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Iowa

Last updated: 3/13/2026

This guide is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Poker laws vary by jurisdiction and are subject to change. Consult a licensed attorney in your state for specific legal questions about hosting poker games.

Home game poker is legal with conditions in Iowa under the social gambling provisions of Iowa Code Chapter 99B, with a $50 win-or-loss limit per person in a 24-hour period. The prior citation to Iowa Code 99B.12 appears stale — in the current (post-2015 recodification) chapter, 99B.12 governs qualified organization licenses. The state has a mature commercial casino industry and regulated charitable gaming.

Home Games

Generally Legal

Social gambling is permitted under Iowa Code Chapter 99B. An individual may not win or lose more than $50 in cash or other consideration during a 24-hour period. Note: the specific section citation for social gambling should be re-verified against the current chapter, as 99B.12 now addresses qualified organization licenses.

Conditions

  • No participant may win or lose more than $50 in a 24-hour period
  • No person may receive compensation for hosting or operating the game
  • Game must be social in nature and not conducted as a business
  • All participants must be at least 18
Age: 18+

Charitable Gaming

Legal - Licensed & Regulated

Charitable and social gambling are both governed by Iowa Code Chapter 99B, administered by the Department of Inspections and Appeals (Iowa Admin. Code 481 ch. 100). Qualified organizations may be licensed to conduct game nights, bingo, raffles, and — for qualified veterans organizations — card game tournaments (Iowa Code 99B.27).

License: Required

Commercial Poker

Legal - Licensed & Regulated

Iowa has multiple commercial casinos with poker rooms. Tribal casinos also operate under compacts.

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