Iowa is what we would call a 'pro-poker' state. It has full-fledged casinos, no regulations against online poker and only some limitations in privately hosted games. Luckily, there is nothing stopping you from legal online poker rooms for Iowa residents and we're going to talk more about that on this page.
- Online Poker Legalized In Iowa
- Online Poker For Iowa
- Playing Online Poker In Iowa
- Online Poker Iowa
- Iowa Online Poker Law
- Pool Poker
The state of Iowa has just a handful of regulations on the law books regarding poker within state lines. Thanks to plenty of government-licensed legal casinos, a lack of any legal language about online gaming, and just one line in the Iowa penal code about home poker games. Iowa is a sort of haven for poker. (6) All Live and Online Poker Rooms in Iowa #1 Editor's Choice All-in-One Gambling Site: BetOnline.ag BetOnline.ag is one of the most reputable online poker sites that still cater to United States players.
Is Online Poker Legal In Iowa?
Our selection of the best websites licensed U.S. To play poker games in Iowa. We are here to provide you with the widest range of options in online gambling, the most complete listings for all the online operators who have obtained their licenses issued in the United States. Players in Iowa do engage in legal online poker, as do players in the rest of the United States. Future Outlook of Online Poker in Iowa – Estimated date of legalization: 2019-2020. The following graph tracks our expected legislation of online poker in Iowa on a state law level. It is currently already legal on a Federal level. Online poker laws in the state of Iowa Although Iowa does have a pretty good bricks and mortar betting industry, there are some quite strict punishments for unlawful gambling. Of course, this makes sense.
Iowa is one of the few states that doesn't mention anything at all regarding online poker, not even transmitting 'gambling information over wire'. Of course, the federal laws apply (like the UIGEA bill, for instance), but none of them put a ban on playing poker online altogether. So yes, given that it's quite an untouched issue, you cannot get into any legal trouble if you play poker online as an Iowa resident.
Legal Online Poker Sites For Iowa Residents
Are you Looking for a great place to play some poker where you won’t have some bum saying, “sorry fellow resident of Iowa, but I owe you?” Well, if you’re interested in that kind of reliable and profitable poker experience then look no further than SportsBetting. Sure they don’t have the most likely name for a great poker site but trust us that SportsBetting is one of the best sites on the web for poker.
Want to see a site that gives back to its users? Check this poker site for Iowa residents because they give you back more than you give them! 200% of your first deposit is going to be given back to use as you need it. It’s hard to not get a good bankroll going when the site is literally giving back money as long as you play on it. That isn’t the only way in which SportsBetting likes to give away money though; they also have tons of guaranteed tournaments throughout the week that offer up thousands of dollars to eager new poker players. Any resident of Iowa who thinks they can walk away with a piece of the more than $250,000 dollars in guaranteed prizes each week should check out SportsBetting now.
Bonus: 25% to $900 |
BetOnline is by far our preferred casino. It comes with a sportsbook, a horse betting room, lots of casino games and a poker room. The promotions are worth mentioning: while other casinos only offer you a one-time bonus on your first deposit, BetOnline gives you 25% (up to $900) on all deposits, for life. And the prizes don't stop here – they have lots of guaranteed freerolls, tournaments with consistent bonuses and hefty rewards for high rollers. And, on top of that, they accept all major credit cards, wire transfers, checks in the mail and some e-wallets. If you are looking for a great and well-established casino then look no further – BetOnline is the right pick!
The only restrictions on poker played in Iowa is with home games:
- all participants must be able to prove they have some sort of a 'social relationship' (you may play with your friends, acquaintances or relatives, but not with total strangers);
- no one is allowed to win or lose more than $50 (or an equivalent) in a 24-hour period of time;
- the game must be fair and all participants must have an equal chance at winning the pot; moreover, players should take turns in dealing the cards (so no one should be appointed as a dealer);
- the game should be free (i.e. no raked pots and no charging for sitting in);
- all participants must be 18+ years old.
