There are many gambling halls in the state, the majority on anchored barges. The largest of the Iowa gambling halls is the Meswaki Bingo Casino Hotel, an Amerindian gambling den in Tama, with 127,669 sq.ft. of casino area, 1,500 one armed bandits, thirty table games, like chemin de fer, craps, roulette, and baccarat, and several types of poker; also three restaurants, daily shows, and betting classes. An additional big American Indian gambling den is the Winna Vegas, with 45,000 sq.ft., 668 one armed bandits, and 14 table games. In addition, the Ameristar Casino Hotel in Council Bluffs never closes, with 38,500 square feet, 1,589 slots, 36 table games, and 4 dining rooms. There are numerous other popular Iowa casinos, including Harrah’s Council Bluffs, with 28,250 square feet, 1,212 slots, and 39 table games.
A tinier Iowa gambling hall is the Diamond Jo, a river boat casino in Dubuque, with 17,813 sq.ft., 776 one armed bandits, and 19 table games. The Catfish Bend paddle wheel boat, in Fort Madison, with 13,000 square feet, 535 slot machines, and 14 table games. An additional Iowa paddle wheel boat gambling den, The Isle of Capri, is available 24 hours, with 24,939 square feet, 1,100 slot machines, and 24 table games. The Mississippi Belle II, a 10,577 square foot paddle wheel boat casino in Clinton, has 506 slot machines, 14 table games, live shows, and Thursday blackjack events.
Iowa casinos present an excellent amount of tax income to the commonwealth of Iowa, which has enabled the budgeting of a good many state wide activities. Tourism has increased at a fast percentage along with the requirement for companies and a gain in employment. Iowa gambling dens have contributed to the growth of the market, and the enthusiasm for gaming in Iowa is widespread.
