Prairie Meadows Racetrack and Casino: A Comprehensive Guide
Introduction
Prairie Meadows Racetrack and Casino, a renowned entertainment destination in Altoona, Iowa, offers an unparalleled experience that combines the thrill of horse racing with the excitement of casino gambling. This article provides a comprehensive guide to everything you need to know about this iconic establishment.
History and Background
Prairie Meadows first opened its doors in 1989 as a horse racing track. Over the years, it has expanded to include a casino and other amenities, becoming a premier entertainment hub in Iowa. The track is owned and operated by the Iowa Racing and Gaming Commission.
Horse Racing
Live Horse Racing: Prairie Meadows hosts live horse racing from April to November each year. Races are held on Tuesdays, Wednesdays, Fridays, and Saturdays, with post times typically around 6:00 pm.
Races Offered: The track offers a variety of races, including claimers, allowance races, and stakes races. The premier event of the season is the Prairie Meadows Cornhusker Handicap, a Grade III stakes race with a purse of $500,000.
Betting: Fans can bet on races at the track or online through Iowa's sports betting platform, IA Sports.
Simulcast Racing: Prairie Meadows also offers simulcast racing from tracks around the country and internationally.
Casino
Slots: The casino at Prairie Meadows features over 1,500 slot machines, ranging from classic slots to the latest video slots.
Table Games: A variety of table games are available, including blackjack, roulette, craps, and poker.
Poker Room: Prairie Meadows has a dedicated poker room with 18 tables, offering a range of cash games and tournaments.
Promotions and Rewards: The casino offers a loyalty program and various promotions, including free play and cash back bonuses.
Other Amenities
Dining: Prairie Meadows offers a variety of dining options, including casual dining at the Trackside Grill and fine dining at the Prairie Meadows Steak House.
Entertainment: The entertainment center features a concert venue, movie theater, and bowling alley.
Hotel: The adjoining hotel, Prairie Meadows Hotel and Conference Center, provides convenient accommodations for guests.
Economic Impact
Prairie Meadows is a significant economic driver for the region. According to the Iowa Racing and Gaming Commission:
- Generates over $400 million in economic activity annually.
- Supports 1,200 jobs directly and indirectly.
- Pays $70 million in state and local taxes each year.
Stories and Lessons
Story 1:
In 2019, a horse named American Giant won the Prairie Meadows Cornhusker Handicap with odds of 20-1. The victory was a major upset and highlighted the unpredictability of horse racing.
Lesson: Even long shots can come through in big races, so don't be afraid to bet on them.
Story 2:
A regular casino player at Prairie Meadows won $1 million on a slot machine in 2021. The jackpot was the largest ever paid out by the casino.
Lesson: Lady Luck can strike at any time, so never give up on your dreams.
Story 3:
In 2018, Prairie Meadows partnered with the Iowa Council on Problem Gambling to launch a responsible gambling campaign. The initiative aims to educate patrons about the risks of gambling and provide support for those struggling with addiction.
Lesson: Prairie Meadows is committed to responsible gambling and takes the well-being of its customers seriously.
How to Visit
Getting There:
Prairie Meadows is located at 1 Prairie Meadows Drive, Altoona, Iowa. It is easily accessible by car or public transportation.
Admission:
Admission to the track and casino is free. However, there is a charge for reserved seating in the grandstand and a fee for parking.
Hours:
The track and casino are open seven days a week, with varying hours depending on the day. For the most up-to-date hours, visit the Prairie Meadows website.
Step-by-Step Approach to Horse Betting
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Create an account: Register for an account at IA Sports or another online sportsbook that offers horse racing betting.
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Fund your account: Deposit funds into your account using a credit card, debit card, or other payment method.
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Choose a race: Browse the available races and select one to bet on.
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Select a horse: Research the horses in the race and choose the one you think will win.
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Place your bet: Determine how much you want to bet and click on the appropriate button to place your bet.
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Watch the race: Tune in to the live stream or follow the results online.
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Collect your winnings: If your horse wins, you will be paid out according to the odds of the race.
FAQs
Q1: What is the dress code at Prairie Meadows?
A: Casual attire is accepted.
Q2: Can I bring my children to Prairie Meadows?
A: Yes, children are welcome in the casino areas, but they must be accompanied by an adult.
Q3: Is there a smoking area at Prairie Meadows?
A: Yes, there are designated smoking areas throughout the property.
Q4: What is the minimum age to gamble at Prairie Meadows?
A: You must be 21 years old to gamble.
Q5: Is there a hotel near Prairie Meadows?
A: Yes, the Prairie Meadows Hotel and Conference Center is located adjacent to the track and casino.
Q6: Can I reserve a table at the poker room?
A: Yes, you can reserve a table online or by calling the poker room directly.
Tables
Table 1: Prairie Meadows Horse Racing Stats (2021)
| Statistic |
Value |
| Number of race days |
100 |
| Total purses |
$20 million |
| Average daily attendance |
5,000 |
| Handle |
$100 million |
Table 2: Prairie Meadows Casino Stats (2022)
| Statistic |
Value |
| Number of slot machines |
1,500+ |
| Number of table games |
40+ |
| Total revenue |
$250 million |
| Number of employees |
600 |
Table 3: Prairie Meadows Hotel and Conference Center Stats
| Statistic |
Value |
| Number of rooms |
200 |
| Number of conference rooms |
10 |
| Square footage |
100,000 |
| Average occupancy rate |
80% |
