Riverboat gambling in Iowa officially began on April 1, 1991, when the state became the first in the nation to legalize riverboat gaming operations. The inaugural voyage of the Diamond Lady on the Mississippi River in Bettendorf marked this historic moment.

The legalization came through the Iowa Excursion Boat Gambling Act, which was passed in 1989. This legislation allowed casino-style gambling on riverboats that were required to cruise along Iowa's border rivers – primarily the Mississippi and Missouri Rivers.

Initially, these floating casinos operated under strict regulations. Gambling was only permitted while the boats were actually cruising, and betting limits were set at $5 per hand with a maximum loss limit of $200 per person per cruise. These restrictions were designed to promote responsible gambling and maintain the entertainment aspect of the experience.

Three riverboat casinos launched operations on that first day in 1991: - The Diamond Lady in Bettendorf - The President in Davenport - The Casino Belle in Dubuque

The early success of these operations led to significant changes in Iowa's gambling landscape. By 1994, the state relaxed some of its initial restrictions. The cruising requirement was eliminated, allowing boats to remain docked while conducting gambling activities. Betting limits were also increased to accommodate customer demands.

This pioneering move by Iowa sparked a riverboat gambling revolution across the Midwest. Other states like Illinois, Missouri, and Indiana soon followed suit, establishing their own riverboat casino industries along major waterways.

Today, Iowa's riverboat gambling industry has evolved significantly from its 1991 origins. While some facilities still operate on watercraft, others have transformed into land-based casinos. The industry now generates hundreds of millions in revenue annually and remains an important part of Iowa's entertainment and tourism sector.

Speaking of tourism, that first year of operation attracted over 2.3 million visitors to Iowa's riverboat casinos, demonstrating the immediate success of this new venture. The state's decision to legalize riverboat gambling has proven to be a significant economic driver, creating thousands of jobs and generating substantial tax revenue for local communities.

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