Iowa’s Gambling Landscape in August 2023
In August 2023, Iowa’s casino scene experienced a slight downturn in revenue, contrasting with the sports betting sector which saw a significant surge. The Iowa Racing and Gaming Commission (IRGC) reported that the casino revenue witnessed a minor dip on a month-to-month basis. Specifically, the revenue from Iowa’s 19 casinos amounted to $143.16 million, a decrease from July’s $150.04 million, marking a decline of approximately 4.7%.
A breakdown of the casino revenue for August compared to July reveals:
- Ameristar II: A decrease of 5.91%
- Casino Queen – Marquette: A drop of 6.17%
- Catfish Bend Casino: A decline of 9.16%
- Diamond Jo – Dubuque: A decrease of 3.29%
- Diamond Jo – Worth: An increase of 4.57%
The leading casinos in terms of table games and slots revenue for the month were:
- Prairie Meadows Racetrack and Casino with $20.8 million
- Horseshoe Casino Council Bluffs with $15.8 million
- Ameristar II with $14.6 million
- Riverside Casino and Golf Resort with $11.2 million
- Diamond Jo (Worth) with $9.2 million
Interestingly, Diamond Jo (Worth) was the sole casino to register a revenue increase, with a growth of 4.57% in August.
On the other hand, the sports betting sector in Iowa flourished. Land-based sportsbooks in the state reported a revenue increase of 27.8% month-on-month, translating to a growth of $3 million. Three casinos, namely Ameristar II, Diamond Jo (Worth), and Horseshoe Casino Council Bluffs, were responsible for over half of this growth.
In conclusion, while the casino sector faced challenges in August, the sports betting arena in Iowa demonstrated robust growth, indicating a shifting preference among gamblers in the state.
