Iowa Poker Online

1. Iowa Poker Rooms

Iowa residents, like many in the Midwestern UnitedStates, have a love affair with poker. Between the land-based poker rooms, theprivate games (shh… don’t tell anyone), and the online poker that was readilyavailable in the 2000s, the popularity of the game has continued to grow overthe years.

Today, the landscape is ever-changing, and this page willkeep you up to date on everything poker-related in the state – from who lawsthat are changing could affect poker players to understanding the rules of allthe games out there, we have you covered!

Online Poker in Iowa

Americans found themselves playing real money onlinepoker by the millions in the 2000s when some of the largest games in the worldcould be found on these sites. While sitting at home, you could play againstthousands of players and if you hit the right cards, you could be winningevents with seven-figure prize pools! Alas, all of that came crashing down inthe early 2010s when the sites offering online poker in the U.S., all of whichwere unlicensed, were shut down by the government.

Online Poker in Iowa. We at GamingUSA look at the laws surrounding the playing of online poker within the state and if its legal, give you the best sign-up offers from leading casinos. As for online poker, the legal minimum gambling age is 21. Is Online Gambling Legal in Iowa? As previously discussed, in short, the answer is yes. This is because there are no specific laws covering the area of online gambling and Iowa poker online.

These days, Iowa residents can only dream of the daysgone by, and perhaps find a small glimmer of hope in the recent changes tosports betting laws. Iowa residents are now able to make online sports bets dueto the repeal of the Professional and Amateur Sports Protection Act in May2018, and with the door now slightly open, a conversation may occur to expandthe bill to also allow for other forms of online gambling in the state.

Land Based Poker in Iowa

Well before people were playing poker for millions fromtheir computers, poker in Iowa was flourishing at the land-based level. Today,those poker rooms continue to be full of players looking to make money in cashgames or pick off their opponents in tournaments run daily and weekly. A coupleof the rooms are significantly bigger than the others and host large-scaletournaments which attract players not only from Iowa but from all over thecountry!

Here are all the places you can play poker live in Iowa:

Catfish Bend Casino
Diamond Jo Casino Northwood
Grand Falls Casino Resort
Horseshoe Casino Council Bluffs
Jumer’s Casino
Meskwaki Casino
Prairie Meadows Racetrack and Casino
Q Casino
Riverside Casino
Winnavegas Casino

Social Poker in Iowa

Real money online poker players found themselves out inthe cold when the poker sites all shut down in 2011, but those who were playingfor free or casually found some solace almost immediately in the social pokerscene. Sites had been popping up all over the place on Facebook, and beforelong, there were millions of poker players hitting the digital felt. Thesesites give players two ways to play – either for free or by purchasing extraplay money chips to bypass smaller stakes games altogether. Yes, we know thissounds crazy – buying chips that you can never cash out – but the sites runningthese games found out the players are also happy to play for recognition fromtheir peers. The gameplay can be a bit suspect at times with so many play moneyplayers in the mix, but at the higher end, the quality of play definitelyincreases.

Subscription Poker in Iowa

Back in the days when online gambling laws were stillcloudy in the U.S., many entrepreneurs were looking for ways to capitalize on arabid poker player base. One way that a few groups came up with was by offeringpoker as a sweepstakes game. In 36 states, including Iowa, players can pay aone-time monthly fee to access these games, where they can then go on to winprizes of all shapes and sizes. One of the leaders in Subscription poker isClub WPT, where players have a chance to win their way to a live World PokerTour event. If you haven’t tried these sites in the past, we encourage you todo so – until real money poker is back and live in Iowa, this may provide youwith the closest thing.

Poker Training in Iowa

Even though you may not be able to access real moneyonline poker in Iowa currently, one day it will return and when it does youwant to be at the top of your game! There is so much to learn about the game ofpoker, and the best place to start is with our Poker Playing Guides. Mostpeople who have played poker typically have only played Texas Hold’em, butthere some amazing other variants that exist out there! With our guides to eachof the different games, you can learn the rules quickly and start practicing atany play money online site that spreads those games! We also offer some tipsand tricks courtesy of our in-house poker experts, and links to informativebooks, videos, and websites that can help you improve your game no matter yourskill level.

Online Poker in Iowa FAQ

Can Iowa residents play online poker with any offshoresites, or are they all shut off from access?

Even though it appeared that all online poker sites wereremoved from the U.S. back in 2011, there are still a handful of smalleroperators continuing to evade the law and offering their games to residents ofIowa and many other states. These sites may offer poker, but they have troubleprocessing payments, so getting your money to and from the sites may prove tobe troublesome. In general, we don’t see the value in the additional risk youhave to take to play with these companies that are not bound to any U.S.regulations.

If I am traveling to a state that offers online poker,am I allowed to play at those sites?

Good news! You do not have to be a resident of a state toplay legal online poker in it! However, you will need to be located within thestate borders to be able to access the sites, apps, and your account. If youare traveling to a state like New Jersey, you can just put in your personalinformation and make a deposit, but remember to clean up your account beforeyou leave unless you want to leave your balance in there until you return.