Is Land Based Poker Legal in Iowa?
Ever since the world series of poker dominated the basic cable circuit a little while back, the United States has been engaged in a full on love affair with the game. The world may never know the exact appeal, whether it’s the high stakes involved, the suspense, or the big personalities of poker stars, but most citizens can admit they’re at the very least a little curious and most probably, completely hooked on the game.
For those who find themselves closer to the latter category who live in Iowa, there is some bad news regarding state law and how it relates to poker playing throughout the state. Of all the states in the union, Iowa may have the most stringent as they relate to gambling (under which poker is most definitely included, the letter of the law leaves little doubt.)
For those caught partaking in gambling in any form, even what is classified by law as “minor gambling” (wagering less than $100) the penalties escalate rather quickly. The first time an Iowa resident is caught participating in minor gambling, it is a simple misdemeanor. By the time a resident racks up a third offense, minor gambling is a fully fledged felony.
The harsh penalties for participating in gambling don’t even compare to the penalties associated with hosting a gambling event, or poker game. The first time any Iowa resident is caught hosting a poker game for profit, they are elevated directly to a felon, and are facing at least a year in a federal prison.
That being said, it’s important to draw a distinction as to what the state of Iowa means by running a game “for profit.” This does not mean betting and wagering in a game you host, rather it means collecting profits by hosting either through charging admission purely for the privilege to play or by collecting “rake” (a small percentage of each pot that goes to the house for profits) as the game progresses. Iowa residents should be aware of this distinction when hosting private games so as to not put themselves at great risk.
Where to Play Poker in Iowa:
For Iowa residents who want to know where they can go to play a couple hands of poker face to face, they will probably wish for a better answer than anyone familiar with state law can provide. Put simply, if one wants to wager a bit of money for serious potential winnings in a professional, casino environment: there is nowhere to go in their home state.
Online Poker Legalized In Iowa
Iowa is not even home to any Native American reservations where poker rooms are usually prevalent, so this option is out the window as well.
When it comes to private home games strictly amongst friends, while they are still technically against the letter of the law, this is not a rule that is enforced heavily in Iowa. In fact, so long as the stakes remain low enough to stay below the radar and the host is careful not to collect a profit in any way, there have been no cases of a private Iowa game being busted by local authorities.
This may not be the most satisfactory option for avid poker fans in Iowa, but unfortunately, it’s the closest Iowa residents can legally come to playing a hand or two of poker at a real, live table.
Online Poker For Iowa
Note: This information should in no way be regarded as legal advice. We are not legal counselors, but rather a group of enthusiastic players who wanted to present you with some information and clear out some misconceptions regarding the legality of playing poker in Iowa. Should you believe that you need further information, we would strongly advise you to consult with a lawyer.
Home» US Poker Laws » State Laws » Iowa Poker Laws
Relevant state code: 99.1 et seq.; 725.5 et seq.
Gamblers in Iowa have one of the broadest menus of regulated gambling to choose from, but the consequence of that variety is a set of robust laws addressing unregulated gambling. The methods used by Iowa to control unregulated gambling are very strict and rest on a very broad statutory definition of gambling:
Section 725.1(1)
A person shall not do any of the following:
a. Participate in a game for any sum of money or other property of any value.
b. Make any bet.
c. For a fee, directly or indirectly, give or accept anything of value to be wagered or to be transmitted or delivered for a wager to be placed within or without the state of Iowa.
Playing Online Poker In Iowa
Iowa, along with other states such as Indiana and Illinois, basically prohibits just about any form of unregulated gambling by identifying the act of wagering as the chargeable offense. While Iowa law makes frequent mention of 'games of skill' and 'games of chance,' the laws of the state do not make any specific exceptions for games of skill.
