Legal Online Poker For Iowa Residents
Iowa is what we would call a "pro-poker" state. It has full-fledged casinos, no regulations against online poker and only some limitations in privately hosted games. Luckily, there is nothing stopping you from legal online poker rooms for Iowa residents and we're going to talk more about that on this page.
Is Online Poker Legal In Iowa?
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Iowa is one of the few states that doesn't mention anything at all regarding online poker, not even transmitting "gambling information over wire". Of course, the federal laws apply (like the UIGEA bill, for instance), but none of them put a ban on playing poker online altogether. So yes, given that it's quite an untouched issue, you cannot get into any legal trouble if you play poker online as an Iowa resident.
Legal Online Poker Sites For Iowa Residents
Are you Looking for a great place to play some poker where you won’t have some bum saying, “sorry fellow resident of Iowa, but I owe you?” Well, if you’re interested in that kind of reliable and profitable poker experience then look no further than SportsBetting. Sure they don’t have the most likely name for a great poker site but trust us that SportsBetting is one of the best sites on the web for poker.
Want to see a site that gives back to its users? Check this poker site for Iowa residents because they give you back more than you give them! 200% of your first deposit is going to be given back to use as you need it. It’s hard to not get a good bankroll going when the site is literally giving back money as long as you play on it. That isn’t the only way in which SportsBetting likes to give away money though; they also have tons of guaranteed tournaments throughout the week that offer up thousands of dollars to eager new poker players. Any resident of Iowa who thinks they can walk away with a piece of the more than $250,000 dollars in guaranteed prizes each week should check out SportsBetting now.
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Bonus: 25% to $900 |
Bonus Code: NA |
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BetOnline is by far our preferred casino. It comes with a sportsbook, a horse betting room, lots of casino games and a poker room. The promotions are worth mentioning: while other casinos only offer you a one-time bonus on your first deposit, BetOnline gives you 25% (up to $900) on all deposits, for life. And the prizes don't stop here – they have lots of guaranteed freerolls, tournaments with consistent bonuses and hefty rewards for high rollers. And, on top of that, they accept all major credit cards, wire transfers, checks in the mail and some e-wallets. If you are looking for a great and well-established casino then look no further – BetOnline is the right pick!
The only restrictions on poker played in Iowa is with home games:
- all participants must be able to prove they have some sort of a "social relationship" (you may play with your friends, acquaintances or relatives, but not with total strangers);
- no one is allowed to win or lose more than $50 (or an equivalent) in a 24-hour period of time;
- the game must be fair and all participants must have an equal chance at winning the pot; moreover, players should take turns in dealing the cards (so no one should be appointed as a dealer);
- the game should be free (i.e. no raked pots and no charging for sitting in);
- all participants must be 18+ years old.
Is Land Based Poker Legal in Iowa?
Ever since the world series of poker dominated the basic cable circuit a little while back, the United States has been engaged in a full on love affair with the game. The world may never know the exact appeal, whether it’s the high stakes involved, the suspense, or the big personalities of poker stars, but most citizens can admit they’re at the very least a little curious and most probably, completely hooked on the game.
For those who find themselves closer to the latter category who live in Iowa, there is some bad news regarding state law and how it relates to poker playing throughout the state. Of all the states in the union, Iowa may have the most stringent as they relate to gambling (under which poker is most definitely included, the letter of the law leaves little doubt.)
For those caught partaking in gambling in any form, even what is classified by law as “minor gambling” (wagering less than $100) the penalties escalate rather quickly. The first time an Iowa resident is caught participating in minor gambling, it is a simple misdemeanor. By the time a resident racks up a third offense, minor gambling is a fully fledged felony.
The harsh penalties for participating in gambling don’t even compare to the penalties associated with hosting a gambling event, or poker game. The first time any Iowa resident is caught hosting a poker game for profit, they are elevated directly to a felon, and are facing at least a year in a federal prison.
That being said, it’s important to draw a distinction as to what the state of Iowa means by running a game “for profit.” This does not mean betting and wagering in a game you host, rather it means collecting profits by hosting either through charging admission purely for the privilege to play or by collecting “rake” (a small percentage of each pot that goes to the house for profits) as the game progresses. Iowa residents should be aware of this distinction when hosting private games so as to not put themselves at great risk.
Where to Play Poker in Iowa:
For Iowa residents who want to know where they can go to play a couple hands of poker face to face, they will probably wish for a better answer than anyone familiar with state law can provide. Put simply, if one wants to wager a bit of money for serious potential winnings in a professional, casino environment: there is nowhere to go in their home state.
Iowa is not even home to any Native American reservations where poker rooms are usually prevalent, so this option is out the window as well.
When it comes to private home games strictly amongst friends, while they are still technically against the letter of the law, this is not a rule that is enforced heavily in Iowa. In fact, so long as the stakes remain low enough to stay below the radar and the host is careful not to collect a profit in any way, there have been no cases of a private Iowa game being busted by local authorities.
This may not be the most satisfactory option for avid poker fans in Iowa, but unfortunately, it’s the closest Iowa residents can legally come to playing a hand or two of poker at a real, live table.
Note: This information should in no way be regarded as legal advice. We are not legal counselors, but rather a group of enthusiastic players who wanted to present you with some information and clear out some misconceptions regarding the legality of playing poker in Iowa. Should you believe that you need further information, we would strongly advise you to consult with a lawyer.
