The 3 Best Casinos Near Omaha
#1: Ameristar Casino Resort Spa — Best Overall
Address: 2200 River Road, Council Bluffs, IA 51501
Drive from Omaha downtown: ~10 minutes via I-80 W (3.5 miles)
Operator: Boyd Gaming
Ameristar is consistently rated the best casino in the Council Bluffs area — the largest of the three, with the most comprehensive resort amenities, the most gaming options, and the best hotel on the Iowa side of the river.
Gaming floor:
- • 1,650+ slot machines
- • 38 table games (blackjack, roulette, craps, baccarat, pai gow poker, three-card poker)
- • 9-table poker room (live cash games including No-Limit Hold'em)
- • High-limit gaming room (separate VIP area)
- • DraftKings Sports Betting retail lounge
Hotel & amenities:
- • 444 rooms and suites
- • Indoor pool and hot tub
- • Full-service Amerispa (one of the best casino spas in the region)
- • 6+ restaurants including Landfall Seafood & Grill (upscale) and Falcon Diner (24-hour café)
- • Ameristar Event Center — concerts, comedy, and boxing events
Rewards Program: Boyd Rewards (Boyd Gaming's network — earns points at all Boyd properties nationwide).
#2: Harrah's Council Bluffs — Best for Caesars Rewards Members
Address: 1 Harrah's Blvd, Council Bluffs, IA 51501
Drive from Omaha downtown: ~12 minutes via I-480 W
Operator: Caesars Entertainment
Harrah's Council Bluffs is the strategic choice for Caesars Rewards members — every bet earns reward credits and tier credits redeemable across the Caesars network's 50+ properties, including Caesars Palace Las Vegas.
Gaming floor:
- • 1,100+ slot machines and video poker
- • 30 table games (blackjack, roulette, craps, baccarat)
- • Dedicated poker room
- • Caesars Sportsbook retail location
Hotel & amenities:
- • 252-room hotel connected to the casino
- • Indoor pool
- • Flavors Buffet (Council Bluffs' most popular buffet)
- • Council Bluffs Steakhouse
Rewards: Caesars Rewards — credits earned at Harrah's Council Bluffs are redeemable at Caesars Palace, Harrah's Las Vegas, Paris Las Vegas, and 50+ other Caesars properties.
#3: Horseshoe Council Bluffs — Best for Table Game Players
Address: 2701 23rd Ave, Council Bluffs, IA 51501
Drive from Omaha downtown: ~12 minutes
Operator: Caesars Entertainment (Horseshoe brand)
Horseshoe Council Bluffs operates under the Horseshoe brand — the same brand as Horseshoe Las Vegas and Horseshoe Hammond (near Chicago). The Horseshoe brand is positioned as the "serious player" option — better odds, stronger table game programs, and a more seasoned gaming crowd.
Gaming floor:
- • 1,000+ slot machines
- • 30+ table games
- • Connected to a Caesars Sportsbook retail location
Note on the two Caesars properties: Harrah's and Horseshoe Council Bluffs are both Caesars Entertainment properties located close to each other. They share Caesars Rewards but have distinct casino floors. Some locals visit both in a single evening.
Which Council Bluffs Casino Is Best for You?
| If you want... | Best choice |
|---|---|
| Best overall resort experience | Ameristar |
| Best hotel and spa | Ameristar |
| Best poker room | Ameristar (9 tables, most active) |
| Caesars Rewards points | Harrah's or Horseshoe (same rewards, different floors) |
| Best buffet | Harrah's (Flavors Buffet) |
| Table game focus, serious player vibe | Horseshoe |
| Sports betting (retail) | All three have retail sportsbooks |
Why Omaha Has No Casinos of Its Own
Nebraska had no legal casino gambling until 2020, when voters passed Initiative 429 and Initiative 430, legalizing casino gambling at licensed horse racing tracks statewide.
The first Nebraska casino under the new law opened at Harrah's Omaha (Columbus) in 2021 — but that Harrah's Omaha is located in Columbus, Nebraska, 85 miles northwest of Omaha, not in the city itself.
As of 2026, there is no casino in the city of Omaha itself. The closest legal casino gambling to downtown Omaha remains the Council Bluffs trio across the Missouri River.
Iowa Problem Gambling Helpline
⚠️ Iowa Uses 1-800-BETS-OFF — Not 1-800-GAMBLER
The Iowa problem gambling helpline is 1-800-BETS-OFF (1-800-238-7633). This is mandated by Iowa law for all Council Bluffs casinos, Iowa-licensed sports betting apps, and all Iowa gaming advertising. If you or someone you know has a gambling problem while in Iowa, call 1-800-BETS-OFF, available 24/7, free, and confidential.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Do I need to be an Iowa resident to gamble at Council Bluffs casinos?
A: No. You must be 21+ and physically present in Iowa. Omaha and Nebraska residents are welcome and represent a significant portion of the customer base.
Q: Is there a free shuttle from Omaha to the casinos?
A: Ameristar has historically offered shuttle service from certain Omaha pickup points — check their website for current scheduling. Uber and Lyft operate freely between Omaha and Council Bluffs.
Q: Can I use my MGM Rewards or other loyalty cards here?
A: Ameristar accepts Boyd Rewards (Boyd Gaming network). Harrah's and Horseshoe accept Caesars Rewards. MGM Rewards are not accepted at any Council Bluffs casino.
Q: Are the casinos open 24 hours?
A: Yes. All three Council Bluffs casinos operate 24/7 with brief cleaning breaks. The casino floors are always open.
Q: Can Nebraska residents bet sports online using Iowa apps?
A: Yes — while physically located in Iowa. Iowa sports betting apps (DraftKings, FanDuel, BetMGM, Caesars) can be used by anyone who is 21+, has an account, and is physically located in Iowa when placing bets. Nebraska has no legal mobile sports betting as of 2026.