I always feel like play money online poker is rigged –why is that?

This comes down to the skill level overall at the tables,as well as the lack of actual risk in playing the games. When there is no moneyon the line, players tend to bet entirely without fear, which doesn’t exactlyreplicate the real money game. Social poker is slightly better as areplacement, and subscription poker is even better. Play those games if you arelooking for more than a shovefest every hand.

People of all ages in the Hawkeye State love to play poker. With only 10 live card rooms across the state, though, many players are left looking for a better option. Thanks to Al Gore’s invention, you’ve got some incredibly convenient options. The best Iowa poker sites deliver a streamlined way for you to play real money poker from your phone, computer, or tablet, without ever stepping foot inside of a casino or a card room.

How Do We Choose the Best Iowa Poker Sites?

• Honest Reviews
• Updated Analysis
• Full Banking Analysis
• Can We Trust the Site?

Honest Online Casino Reviews

Unlike some of our counterparts, our reviews are completely independent and can’t be bought, bribed, or coerced by anything, anyone, or any site. What does that mean for you? It means that if you choose to use one of the Iowa gambling sites with poker we list, you know you’re getting quality. That’s a bold statement, but it’s one we’re proud to stand behind.

Updated Analysis

The list of the best online Iowa poker sites should never be a static list. Sometimes, the best sites lose their way, and mediocre sites get their act together. If we only reviewed the options to play real money online poker in Iowa once, we’d miss every one of these changes. For that reason, our team regularly reviews and updates our listings like clockwork.

Full Banking Analysis

A critical step in the analysis of where to play online poker in Iowa is a look at the banking options. While the full list of questions we ask is extensive, here’s a taste of the most important.

• Are there enough options for deposits and withdrawals?
• Are these options well-known, proven, and trusted?
• Are deposits available in your account for play instantly?
• Do cashouts come quickly compared to the rest of the industry?
• Does the poker site offer dedicated support for banking needs?

Can We Trust the Site?

The bottom line is, we evaluate if we can trust the site. Would we play there? Would we let our family members play there? If the answer to all of these questions is not a resounding yes, then you can bet your bottom dollar that those Iowa poker sites are not making our list.

Why Poker Is Becoming so Popular in Iowa

If you ask an outsider about the state of Iowa, they’d probably tell you that 100% of the people living there spend 100% of their time growing corn. As residents of the state, though, we know this isn’t the truth. Much like the rest of the country, we love to gamble, have fun, play cards, and be entertained.

Because of these things, it should be no secret that poker is becoming so popular in the state of Iowa. As technology continues to grow, more and more Iowans are adopting the convenience of playing online and not having to drive to a casino. Sure, there are 10 land-based poker rooms in the state. But if you know anything about Iowa, it’s an expansive state, which means you may have to drive a long way to get to the closest card game.

List of Land-Based Poker Rooms in Iowa

In case you’re really itching for that live poker action, you do have 10 different options spread throughout the state. Many of these casinos host cash games, daily tournaments, and some even host major tournament series. The Horseshoe Casino in Council Bluffs, Iowa, is regularly home to the WSOP Circuit that comes through the state.

• Catfish Bend Casino
• Diamond Jo Casino Northwood
• Grand Falls Casino Resort
• Horseshoe Casino Council Bluffs
• Jumer’s Casino
• Meskwaki Casino
• Prairie Meadows Racetrack and Casino
• Q Casino
• Riverside Casino
• WinnaVegas Casino

Legality of Online Poker Sites

If there’s one area that legislators are starting to reach across the aisle in this country, it’s with online poker. While not every state has explicit favorable legislation, very few have anything against it. Instead, the industry operates in a bit of a gray area.

That being said, it’s never been illegal to play online poker. The only laws on the books in most places deal with the casino and poker room operators and what they can or can’t do. Unless you’ve got plans to open up your own real money Iowa poker sites, you probably don’t need to worry about that.

Additionally, it’s always a favorable sign for online poker when states open live poker with open arms. With double-digit numbers of live card rooms in the state, that’s a big win for the poker industry as a whole.

How to Stay Safe Playing at Iowa Poker Sites

• You Can’t Go Wrong With Reputation
• Protect Your Account
• Trust Your Gut
• Periodically Check the Laws
• Keep Your Computer Secure

You Can’t Go Wrong With Reputation

Which of these Iowa online poker rooms would you trust more? Would you trust a brand new site that tells you it’s going to do the most incredible things for you, or would you trust a poker site that’s proven over the last decade that it does great things for its customers? If you’re like us, you like the option that’s already proven what they can do.

If you want to stay safe choosing where to play poker online in Iowa, stick to the sites with great reputations. Poker rooms that have proven time and time again that they can be trusted should continue to be trusted. While newer sites may have the best intentions, it’s tougher to trust they’ve got everyone’s best interest at heart.

Protect Your Account

While the best Iowa poker sites go a long way towards keeping you safe, there’s still a part of the responsibility that falls on you. The biggest thing you need to do to stay safe is to protect your account. You should never share an account with someone else, use a weak password, or log into your account from a computer or device that’s not your own.

