Iowa Casino Revenue Hits $151 Million in August With New Projects on the Horizon

Iowa’s casino industry kept up its momentum in August 2025, posting nearly $151.2 million in revenue, a 4.9% increase compared to the same month last year. The Iowa Racing and Gaming Commission (IRGC) said both slots and table games contributed to the growth, keeping operators steady as new projects prepare to reshape the market.

Good to Know

• Iowa casinos reported $151.2M revenue in August 2025, up 4.9% YoY.
• Prairie Meadows Casino led with $21.2M, up 6.2%.
• Penn Entertainment plans a new Hollywood Casino in Council Bluffs.

Of all reporting casinos, Prairie Meadows Casino generated the highest revenue at $21.2 million, a year-over-year climb of 6.2%. Other strong performers included Diamond Jo Worth with $10.5 million (up 10.1%) and Rhythm City, which posted $10.3 million (up 5.5%).

Casinos Over $10 Million

Several properties topped the $10 million mark but faced mixed results compared to last year:

• Horseshoe Council Bluffs: $15.3M (down 1%)
• Ameristar: $14.1M (down 4.4%)
• Riverside Casino: $11.1M (down 1.7%)

Meanwhile, Wild Rose Jefferson slid 4.9% to $2.9 million.

Iowa Casino Revenue Snapshot – August 2025

Slots remained the backbone of the market with $136.7 million in revenue, reflecting a 4.1% annual increase. Table games climbed even faster, up 12.1% to $14.5 million.

Iowa players wagered almost $1.4 billion on slots during August, while table games saw $67 million in handle. These numbers highlight steady consumer appetite for both traditional slot play and table action.

The August report came just months after Penn Entertainment announced plans to build a new Hollywood Casino in Council Bluffs. Backed by Gaming and Leisure Properties (GLPI), the project is expected to cost between $180–200 million, with GLPI covering up to $150 million.

The announcement coincided with a 15-year extension of Ameristar’s partnership with the Iowa West Racing Association, a nonprofit that fulfills state requirements for commercial operators.

Casinos sent nearly $28.1 million in taxes to the state during August, including $1 million directed to the Iowa Endowment Fund.

And while casino revenue was strong, sports betting remains an important side note. Back in June, the IRGC reported a $168.1 million handle, showing the balance between casino gaming and wagering in Iowa’s broader gambling landscape.

How Iowa Compares to Neighboring States

While Iowa’s $151.2 million in August casino revenue is impressive, the Midwest remains competitive. Here’s a quick snapshot of nearby states:

Compared to Illinois and Missouri, Iowa holds its ground well, though the upcoming Hollywood Casino Council Bluffs project is expected to push Iowa’s totals even higher in the years ahead.

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