  • Mobile friendly
  • Friendly banking options
  • Live chat available

Cons:

  • Low weekly withdrawal limit.
  • Limited winnings on bonuses

Casino Brango

3. iNetBet Casino - (100% up to $500 Match up Bonus)

iNetBet is one of the longest serving online casinos in the market. It has been running since1999. While the site clearly states that it is registered in Curacao, it doesn’t display a valid license on its website. But it makes it in this list based on its history and reputation over the period, and as it continues to serve American players, including those from Iowa.

Like many America-facing online casinos, iNetBet runs on Real Time Gaming software. It is home to the fantastic table games, innovative slots, parlor games, and much more. You’ll all types of slots, whether you like to play the three-reel or five-reel slots. There also pooled RTG progressive slots that pay life-changing sums if Lady Luck chooses you.

With the advent of smartphones, no casino is complete without synchronizing its games with a mobile casino. iNetBet mobile casino games enable you to use your mobile devices, whether it runs on iOS or Android. So you walk with your casino wherever you go and can play whenever the thirst strikes, albeit the reduced number of games. But as RTG continues to work on its games, we expect more games for the mobile casino in the future.

If iNetBet is a place you would like to play, then the registration is simple. Plus, the casino guards your data using the high-level 128 bit SSL encryption, to guarantee your information is private and encrypted.

To enhance transparency, the casino tracks all transactions such that you have a detailed history to sort out any dispute, in case it arises. The casino also utilizes the services of independent game inspectors to check the randomness of its RNGs and publishes this data. The only problem here may be the fact that it produces this data annually and with no oversight endorsement.

Upon registration, the casino currently gives you ten free spins for every $10 of your deposit up to 100 FREE SPINS on the latest games. Alternatively, you can claim the 100% match up deposit bonus of up to $500, or 200% deposit bonus of up to $500 on slots. In all cases, the minimum qualifying amount is $10.

Same day payouts are hard to come by since UIGEA came into force, yet iNetBet delivers it. This service, however, is dependant on your type of withdrawal. The options include Neteller, Skrill, OKPay, EcoPayz, EziPay / Payspark, Express Check, Ukash Payouts, EntroPay, Click2Pay, and Wire Transfer. The same methods apply for deposits. The same day cashouts only work on online wallets.

Players from Iowa will find a solid choice in iNetBet Casino, provided they ignore the hullabaloo around its license. The games are fun, and customer support is just live chat away, with email and phone support to complement it.

Pros:

  • 24/7 live chat, phone, and email support
  • Fantastic RTG game collection
  • Both in-house & pooled progressive jackpots
  • Long-standing history of fairness
  • Same day payouts for e-wallets
  • Accepts players from Iowa

Cons:

  • Conflicting reports on license
  • No BTC

iNetBet Casino

4. Casino Extreme - Best for Diverse Payment Options (Claim 100% up to $1,000)

Casino Extreme, established in at the start of this millennium, is an RTG providing a wide selection of casino games, from casino classics to specialty games. It is another casino owned and managed by Anden Holdings Ltd. Casinos that accepts players from Iowa and other American states. It makes into this list because it is one of the very few that the Certificate of Trust, making it one of the most trusted casinos.

Players on this platform enjoy casino games through Instant-Play, whether on Windows PC or Mac. And more, it is compatible with mobile device operating systems, so you play whenever, wherever the urge strikes you. But don’t be surprised that a few games may not show up on mobile casino as RTG has optimized all games for mobile.

Casino Extreme is fair and secure. The games under frequent checks to ensure they are random. TST North America Inc verifies this testing. Extreme also uses the SSL encryption technology to safeguard information between your computer and the casino’s servers is not intercepted by third parties.

When you visit, you have two options, download or use the instant play. Your account is relatively easy to set up, and once confirmed, you can claim all the fun and glory. You can claim up to $3,000 in welcome deposit bonuses, with a 200% boost on your first bitcoin deposit.

You’ll be surprised by how quick Casino Extreme process payments, whether to or from the site. Deposits are instant, taking only a few moments, and you are ready to play real money casino games. Likewise are the withdrawals, with BTC and e-wallets leading the way. These deposits and withdrawal methods include Bitcoin, Neteller, UPayCard, Skrill, and ecoPayz. But you can also use credit cards and bank transfers. For a player from Iowa, prepaid Visa card and Bitcoin are the most convenient.

Our only downside for Casino Extreme is the $4,000 weekly withdrawal limit. The limit is just fine, but it is reasonably low if you compare it to rival sites. All the same, this limit excludes the progressive jackpot winnings, which can be an enormous amount.

All in all, Casino Extreme is the to go site if you are seeking quick payments and amazing game collection. Its friendly and resourceful support staff is reachable through live chat, email and telephone.

