Iowa, "the Hawkeye State," is a North Central state known for its
agriculture, scenic trails, fishing, and hunting. With a population of
over 3,000,000 and an area of 56,276 square miles, Iowa ranks first in
the United States in the production of corn. The capital of Iowa, Des
Moines, is a center for insurance, printing, and publishing, with a
population of 200,000.
There are a number of Iowa casinos in the state, the majority on
stationary riverboats. The largest of the Iowa casinos is the Meswaki
Bingo Casino Hotel, a Native American casino in Tama, with 127,669
square feet of gaming space, 1,500 slots, thirty table games, such as
blackjack, craps, roulette, and baccarat, and several types of poker; as
well as three restaurants, monthly entertainment, and gaming
instructions. Another large Native American casino is the Winna Vegas,
with 45,000 square feet, 668 slots, and 14 table games. In addition,
the Ameristar Casino Hotel in Council Bluffs is open 24 hours, with
38,500 square feet, 1,589 slots, 36 table games, and four restaurants.
There are several other popular Iowa casinos, including Harrah's
Council Bluffs, with 28,250 square feet, 1,212 slots, and 39 table
games; and the Lakeside Casino Resort, with 37,480 square feet, 921
slots, and 31 table games.
A smaller Iowa casino is the Diamond Jo, a riverboat casino in Dubuque,
open during the week from 8:00 a.m. to 3:00 a.m. and 24 hours on the
weekends, with 17,813 square feet, 776 slots, and 19 table games. The
Catfish Bend Riverboat, in Fort Madison, is open Tuesday through Sunday
for 24 hours, with 13,000 square feet, 535 slots, and 14 table games.
Another Iowa riverboat casino, The Isle of Capri, is open 24 hours, with
24,939 square feet, 1,100 slots, and 24 table games. The Mississippi
Belle II, a 10,577 square foot riverboat casino in Clinton, has 506
slots, 14 table games, live entertainment, and Thursday blackjack
tournaments.
Iowa casinos provide a great deal of tax revenue to the state of Iowa,
which has enabled the funding of many statewide projects. Tourism has
grown at a rapid rate along with the demand for services and a gain in
employment. Iowa casinos have contributed to the growth of the economy,
and the enthusiasm for gambling in Iowa is widespread. The future of
Iowa casinos looks bright, with more and more casinos appearing and
major expansions being planned.
