The latest Iowa Racing and Gaming Commission (IRGC) report brings bad news for the state's casinos.
People in the casino industry in The Hawkeye State are taking a long look at the financial performance for March. Why? It not only revealed a downward trend from month-to-month, but it also exposed a slight decrease in revenues compared to the previous year.
On top of that, lawmakers are getting closer to making all Iowa casinos smoke free.
Let’s take a closer look at the numbers, find out which casinos in Iowa fared best, and examine the bill that may snuff out cigarettes.
March Revenue Overview for Casinos in Iowa
In March, Iowa's casinos earned roughly $155 million, marking a 6% decline from March 2024, when they brought in about $164 million.
Much of this revenue comes from slot machines, which generated around $141 million—down 4% from the previous year. Table games saw a sharper decline, dropping 18% from $17 million to approximately $14 million.
Iowa's Top-Performing Casinos
Out of the 19 casinos in Iowa regulated by the Iowa Racing and Gaming Commission, five managed to surpass the $10 million revenue mark in March:
- Ameristar Casino Council Bluffs: This casino made $15 million, which is a 16% drop from its previous $18 million.
- Horseshoe Casino Council Bluffs: Revenue here was around $17 million, down about 7% from $18 million.
- Prairie Meadows Racetrack & Casino: With revenue close to $21 million, this casino experienced a nearly 5% decrease from last year.
- Rhythm City Casino: They maintained around $10 million, dipping slightly by 3%.
- Riverside Casino: This casino generated $11 million, marking a 5% decline from March 2024.
Despite the decline, these casinos continue to be strong performers in the state.
Smoke-Free Casinos in Iowa May Be On the Way
A new bill being considered by Iowa lawmakers could lead to a ban on smoking in Iowa casinos, aligning them with the state's existing smoking laws. Currently, an exception allows smoking on casino gaming floors, but this bill aims to remove that.
Lawmakers recently completed the first legislative funnel week in Iowa. With some exceptions, like Ways and Means, a bill must be passed by a full committee in the House or the Senate at this point in order to remain alive for this session. House File 781 (HF 781) would eliminate the exemption in the Smokefree Air Act that allows for smoking on gaming floors. It is still alive.
Iowa's Smokefree Air Act, put into effect in 2008, prohibits smoking in most public areas and workplaces, but casinos have been an exception. If the bill passes, casinos would also have to follow the Smokefree Air Act, making them smoke-free. Iowa is one of 13 states that still allow smoking in some parts of casinos, while 22 states allow casinos at all, with nine of those mandating smoke-free environments.
Supporters of the bill argue it protects the health of casino workers by reducing their exposure to smoke. On the other hand, those against the bill worry that it would make Iowa casinos less attractive compared to those in states where smoking is still permitted.
Iowa Casinos Have a Unique History
The history of casinos in Iowa is quite interesting.
The journey began in the early 1990s when the Iowa Legislature passed the Pari-Mutuel Wagering Act of 1983. This act initially allowed horse and dog racing. Then, in 1989, Iowa authorized riverboat gambling, making it the first state to do so.
The first riverboat casinos launched in 1991, providing a novel form of entertainment and boosting the local economy.
Over time, the gambling industry expanded, and in 2004 laws were passed to allow casinos to be built on land. This move led to a proliferation of casinos across the state, providing both entertainment and significant tax revenue for Iowa.
Today, there are 19 regulated casinos catering to both residents and tourists.
Cedar Rapids Casino Construction Continues
Meanwhile, construction continues on the new Cedar Crossing Casino and Entertainment Center in northwest Cedar Rapids. It is slated to open its doors on New Year’s Eve 2026.
Developers broke ground just one day after the Iowa Racing and Gaming Commission approved the application for the casino. The Iowa Senate cleared the way for the vote after it decided not to consider a proposed five-year moratorium on new casinos in Iowa.
This is a $275 million initiative that will offer a range of entertainment options, including:
- 700 slot machines
- 22 table games
- A variety of restaurants
- A 1,500-seat entertainment venue
- An arts and culture center
- A STEM lab
Cedar Rapids Mayor Tiffany O'Donnell emphasized that the casino is a key component in the city's efforts to rejuvenate following the devastating floods of 2008 that impacted numerous residents in Cedar Rapids.
Casinos in Iowa Expected To Bounce Back
Despite a slight downturn in revenues, Iowa's casino industry remains a vital part of the state's economy. Time will only tell if a smoking ban or the addition of the Cedar Rapids casino will send the numbers upwards, but with a rich history and continued patronage, the casinos here are poised to remain attractive destinations.
Whether you're a local or a tourist, Iowa’s casinos offer a blend of entertainment, history, and economic contribution, as do sweepstakes casinos.
If you're in the mood to play some casino games from the comfort of your own home, sweepstakes and social casinos are popular because they give you the option to play with virtual currencies like Gold Coins and Sweeps Coins.
Remember, if you do play, always exhibit responsible gambling habits.
