Iowa

Iowa had the first legalized riverboat gambling in the country. When the casino boats opened in 1991, gamblers were limited to $5 bets, and there was a maximum loss of $200 per person on each cruise. These limits were seen as somewhat restrictive, however, and as a result, some of the boats went to Mississippi to take advantage of the 24-hour, no-limit, dockside gambling. Then, after boats began operating under Illinois' less restrictive gambling regulations later in 1991, the Iowa legislature voted to remove gambling restrictions in the state. At the same time, the state decided to permit slot machines at Iowa's pari-mutuel facilities. Local voters later approved the machines for three of the state's four pari-mutuel facilities. A provision to permit table games at the three pari-mutel facilities was accepted by the Iowa Gaming Commission in 2004.

No admission is charged at most Iowa riverboat casinos. Only one, the Mississippi Belle II, still cruises, and that is only done only during the warm months. All other casinos remained docked, and most are open 24 hours. Iowa also has three Indian casinos. The gambling age in Iowa is 21.

If a person receives $1,200 or more in a jackpot or tournament win, the casino is required to withhold 5 percent of the winnings for the state's Department of Revenue. It may be possible to get a partial refund by filing a state income tax return.

Kansas

Kansas has four Indian casinos. Most are open 24 hours and offer a number of games such as roulette, blackjack, slots, craps, and video poker. One must be at least 21 years old to gamble in Kansas.

Colorado

Casinos in Colorado are located in the towns of Black Hawk, Central City and Cripple Creek. Black Hawk and Central City are adjacent to one another about 35 miles west of Denver; Cripple Creek is about 50 miles west of Colorado Springs. Indian casinos, which also operate under the state's gaming regulations, are located in Towaoc and Ignacio.

State law allows only four table games: poker, blackjack, let it ride and three-card poker. However, electronic games such as video poker, video blackjack, video slots, and video keno are permitted. No wager in Colorado can be more than $5. This means that in poker, a raise is considered a separate bet. Three raises are permitted in each round. During the last round, two players may offer an unlimited number of raises. In blackjack, doubles and splits are considered to be separate bets and most casinos permit doubling after splits.

Casinos in Colorado may be open only from 8 a.m. until 2 a.m. One must be 21 to gamble.

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