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Iowa, Baby!

A Midwest alternative to Sin City

World-class casinos. Four-star hotels. Sportsbooks with wall to wall high-def TVs. Relaxing spas and golf courses. Legendary musical acts. Thinking Vegas? Wrong, all can be found in Iowa! The state is home to more than 20 casinos with roughly a dozen sportsbooks — and since legalizing sports betting last August, it has become a Midwest alternative to Sin City.

So, if you are looking to find similar entertainment and experiences without the hassle and expense that comes along with heading to the desert, look no further than Iowa. Visit these eight casinos and resorts located across the state for a variety of upcoming events and amenities.

Grand Falls Casino & Golf Resort: Larchwood

The Grand Falls Casino & Golf Resort in Northwest Iowa is like no other destination in the tri-state region. With slot machines, table games, chart-topping live entertainment and a golf course, it has something for everyone.

The casino and resort recently completed the first phase of a $10 million expansion and renovation that transformed its lounge into a sportsbook and new entertainment venue. The second phase will wrap up in the summer and will add more than 60 new hotel rooms and expand the RV park to feature 25 more campsites.
 

Hard Rock Hotel & Casino: Sioux City

Located in Sioux City’s historic Battery Building in the Fourth Street District, the Hard Rock Hotel & Casino features more than 880 slot machines and nearly 30 table games. More than just gaming, the venue is a true entertainment destination.

The venue has six restaurants and bars including the World Tour Buffet, Fuel American Grill and Main + Abbey — a three diamond rated restaurant. At the Hard Rock Hotel, the area’s only hotel with AAA four diamond recognition, guests find a mix of historical architecture and modern amenities.
 

Horseshoe: Council Bluffs

In 2019, TripAdvisor awarded this hotel and casino the certificate of excellence in accommodations, amenities and service. The Book, Horseshoe’s self-described “best place for Iowa sports betting,” is a big reason why. This game changer offers quick access to a full-service bar including a massive video wall featuring sixteen 55-inch high-definition TVs — the perfect setting to play a hunch on your favorite team’s performance.

In addition to its sportsbook, visitors can also enjoy the Whisky Roadhouse, a combination bar, nightclub and concert venue.
 

Isle Casino Hotel: Waterloo

The Isle Casino Hotel in Waterloo has everything you’re looking for in a relaxing and fun weekend stay. The hotel features numerous room and suite options, an indoor pool with a hot tub, an upscale steakhouse and buffet, as well as an arcade.

If your gaming needs extend beyond Skee-Ball, head over to the casino for table games, slot machines and the new William Hill Sportsbook, located directly on the casino floor.
 

Prairie Meadows: Altoona

Open 24 hours a day and minutes from downtown Des Moines, Prairie Meadows offers more than 85,000 square feet of non-stop casino action including all your favorite table games, dedicated poker room and nearly 1,700 slots. Visitors can unwind at its hotel connected to the casino, allowing guests to safely stay and play. The casino also holds horse racing on a one-mile track from May through September where admission is free and includes family-friendly exhibition races.
 

Rhythm City Casino Resort: Davenport

Whether just an evening or weekend getaway, visitors can live it up at the Rhythm City Casino Resort in Davenport. The nearly 35,000-square-foot casino boasts over 1,000 gaming options including slot and video gaming, blackjack, roulette and a live poker room.

Not sure what to do with your winnings? Catch live performances by both national and local music groups in the Event Center or the Rhythm Room. If relaxation is what you seek, The Spa at Rhythm City offers high-quality personalized services and an experience of total luxury and comfort.
 

Riverside Casino & Golf Resort: Davenport

Voted the best casino in Iowa, Riverside Casino & Golf Resort recently underwent a $10 million renovation to make an even more entertaining environment for patrons. Much of the renovations went toward creating the Draft Day Sports Lounge, a fantastic environment to catch a big game, place a bet, drink a cocktail or order a meal off the food truck inspired menu.

The venue also features a live music show lounge, 200-room hotel, event center, five restaurants, full-service spa and 18-hole championship golf course.
 

Wild Rose Casino & Resort: Jefferson

One of Iowa’s newest casinos, Wild Rose Casino & Resort, features 500 slot machines and 11 table games along with 63 hotel rooms and seven suites. Other amenities include Iowa Store Gift Shop, Rosie’s Casino Bar, banquet and meeting facility and RV parking.

Kick back and relax with some good food and cold drinks at restaurants such as Dunigan’s Irish Pub, Emmet’s Buffet or the DraftKings Sportsbook, a sports viewing experience with 6,000 square feet of space, 28 TVs and a 200-inch HD projector screen for featured games.

Published December 01, 2021

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