From its admittance into statehood in 1846, the introduction of a state lottery in 1985, to legalized gaming in 1989, Iowa’s history is rich with famous residents, agriculture, and poker. Some of its more famous poker playing residents included Buffalo Bill Cody and John Wayne. Today poker players can find sixteen card rooms in Iowa and an opulence of game spreads. Here are a highlighted few to consider for your next travel plans:
Ameristar Casino in Council Bluffs is one of Iowa’s largest casinos and houses two electronic poker tables for poker patrons. Games start as low as $0.50-$1 and $25 tournaments play from Wednesday through Sunday. Casino operations shift manager Mark Funkhauser encourages players to come play. “We have the friendliest staff and welcome poker players as part of the family.” For more info call 866.667.3386.
Horseshoe Casino in Council Bluffs knows the way to provide amazing poker. This location holds WSOP circuit events and has eighteen tables of nonstop action and daily tournaments for a well-rounded experience. Card Room Manager Gary Margetson invites players to “come and see what all the talk is about!” Spreads start as low as $1-$3 no-limit hold’em and $3-$6 limit hold’em to a regular $6-$12 Omaha high-low game. Call 877.771.7463 to find out more.
Prairie Meadows Racetrack and Casino in Altoona caters to its players. A hide-away poker room on the third floor gives the options of a regular $1-$2 no-limit hold’em; $5-$5 hold’em/Omaha game as well as WSOP satellites and daily tournaments. The dealers are knowledgeable and the staff is attentive to players needs. Staffer Randy Myers ensures players enjoy their experience and encourages you to call 800.325.9015 for more details.
Way up in Northern Iowa players can experience a vivacious poker enterprise at Diamond Jo’s Casino in Northwood. Card Room Manager Ken Long is dedicated to providing guests with a multitude of player promos and tournament events including the first Iowa Heads-Up Tournament. Along with a hefty bad beat that was hit five times in 45 days and many $1-$2 and $2-$5 no-limit hold’em games, it is no wonder that Diamond Jo’s is rated one of the top places to play poker in Iowa. Call 877.323.5566 today!
Meskwaki Bingo and Casino in Tama is sizzling with player promos and exciting events. Spreads include $4-$8 Omaha high/low with a half-kill, $1-$2 to $2-$5 no-limit hold’em and $1-$3 to $4-$8 limit hold’em. This is a twice-a-year stop for the Heartland Poker Tour, the place to play for the Iowa Poker Championship, annual Meskwaki Championship and also the Spring Classic. Card Room Manager Scott Woolf says “We are the Omaha Capital of Iowa. Come out and see why!” Call him at 800.728.4263.
If you have never played in Dubuque, now is the time to visit the Mystique Casino. There are six tables brimming with action and a hefty bad beat. The action keeps poker room manager Mike Peacock on his toes with plenty of games. There are unique daily tournaments like the Tuesday Budweiser Wise Guy for a $36 buy-in, and player promotions like the straight flush jackpot. Common games spread include $1-$3 Omaha high-low and $6-$12 limit hold’em. Get on the horn and call 800.373.3647 to find out more details!