Trust Your Gut

If anything ever feels like it’s wrong, trust your gut. Thankfully, with the Iowa online poker sites we’ve recommended, you won’t need to worry about this. However, if you interact with other players or third-party companies, be on your guard.

Periodically Check the Laws

Luckily, the state of IA holds a favorable view towards gambling and poker. That being said, it’s always a smart practice to keep your head up and your ears open in case anything changes. What we anticipate, though, is that if anything changes in the state of Iowa, it will be positive and just further outline the betting landscape, including Iowa poker sites.

Keep Your Computer Secure

For players that are looking to use the best online poker sites for Iowa residents on their computer, it’s critical that you keep your computer secure—both internally and externally. Internally, you’ll want to keep your computer updated and your antivirus software up to date. Externally, make sure no one gets access to your computer that shouldn’t have it.

Tips for Picking out the Top Real Money Iowa Poker Sites

• Use play money tables as a resource. The best way to find the best Iowa poker sites for you is to test-drive the sites yourself. While play money tables won’t give you insight into the skill of the players, it does let you test out the software and see what the gameplay is like. Additionally, it can protect you from a costly misclick or mistake when you decide to start playing for real money.
• Don’t get hoodwinked by flashy graphics and unsubstantiated promises. We’re big fans of flashy graphics and Iowa online poker sites that say they’re going to do big things. While we’re big fans of these things, we’re not suckers. Flashy graphics and big promises are only of value when they come from a site that can back them up. Don’t fall victim to big promises and eye candy without doing any additional research into the validity of the claims.
• You’re not under a contract. If you try out any real money poker sites in Iowa and don’t like them, that’s okay! You’re under no obligation to stay there. If you give an option a shot and it doesn’t seem like a great fit, try somewhere else.
• Be wary of individual user reviews. The internet is littered with reviews from individual users on their experiences with online poker sites. While some of these reviews are great, there’s a tendency for reviews only to be left by disgruntled players who lost money. Make sure you take some of these reviews with a grain of salt. Whether you win or lose really isn’t the site’s fault. Reviews should be on the merits of the platform that will equally affect all users.
• Join multiple IA online poker sites. When you go grocery shopping, sometimes you have to go to different stores to get everything you need. Online poker is no different, especially if you play multiple variants. For example, one site may have great action on PLO, but you might find better real money Hold Em’ action elsewhere. If you play both games, join both sites! It doesn’t cost you anything extra to join multiple online Iowa poker sites.
• Don’t always go for size. When deciding where to play poker online in Iowa, it can be really tempting to look for the sites with the biggest bonuses and the biggest tournament prize pools. In some cases, this is the right play. However, there may be times where the biggest is not always the best. Sometimes, less-than-reputable Iowa online casinos with poker use big bonuses to cover up problems with the company. Never choose a site solely because it offers a big bonus. Second, bigger tournament prize pools mean tournaments that take a lot longer to play. If you’re not someone that wants to commit a full day to a tournament, smaller poker rooms could be a better fit.

Iowa Online Poker FAQ

How Do You Determine the Best Real Money Poker Sites in Iowa?

The process for determining the best real money poker sites in Iowa is extensive. Our research and testing teams look at hundreds of different sites. At each site, the teams look at things like player pool, trustworthiness, security, bonus offerings, and usability to make determinations. And then, those sites are continually checked to ensure we’re always recommending the best Iowa online poker rooms. Sometimes, the leaders fall, and the strugglers get their act together.

Are These Real Money Online Iowa Sites Safe for Me to Use?

Absolutely. The most time-consuming and intensive portion of our review and ranking process is a look at safety and security. Our team looks at a long list of different factors to determine whether or not a poker room is safe. When you come to us to determine where to play online poker for real money in Iowa, we don’t want to send you anywhere that we wouldn’t be comfortable playing at ourselves.

How Long Does the Average Cashout Take at USA Poker Sites?

The answer to this question depends on whether or not you’re playing at a reputable IA poker site or not. If you’re not, we couldn’t tell you how long it might take. However, if you are playing somewhere trusted, the average cashout time takes between a few hours and about a week.

The shorter times are generally found through cryptocurrency or e-wallet options. The slightly longer options that can take up to a week are found with options like bank transfers and eChecks. Usually, these options may get to your bank just as quickly, but your bank may hold it for an additional day or two.

Are These Iowa Poker Sites Connected to Players in the Rest of the World?

It depends. None of these options are only for residents of Iowa. Some of the real money online Iowa sites recommended connect you nationally with other players in the US. Other options connect you globally with players all around the world.

Nationally-based sites are great for people that play at traditional peak times like nights and weekends.

Conclusion on Iowa Online Poker

Iowa Poker Rooms

Now that you’re fully up to speed on the best Iowa poker sites and what they have to offer, the only thing left to do is get started! Whether you’re brand new to poker or an experience reg jumping back into the action, the options provided are perfect spots for recreational or professional play. You’re just minutes away from real money action with players in the state of Iowa, the rest of the US, and at some sites, the rest of the world!