Casino revenue in Iowa decreases by 2.7% compared to the previous year, over the month of June.
The Iowa casino industry has shown a modest but notable increase in revenue, defying the challenges of a mature and competitive market with concerns of saturation. According to a report by the Iowa Racing and Gaming Commission, the state's 19 licensed casinos generated $136.9 million in adjusted gross revenue in June 2024, a slight increase of 0.1% compared to the same month the previous year [1].
Horseshoe Council Bluffs emerged as the second-highest revenue generator in June 2024, with $13.4 million. However, this revenue represented a drop of 9.5% year over year, and a decrease of 2.7% compared to the $140.7 million collected in June 2023 [2].
Prairie Meadows Racetrack & Casino, on the other hand, led with the highest revenue among Iowa casinos in June 2024, bringing in $19.2 million. This is a slight decrease of 0.3% compared to the revenue generated in June 2023 [2].
Slot machines generated $124.1 million in revenue for June 2024, showing a modest decline from $125.7 million in June 2023. Meanwhile, table games generated $12.8 million in revenue, also showing a modest decline from $12.9 million in June 2023 [3].
Notable performances were seen by Diamond Jo Worth, which experienced a 16.5% increase in revenues year over year, and Isle Casino Hotel Waterloo, which saw a 16.8% growth in revenues [1]. However, no other casino posted revenue increases of more than 10%.
Unfortunately, 11 of the 19 casinos in Iowa posted lower revenues in June 2024 compared to the same month in 2023. Among them, Riverside Casino and Golf Resort posted a steep decline of 11.3% year over year, with revenues dropping to $10 million in June 2024 [3].
Looking ahead, the industry is set for a potential shakeup with the imminent opening of Cedar Crossing Casino in Cedar Rapids, expected by the end of 2026. Experts predict this new venue will likely redistribute customers rather than expand the overall market, potentially capturing revenue from existing casinos such as Riverside Golf & Casino Resort, Meskwaki Bingo Casino Hotel, and Isle Casino Waterloo, which may experience declines as a result [1].
Ongoing discussions among lawmakers about implementing smoke-free policies in Iowa casinos could also impact future operations and customer experience [1]. Despite broader economic headwinds like rising inflation and reduced discretionary spending, the industry’s resilience is reflected in stable admissions, with over 1.45 million visits recorded statewide in July 2025 [3].
A judge's recent ruling that a proposed Cedar Rapids casino can move forward may signal a change in the Iowa casino landscape [4]. As the industry continues to evolve, it will be interesting to see how the casinos adapt and thrive in this dynamic environment.
References:
[1] Iowa Gaming Association. (2025). Iowa Casino Revenue Report - July 2025. Retrieved from https://iowagaming.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/08/Iowa-Casino-Revenue-Report-July-2025.pdf
[2] Iowa Racing and Gaming Commission. (2024). Monthly Financial Report - June 2024. Retrieved from https://iowaracingandgaming.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/Monthly-Financial-Report-June-2024.pdf
[3] Iowa Gaming Association. (2025). Iowa Casino Revenue Report - July 2025. Retrieved from https://iowagaming.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/08/Iowa-Casino-Revenue-Report-July-2025.pdf
[4] Des Moines Register. (2025). Judge rules Cedar Rapids casino can move forward. Retrieved from https://www.desmoinesregister.com/story/money/business/2025/07/15/judge-rules-cedar-rapids-casino-can-move-forward/30157571/
- The increase in casino revenue in Iowa, even amidst a mature and competitive market, could be a trend mirrors other Casino-and-Gambling destinations such as Las Vegas.
- Despite the decline in revenue at Horseshoe Council Bluffs, the prominence of casino-personalities and Casino-Culture in cities like Las Vegas might serve as a model for Iowa's casino industry.
- With the opening of Cedar Crossing Casino, gaming trends might include an expansion of sports-betting and lotteries, as observed in competitive Casino-and-Gambling hubs.
- Responsible Gambling initiatives could become a significant aspect of Casino-and-Gambling operations in Iowa, as lawmakers consider smoke-free policies for casinos, following broader national discussions.
- As Iowa's casino industry evolves, future revenue landscape will likely include shifts in revenue distribution among casinos such as Riverside Golf & Casino Resort, Meskwaki Bingo Casino Hotel, and Isle Casino Waterloo—traditional Casino-Games like slots and table games being challenged by the rise of sports-betting and other casino-games.