Pros:

  • Instant Play
  • Mobile Casino
  • SSL encryption
  • Provide fair game
  • Fast Withdrawals
  • Holds Certificate of Trust
  • 24/7 live chat and email support
  • Reliable banking options
  • Accepts players from Iowa.

Cons:

  • No Live casino
  • Low withdrawal limit

Casino Extreme

5. Cherry Jackpot Online Casino - Safe, fast and secure methods of payments, including bitcoin (Claim 100% up to $250)

Cherry Jackpot Casino must not be confused with Cherry Gold Casino though they all accept players from Iowa and those from other states. The casino is the work of Entertainment Software Group, known operate other casino brands like Casino Max.

Launched in 2017, Cherry Jackpot operates on a license from Curacao and features the standard RTG software. It is a member of the Central Dispute System (CDS), an RTG arbitrator that impartially taken on player complaints on RTG online casino. But that is not the only reason why it made its way to this list. It has many selling points as you are about to find out.

With more than 180 slots, including video and classic slots, any slot machine enthusiast will find their needs adequately addressed by Cherry Jackpot. And if it is the massive amounts that entice you, then you will not be disappointed either. The casino has both in-house and pooled RTG jackpots, some with payouts as huge as 7-figures. There’s also no shortage of table games such as blackjack, roulette, craps, among many others. A variety of card games are available as well.

Since the games had us locked, we checked at other incentives. Cherry Jackpot is generally an intuitive platform that also doubles up as a mobile casino. You can either download it as an app or use it as an instant play. On mobile, however, there are limited capabilities as some games may not play.

On the promotional front, very few casinos can match Cherry Jackpot. It has a generous 200% welcome bonus for every deposit up to the 10th one. It follows this bonus with lucrative daily offers. With such a lucrative offer, nothing can stop you from enjoying some of its hottest games.

The banking options are as safe and secure as the platform itself, which utilizes the full top-level SSL encryption. But the breadth of choice is considerably limited. You deposit and withdraw through Bitcoin, MasterCard, and Visa. You can also request a bank transfer or a check for your winnings. However, you can only withdraw up to $4,000 in a week.

Cherry Jackpot can improve on its cashier options by at least including e-wallets. Nevertheless, it is a good spot for any player from Iowa looking for a licensed, well-regulated online casino. The 24/7 support via live chat, phone, and email, ensures the casino safely takes care of you.

Pros:

  • Available in download and instant play
  • Mobile casino
  • Lucrative welcome bonuses & daily promotions
  • Access to full RTG game collection
  • Safe, fast and secure methods of payments, including bitcoin
  • 24/7 live chat, phone, and email customer support
  • Licensed and well-regulated
  • Supports responsible gambling

Cons:

  • Limited payment methods
  • Low withdrawal limit

BetRivers Online Casino

The future of Online Gambling in Iowa

Online gambling has had a forward momentum across the United States, and it doesn’t seem to stop. Some states are bowing to the pressure, others are looking on but salivating at the opportunity it presents, and some have jumped on the train.  States like may seem cold towards it, but they are lusting to grab a piece of the cake. Just recently, the state attempted to allow sports betting without success. There was a time that even thinking of it, could easily pass as a crime.

They say the Romans didn’t build their empire in a day, and indeed it makes perfect sense for the Hawkeye State gambling industry. While the state may seem harsh to online punters, but we can say it is slowly moving to liberalization. Two decades ago, it was illegal to gamble in this state. It started with Riverboat Casinos, and today, all but two of its counties allow some form of gambling. Online gambling will soon find its way here. Just the same way land-based casinos, bingo parlors, lottery terminals, and other legal betting venues have.

Where Else is Online Gambling Legal in the US?

AL AK AZ AR CA CO CT DE FL GA HI ID IL IN IA KS KY LA ME MD MA MI MN MS MO MT NE NV NH NJ NM NY NC ND OH OK OR PA RI SC SD TN TX UT VT VA WA WV WI WY DC

FAQs

What is the legal gambling age in Iowa?

Like in most states in the country, 21 is the legal gambling age in Iowa. But it is 18 if you are playing bingo or participating in pari-mutuel.

Is gambling online an offense in Iowa?

Yes, according to the law, you commit a felony by gambling online. But practically speaking, it is almost impossible for the state to convict anyone for gambling online. It is yet to happen anywhere in the entire country.

Where can I play online casino games for real money in Iowa?

While Iowa has no state-regulated online casino, some reputable offshore sites, such as those listed here, accept American players. You can enjoy poker, blackjack, 21, bingo, keno, slots and many other casino games.

What forms of gambling are legal in the state?

The Hawkeye State bans online gambling but allows many forms of gambling. It allows legal lottery, bingo, casinos, and betting on dog and horse racing at the licensed locations.

About thadeus

Thadeus G has eyes glued on the casino industry, making sure gamblers and those interested in gambling are fully informed. He covers everything that’s going on in the dynamic and wild world of iGaming. So, what’s new? What games or casinos does he recommend? Find out.