How Many Casinos in Council Bluffs Iowa?
Council Bluffs, Iowa, may not be as famous as Las Vegas, but it’s one of the Midwest’s most popular gambling spots. Many travelers from Omaha, Nebraska, and surrounding areas cross the river to enjoy casino gaming in Council Bluffs. So, how many casinos are in Council Bluffs, Iowa?
The answer is three. These casinos attract thousands of visitors each year with their slots, table games, poker, restaurants, and entertainment. Let’s take a closer look at each casino and what makes Council Bluffs a mini-gambling hub.
The Number of Casinos in Council Bluffs
There are three main casinos in Council Bluffs, Iowa. They are:
Horseshoe Council Bluffs
Harrah’s Council Bluffs
Ameristar Casino Hotel Council Bluffs
These casinos are licensed by the Iowa Racing and Gaming Commission and offer full-scale gaming, dining, and hotel accommodations. Together, they give players plenty of variety—whether you prefer penny slots, poker tournaments, or high-limit table games.
Horseshoe Council Bluffs
Horseshoe is the largest casino in Council Bluffs. It is owned by Caesars Entertainment and is especially famous for its World Series of Poker events.
Key highlights include:
Over 1,300 slot machines
70+ table games including blackjack, roulette, and craps
A large poker room with regular tournaments
Multiple restaurants, including sports bars and steakhouses
Horseshoe is designed for serious players who want the closest thing to a Las Vegas-style casino experience in Iowa.
Harrah’s Council Bluffs
Harrah’s is another Caesars Entertainment property, but it’s smaller and more focused on comfort and entertainment.
What you’ll find here:
Around 500 slot machines
A mix of classic and modern table games
A stylish hotel with more than 250 rooms
A rooftop restaurant and bar with great views of Omaha’s skyline
Summer concerts and seasonal entertainment events
Harrah’s has a more relaxed feel than Horseshoe, making it popular with casual players and couples looking for a weekend getaway.
Ameristar Casino Hotel Council Bluffs
Ameristar is part of PENN Entertainment, and it brings a mix of gaming and family-friendly amenities.
Features include:
Over 1,500 slot machines—the largest collection in Council Bluffs
Dozens of table games including baccarat and craps
A poker room with daily action
Multiple restaurants ranging from buffets to fine dining
A hotel with more than 150 rooms and an indoor pool
Ameristar is known for its massive gaming floor and wide variety of dining choices, making it a good all-around option.
Why Council Bluffs Has Multiple Casinos
You may wonder why a mid-sized city like Council Bluffs has three major casinos. The reasons are:
Proximity to Omaha, Nebraska – Nebraska did not allow full casinos until recently, so people crossed the river to gamble.
Tourism and economy – The casinos attract visitors who spend money on hotels, dining, and entertainment.
Regulation – Iowa legalized riverboat casinos in the 1980s, and Council Bluffs quickly became a hub.
Together, these factors turned the city into one of the Midwest’s biggest gambling destinations.
Casino Hotels and Amenities
Each of the three casinos also has hotel rooms, dining options, and entertainment spaces. That makes Council Bluffs attractive not only for day trips but also for weekend getaways. Visitors can:
Stay overnight in casino hotels
Enjoy concerts, comedy shows, and live entertainment
Dine at steakhouses, buffets, and casual restaurants
Swim in hotel pools or relax at bars
This makes Council Bluffs more than just gambling—it’s a complete entertainment package.
Gambling Options Beyond Casinos
While the three casinos are the main attraction, Council Bluffs also offers:
Sports betting – All three casinos have retail sportsbooks.
Poker tournaments – Horseshoe and Ameristar run regular tournaments.
Slots and video poker – Thousands of machines across all three casinos.
If you’re into horse racing, nearby tracks also pair well with casino visits.
Tips for Visiting Council Bluffs Casinos
If you’re planning a casino trip, here are some helpful tips:
Join rewards programs – Horseshoe and Harrah’s share Caesars Rewards; Ameristar uses PENN Play.
Check promotions – Casinos often run free play or dining specials.
Stay overnight – Hotels offer package deals with rooms, meals, and gaming credits.
Visit midweek – Fewer crowds and better hotel rates.
Plan for shows – Harrah’s rooftop and Horseshoe both host live entertainment.
Conclusion
So, how many casinos are in Council Bluffs, Iowa? The answer is three: Horseshoe, Harrah’s, and Ameristar. Each casino offers something unique, from poker tournaments and high-limit slots to concerts and luxury hotels.
Together, they make Council Bluffs one of the top gambling destinations in the Midwest. Whether you’re a casual visitor or a serious player, you’ll find plenty of options for fun, food, and play in this Iowa city.
FAQs
How many casinos are there in Council Bluffs, Iowa?
There are three casinos in Council Bluffs: Horseshoe Council Bluffs, Harrah’s Council Bluffs, and Ameristar Casino Hotel. Each offers slots, table games, poker, and hotel accommodations. Together, they make the city one of the Midwest’s most popular gambling destinations.
Which is the biggest casino in Council Bluffs?
Horseshoe Council Bluffs is the largest casino in the city. It has more than 1,300 slot machines, over 70 table games, and a famous poker room. It’s especially known for hosting World Series of Poker events, making it the most popular spot for serious gamblers in the region.
Can you stay overnight at Council Bluffs casinos?
Yes, all three casinos in Council Bluffs—Horseshoe, Harrah’s, and Ameristar—offer hotel accommodations. Ameristar has around 150 rooms, Harrah’s has over 250, and Horseshoe partners with nearby hotels. Guests can enjoy packages that include gaming credits, meals, and entertainment with their stay.
Do Council Bluffs casinos offer sports betting?
Yes, sports betting is legal in Iowa, and all three casinos in Council Bluffs—Horseshoe, Harrah’s, and Ameristar—have retail sportsbooks. Visitors can place bets on football, basketball, baseball, and other sports while enjoying the casino atmosphere and watching games live on big screens.
Why does Council Bluffs have so many casinos?
Council Bluffs developed as a casino hub because of its location near Omaha, Nebraska, where gambling was restricted for many years. Visitors crossed the river to play in Iowa’s legal casinos. The city grew into a regional entertainment hub with three large casinos that support tourism and the local economy.
