Iowans gambled a record $1.1 billion at the state's casinos over the past year, according to a state report.
Statewide casino revenue was up by 4.3 percent at the three racetrack casinos and 10 riverboats, and admissions totaled nearly 19.8 million for the budget year ending June 30, according to the Iowa Racing and Gaming Commission.
"This is indicative of the fact that the 13 commercial casinos continue to be a premiere entertainment destination for a lot of people," said Wes Ehrecke, president of the Iowa Gaming Association, a casino trade group.
Increase profits are the reward for the casinos, which have been making major capital investments, said Ehrecke and Jack Ketterer, the state commission's administrator.
One of the improvements included a $30 million expansion project at Dubuque Greyhound Park and Casino. That venue saw its casino revenue soar by 40 percent in June, Ketterer said.
A newly renovated gambling vessel in Sioux City replaced the aging Argosy riverboat last summer. State records show gambling revenue 24 percent over the past year.
The best performing casino in Iowa was Ameristar Casino and Hotel in Council Bluffs, attracting 3.2 million customers and pulling in $180 million in gambling revenue.
Coming in second was Prairie Meadows Racetrack and Casino in Altoona with $174 million in casino revenue. It recorded 2.7 million admissions.
"We have been very, very busy," said Robert Farinella, Prairie Meadows' general manager.
According to the report, the average casino customer lost $55 per visit.
Despite that, Mike Byers, 53, was enjoying his afternoon Tuesday playing the roulette at Prairie Meadows.
"I love it here. I have a great time," he said.
Plans underway call for the launching of four new riverboats in Waterloo, Worth County, Riverside and Emmetsburg that are set to open over the next two years.
Gambling opponents said they'll continue to urge the Iowa Racing and Gaming Commission to adopt a moratorium on issuing more gambling licenses.
"Four new casinos is more than enough," said Lana Ross, legislative advocate for the Iowa Annual Conference of the United Methodist Church.
The commission plans to discuss the issue at a meeting Thursday in Johnston.