Is Poker legal in Iowa (ia)? Online Poker Laws in Iowa Explained

Can You Play Online Poker in Iowa?

There is currently no legislation permitting online poker in the state.

Current Iowa Gambling Laws

Despite being a small state, Iowa has more than 20 land-based casinos with four of them operating on Native American lands. In addition, there are numerous horse race tracks where bets are accepted.

Iowa was an early participant in the Internet gaming race. In 2012, the Iowa Racing and Gaming Commission released a study finding that the legalization of online poker could generate between $3-$13 million in state tax revenue. The Iowa Senate even approved an online poker measure that allowed state casinos and racetracks to offer Internet poker, but that measure eventually died in committee.

Despite these early efforts, the iGaming movement came to a halt for years to come outside of a daily fantasy bill introduced in 2017 that two years later has not been voted on.

Then came the U.S. Supreme Court's lifting of the federal ban on states offering sports betting in May 2018, and soon after Iowa focused its gambling expansion efforts on sports wagering. A year later the state's lawmakers passed legislation permitting sports betting, with several of the state's casinos ready to begin taking bets in time for the NFL season. Residents will also be able to be on sports via online and mobile apps.

While it doesn't appear that other forms of online gaming outside of sports wagering and daily fantasy sports are currently on the table, it is possible that these forms of online gambling being allowed might open the gates for online casino, poker, and other forms of iGaming.

Best Online Poker Sites for Iowa Players

None at present. But you can always play poker for free with the WSOP Social App.