Three major casino-hotels. Legal sports betting. Just across the Missouri River from downtown Omaha — Council Bluffs is the Midwest's most convenient casino destination.
Council Bluffs, Iowa sits directly across the Missouri River from downtown Omaha — a three-minute drive from Nebraska's largest city. Because Nebraska has no legal casino gambling, the million-plus residents of the Omaha metro area have made Council Bluffs one of the busiest casino destinations in the entire Midwest.
Three major casino-hotels operate in the city, giving players more choices per square mile than almost anywhere else in Iowa.
Iowa legalized casino gambling decades ago, and the Council Bluffs properties have grown into full-scale resort destinations — with hotel towers, multiple dining outlets, entertainment venues, and in 2019, legal sportsbooks. Whether you're driving over from Omaha for an evening or staying for a weekend, Council Bluffs delivers a legitimate resort casino experience without a long road trip.
CouncilBluffs.Casino is your independent guide to every casino in the city. We cover the gaming floors, hotel options, dining, and entertainment at each property — and we track Iowa's legal sports betting options for players who want to wager on tonight's game. Every property on this site is fully licensed and regulated by the Iowa Racing and Gaming Commission.
Every casino below is fully licensed by the Iowa Racing and Gaming Commission.
Ameristar is the crown jewel of Council Bluffs gambling — a sprawling resort casino with one of the largest gaming floors in Iowa, a full-service hotel tower, multiple restaurants, a spa, and an entertainment center. For Omaha-area players who want the full resort casino experience without the long drive, Ameristar is the go-to destination.
Harrah's brings the Caesars Entertainment brand — and the Caesars Rewards loyalty program — to the Council Bluffs market. Players who hold Caesars Rewards status can earn and redeem tier credits at Harrah's Council Bluffs, making it a natural fit for frequent casino visitors who travel the Caesars network.
Horseshoe Council Bluffs is the second Caesars Entertainment property in the city, bringing the Horseshoe brand's reputation for serious table games and competitive poker to the Iowa market. Caesars Rewards members can use their status at both the Horseshoe and Harrah's properties in Council Bluffs.
Iowa legalized sports betting in August 2019. Place your bets at the casino sportsbook or on your phone from anywhere in the state.
Iowa was among the first Midwestern states to legalize sports betting, launching retail and mobile wagering in August 2019. All three Council Bluffs casinos operate retail sportsbooks — walk in, place your bet, watch the game. Iowa mobile sports betting apps let you wager from anywhere within state lines. Every Iowa sportsbook is licensed and regulated by the Iowa Racing and Gaming Commission.
DraftKings is one of Iowa's most popular mobile sportsbooks, with deep coverage across all major US sports, same-game parlays, and live in-game betting. Iowa residents and visitors can bet from anywhere in the state on the DraftKings app.
DraftKings Iowa ReviewFanDuel Iowa combines a clean, fast mobile app with competitive odds across NFL, NBA, MLB, and college sports. One of the most downloaded sportsbook apps in Iowa since the market launched in 2019.
FanDuel Iowa ReviewBetMGM's Iowa sportsbook offers wide market coverage across major sports and leagues. Single-account integration with BetMGM's national casino product is available in states where both products operate.
BetMGM Iowa ReviewCaesars operates retail sportsbooks at both Harrah's and Horseshoe Council Bluffs — making in-person betting at either property seamless for Caesars Rewards members. The Caesars mobile app extends wagering statewide.
Caesars Iowa Sportsbook ReviewThe numbers behind Iowa's casino capital
Yes. Iowa's casinos are open to any adult 21 or older, regardless of home state. Nebraska does not have commercial casino gambling, so Omaha-area residents regularly cross the Missouri River to gamble at the three Council Bluffs casino-hotels. Just bring a valid government-issued ID proving you are 21 or older.
Yes — Iowa legalized sports betting on August 15, 2019. You can bet at retail sportsbooks inside the Council Bluffs casino-hotels, or use any of Iowa's licensed mobile sportsbook apps from anywhere within Iowa's state borders. Iowa mobile sports betting requires you to be physically located in Iowa at the time of the wager — Nebraska residents must be in Iowa to use the apps legally.
The legal gambling age at all Council Bluffs casino-hotels is 21. This applies to slot machines, table games, the poker room, and the sportsbook. Valid government-issued photo ID is required for entry onto the casino floor. Iowa gaming law does not allow anyone under 21 to gamble, period.
It depends on what you're looking for. Ameristar is the largest property with the widest selection of games and the most resort amenities. Harrah's and Horseshoe are both Caesars Entertainment properties — ideal if you hold Caesars Rewards status and want to earn or redeem credits. All three are fully licensed, regulated, and within a few miles of each other.
CouncilBluffs.Casino is part of the BestInIowa network.
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Visit Illinois.CasinoGambling should be enjoyed responsibly. Must be 21+ to enter Iowa casinos. If you or someone you know has a gambling problem, call the Iowa Problem Gambling Helpline: 1-800-BETS-OFF