Iowa casino revenue falls 13.1% to $131.4m in August 2026

Casinos and sports wagering operators licensed in Iowa brought in close to $27.9m in state tax revenue during August 2026, the Iowa Racing and Gaming Commission reported, citing the figures it was given. The commission's news release, dated 16 September 2026, put casino gaming revenue for the month at $131.4m, which is 13.1% below the August 2025 level.

Adjusted gross revenue from casinos was $131.37m, down 13.12% year on year, and state gaming taxes collected fell 4.71% to $26.75m. Sports wagering revenue for August was $17.1m, a 22.45% decrease from August 2025, while state taxes on sports wagering fell 22.14% to $1.15m. The wagering handle rose to $185.5m, an increase of around $4m year on year.

Under the change that took effect with July 2026, promotional play from casino revenue is excluded from the monthly and fiscal year numbers. Lawmakers set that exclusion in motion through SF619, which started the phase-out of taxing promotional play in fiscal year 2022.

Administrator Tina Eick said casino revenue and state taxes were expected to remain below the prior year because of the law change on promotional play. "As expected, casino revenue and state taxes continue to be lower than the prior year given the law change on promotional play," Eick noted.

As of August 2026, 19 state-licensed casinos were operating in Iowa, and 10 state-licensed entities offered online sports betting in the state, according to the IRGC.