Iowa's casino profits dipped by 2.7% compared to the previous year in June.
In a recent report published by the Iowa Racing and Gaming Commission, it was revealed that Iowa's casinos experienced a decline in revenue for the third consecutive year in June 2024. The statewide gaming revenue for June was approximately $136.9 million, a decrease of around 3% compared to the same month in the previous year [3][4].
Top Earners and Revenue Trends
Despite the overall decline, some casinos managed to stand out. The Diamond Jo Casino in Dubuque led the pack with an impressive revenue of approximately $6.3 million, followed closely by Q Casino + Resort, which generated around $4.1 million [1][4]. However, both casinos reported slight revenue decreases from the same month in the prior year.
The Horseshoe Council Bluffs had the second-highest revenue in June, but it saw a 9.5% decrease year over year. On the other hand, Diamond Jo Worth bucked the trend, with a significant 16.5% increase in revenue year over year [1].
Prairie Meadows Racetrack & Casino, the state's top earner, generated $19.2 million in June, a 0.3% decrease from the previous year [1]. The report indicates that 11 of the state's 19 casinos had lower revenues in June compared to the previous year [2].
Slot and Table Game Revenues
The report also revealed that slot machines generated $124.1 million in revenue for June, showing a modest decline from last June. Statewide, table games generated $12.8 million in revenue for June, also showing a decline from the previous year [2].
Future Outlook
Amidst these pressures on the industry, a significant development is the scheduled opening of the 20th Iowa casino, Cedar Crossing, in Cedar Rapids at the end of 2026 [2]. This new casino is expected to inject optimism into the market and potentially change the Iowa casino landscape. However, overall pressures on the industry remain a concern after the recent decline trends [2].
Judge Ruling Impact
A recent judge ruling that a proposed Cedar Rapids casino can move forward was not found to have directly impacted the June 2024 revenue or casino operations, as no clear information on this judicial decision was reported in the current sources [5]. For more detailed information on a particular legal ruling, it may be necessary to check more specialized legal or regulatory databases.
In the midst of Iowa's casino sector experiencing a third consecutive year of declining revenues, Las Vegas-style casino games such as those offered at venues like the Diamond Jo Casino and Q Casino + Resort continue to be a popular draw, with games like slot machines and table games generating significant income. Despite the statewide decline, some casinos like Diamond Jo Worth bucked the trend with a significant increase in revenue. As the industry navigates these challenges, a new addition to the Iowa casino landscape, the Cedar Crossing casino in Cedar Rapids, is expected to open at the end of 2026, potentially injecting optimism into the market and reshaping the casino culture of the state.
