Riverboat gambling in Iowa officially began on April 1, 1991, marking a significant milestone in the state's gaming history. The first riverboat casino to operate was the Diamond Lady, which launched from Bettendorf, Iowa, along the Mississippi River.

The legalization process started in 1989 when Iowa became the first state in the nation to pass legislation permitting riverboat gambling. This groundbreaking law allowed casino games on boats that cruised along Iowa's border waters, specifically the Mississippi and Missouri Rivers.

Initially, these floating casinos had strict regulations. Gambling was only permitted while the boats were actually cruising, and there were betting limits of $5 per hand with a maximum loss limit of $200 per person per cruise. These rules were designed to create a controlled gambling environment and prevent excessive losses.

Five riverboat casinos began operations in Iowa during 1991: - The Diamond Lady in Bettendorf - The President in Davenport - The Casino Belle in Dubuque - The Sioux City Sue in Sioux City - The Diamond Jo in Fort Madison

In 1994, Iowa made significant changes to its riverboat gambling laws. The state removed betting limits and eliminated the requirement that boats had to cruise while gambling took place. This allowed for dockside gambling, making the experience more accessible to patrons.

The introduction of riverboat gambling brought substantial economic benefits to Iowa's river communities through tourism, job creation, and tax revenue. In the first year alone, the riverboat casinos generated over $40 million in adjusted gross revenue.

Today, while some of Iowa's casinos still maintain their riverboat theme, many have evolved into land-based facilities. The legacy of Iowa's pioneering role in riverboat gambling continues to influence the state's gaming industry, having paved the way for broader casino gaming expansion throughout the Midwest.

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