The penalties for violating Iowa gambling law are somewhat unique (and potentially severe). The penalty aspect of Iowa gambling law does not appear to distinguish between players and operators. Additionally, the penalties are structured to increase as the amount of money involved in the gambling offense increases - if the total involved in the game is under $100, you're looking at illegal gaming in the fourth degree; $101 to $500 gets you illegal gaming in the third degree; $501 to $5000 is second degree and over $5000 is first degree. Previous gambling-related convictions can also boost your charge.
Our research revealed only a handful of gambling-related charges in Iowa over the last few years. With that said, the potential charges involved with unregulated gambling in Iowa still stand out for their severity and failure to draw a clear distinction between players and operators.
What Types of Gambling Are Legal in Iowa?
Just about every kind of regulated gambling that you'll find in the US is available within Iowa. The state offers a regulated lottery, pari-mutuel wagering on horse and dog racing (including simulcasts from other states), commercial casinos and tribal gambling. Select casino games are also permitted at the state's racetracks.
Iowa has an exception for social gambling or, as they call it, 'games between individuals.' The exception is very limited - by the letter of the law, no person in the game can win or lose more than $50 in a 24-hour period. Even more absurd: The law specifically dictates that 'winnings' include any money wagered by the player in the course of the game, so if you won a $55 pot that you had bet $25 into, your win would be $55 and you'd be in violation of the law.
Iowa does allow charitable gambling. Appropriately licensed organizations may conduct a variety of gambling activities, including game nights, raffles, bingo and so on. For a more complete list of games and the relevant licenses required, visit the Iowa Department of Inspections and Appeals Social and Charitable Gambling website.
Is Playing Poker For Money Legal in Iowa?
The answer is a clear 'yes' if you're playing at a commercial casino, Indian casino or any other licensed location. For social games, small-stakes poker appears to be well within Iowa law.
Past those examples, there appear to be few situations where you can play poker for money and be in compliance with Iowa law. The state's position on what constitutes illegal gambling would seem to clearly include games of poker where something of value is at stake.
Online Poker Iowa
It should be noted that the gap between the letter of gambling law and actual enforcement of that law appears to be quite wide in Iowa; however, the potential penalties may lead many to conclude that the risk, no matter how remote, isn't justifiable.
Can I Play Poker Legally at an Iowa Poker Site?
Iowa Online Poker Law
No part of the statute at the time of our review mentioned Internet-based gambling or online poker specifically. A close reading of the core violation of gambling reveals language that could be seen as applicable to online betting:
Section 725.1(1)
A person shall not do any of the following: [...]
c. For a fee, directly or indirectly, give or accept anything of value to be wagered or to be transmitted or delivered for a wager to be placed within or without the state of Iowa.
While no laws on Iowa's books directly address the issue, many would no doubt contend that the existing laws designed to prohibit unregulated land-based wagering would apply equally to gambling activities conducted online while in Iowa.
Pool Poker
Iowa Gambling Laws: Fun Facts
Iowa was the first state to regulate riverboat gambling (in 1989).
Recent Headlines for Iowa and Online Poker
Iowa was in the news again in early 2012 as a result of a proposed bill to regulate online poker in the state. Like previous attempts to pass online poker regulation in Iowa, the bill appears to have permanently stalled.
Will Iowa Regulate Online Poker Soon?
States that have seen online poker legislation proposed and shot down are a unique case. It's hard to dismiss the fact that the bill failed, as it indicates either serious opposition or a lack of support. However, it's also hard to dismiss the significance of the bill coming to life in the first place - it's a crucial step in the process that often indicates significant underlying activity on the part of lawmakers and gambling industry stakeholders.
Iowa has shown a historic willingness to expand gambling, first with riverboats and then with racinos. A 2011 report prepared by the Iowa Department of Public Health on the public health impacts of regulating online poker landed in squarely neutral territory on the issue. Those factors, when combined with the apparent legislative support for regulating online poker, make Iowa one of the better bets to regulate online poker in the next few years. Their timetable would definitely accelerate if a neighboring state such as Illinois were to act on the matter first.