The director of the Iowa Department of Inspections and Appeals is authorized to enter into and implement agreements or compacts between the State of Iowa and Native American tribes in the state. Gaming compacts are executed under the authority of the Indian Gaming Regulatory Act (25 U.S.C section 2701 et seq.).
The agreements (compacts) shall contain provisions intended to implement the policies and objectives of the Indian Gaming Regulatory Act.
Three tribal gaming compacts were first negotiated in 1992, authorizing casino-type gaming in the State of Iowa. A fourth compact was negotiated in 2020.
- The Winnebago Tribe of Nebraska began operation of WinnaVegas Casino near Sloan on April 30, 1992. View Winnebago compact.
- The Omaha Tribe of Nebraska began operation of CasinOmaha near Onawa on June 22, 1992. The casino was renamed Blackbird Bend in April 2013. View Omaha compact.
- The Sac and Fox Tribe of the Mississippi in Iowa began operation of Meskwaki Bingo and Casino near Tama on Dec. 31, 1992. View Sac and Fox compact.
- The Ponca Tribe of Nebraska operate the Prairie Flower Casino in Carter Lake. A compact was entered into with the tribe on Dec. 4, 2020. View the Ponca compact.