Riverside Casino & Golf Resort is a full-service casino resort at 3184 IA-22 in Riverside, Iowa, a small town southwest of Iowa City. It rates 4.1 from around 6,900 Google reviewers, one of the larger review counts of any Iowa casino.
It is part of Elite Casino Resorts, which also runs Grand Falls and Rhythm City in Iowa. The pitch is a destination: gaming, a hotel, a golf course and a long list of places to eat, all in one place out in farm country.
Setting expectations
This is a resort you drive to, not one you stumble into. Riverside sits outside town, so the crowd is a mix of locals from the Iowa City and Cedar Rapids area, golfers, and overnight guests. Friday and Saturday nights are the busiest, and the floor gets loud.
If you want a downtown, walk-in casino, this is not it. If you like the idea of a casino weekend with a hotel room, a restaurant dinner and a round of golf, the format makes sense.
The resort side is a real part of the draw. The property lists a hotel with a swimming pool, a golf course with a golf shop and a performance studio, and a transportation request option for guests. Treat a visit as a trip in itself, not just an hour on the floor.
What's on the floor
Slots. The property lists slots and video poker as its core gaming offer, with 24-hour gaming advertised on its site. Expect a wide mix of reel and video games across denominations.
Tables. Table games are listed on the venue's site. Blackjack, roulette and craps are the usual draws at an Iowa resort of this size, but check what is running before you plan around a specific game.
Poker. The venue's site lists a poker room. Game selection and hours vary, so call ahead if poker is the reason for the trip.
Sports betting. The ELITE Sportsbook is on site, with a counter and self-serve kiosks. It is a decent place to watch a game.
Dining
- Robert's Buffet — the property's buffet.
- Ruthie's Steak & Seafood — the sit-down steak and seafood restaurant.
- Draft Day Sports Lounge — a casual spot for game days.
- 22 & Vine — the restaurant at the golf and resort side of the property.
- Café at 22 & Vine — a lighter, quicker option.
- Clock Garden Café — a casual café listed on the dining page.
Tips before you go
You must be 21 to gamble at Riverside.
Parking is on site and there is no need to book ahead, though the lot fills on event nights. Details are not published on the main site, so allow a few extra minutes.
Join the Resort Club before you start. Elite Casino Resorts also lists an eClub and a Text Club on its site, so ask at the desk which sign-up suits you.
Golf season runs with the weather, so check the course status if a round is part of the plan.
Weekday afternoons are the calmest time on the floor. If you are coming for the poker room or the sportsbook on a big game day, arrive early and expect crowds.
Set a budget before you walk in and treat it as the cost of the evening.
Getting there
Riverside is on Iowa Highway 22, a short drive from Highway 218 and about 20 miles south of Iowa City. Cedar Rapids is about 45 miles away and the Quad Cities about 75 miles.
Who it suits
Riverside suits people who want a casino with a resort wrapped around it: a hotel stay, a golf trip, a good steak and a sportsbook in the same building. It works well as a weekend base for visitors to the Iowa City area.
It is a weaker fit if you want a big-city feel, nightlife outside the property, or a short stop. There is not much within walking distance, so plan to stay on site. Riverside is also a practical stop for anyone passing through eastern Iowa. The resort sits close enough to Iowa City that a dinner and a short session fit into an evening, and far enough from the city that it still feels like a getaway.
Nearby
Rhythm City Casino, Isle Casino Waterloo are the closest other casinos in eastern Iowa from here.
For every venue in the state, see all Iowa in-person casinos.
FAQ
Who owns Riverside Casino & Golf Resort?
It is part of Elite Casino Resorts, which also operates Grand Falls Casino Resort and Rhythm City Casino Resort in Iowa.
Does Riverside have a poker room?
Yes. The venue's site lists poker among its gaming options. Confirm game times with the casino before you go.
Does Riverside have a sportsbook?
Yes. The ELITE Sportsbook is on site.
Does Riverside have a hotel and golf?
Yes. The resort has a hotel with a pool, and the property lists golf, a golf shop and a performance studio.
Where is Riverside Casino & Golf Resort?
At 3184 IA-22 in Riverside, Iowa, roughly 20 miles south of Iowa City.
How old do you have to be to gamble at Riverside?
You must be 21.
Rather play from home? See our Iowa sweepstakes casino reviews.
Details checked against the venue's announcements and recent local reporting. Hours, restaurants and games change, so confirm before you go.
