Iowa Sports Betting: Best Iowa Betting Sites in 2023
Legal Iowa sports betting allows users to register, deposit, claim bonuses, and start betting with the best sports betting sites in the U.S. Refer to our Iowa online sports betting guide below to learn more about legal wagering in the Hawkeye State.
Best Iowa sports betting sites
#1 Top-rated sportsbook
- Competitive pricing
- Offers same-game parlays
- Exclusive live streaming
Payout Speed:Deposits & withdrawals
- Weekly promotions
- Over 20 sports available
- Offers same-game parlays
Deposits & withdrawals
- User-friendly mobile app
- Good deposit options
- Offers same-game parlays
Deposits & withdrawals
- Generous welcome bonus
- Offers same-game parlays
- Ample betting options
Deposits & withdrawals
- Well-designed mobile app
- Live same-game parlays
- 24/7 customer support
Deposits & withdrawals
- Good live betting section
- Offers same-game parlays
- User-friendly interface
Deposits & withdrawals
- Top-rated sportsbook
- Ample markets
- Fast and secure banking
Deposits & withdrawals
- Modern betting platform
- Convenient banking
- 24/7 customer support
Deposits & withdrawals
- Frequent special offers and promotions
- Proprietary online sportsbook software
- Fast withdrawals
Deposits & withdrawals
- Awesome welcome bonus
- Consistently good pricing
- Offers same-game parlays
Deposits & withdrawals
- Online and retail sports betting is live now
- Legal age for sports betting is 21
- 18 legal online sportsbooks active
- Exclusive welcome offers below
Iowa sports betting updates
Iowa sports betting was legalized when Gov. Kim Reynolds signed Bill SF-617 into law in May of 2019.
Review this timeline of Iowa's sports gambling history:
Jan. 11, 2023: Tipico officially launches its sportsbook product in Iowa, making the Hawkeye State the fourth region — Colorado, New Jersey, Ohio — where it operates.
Nov. 14, 2022: Iowa's sports betting handle increased in October, courtesy of a significant spike in wagers.
Nov. 1, 2022: ClutchBet launches ClutchClash, a first-of-its-kind player matchup tool that allows players to make head-to-head (H2H) player parlays using player prop markets in any eligible NFL or NBA game.
Oct. 27, 2022: SuperBook Sportsbook goes live in Iowa, extending its reach to six states.
Oct. 17, 2022: Fubo closes its sportsbook operation, bringing the total number of online sportsbooks down to 17 in Iowa.
Oct. 11, 2022: Iowa's sports betting handle spiked in September as Hawkeye State bettors embraced football season with open wallets.
Sept. 19, 2022: ClutchBet Sportsbook debuts in the U.S. market with its Iowa launch. The sportsbook is planning to go live in three additional states: Colorado, Indiana, and Louisiana.
Aug. 29, 2022: BlueBet receives a license from the Iowa Racing and Gaming Commission to operate its online sportsbook — ClutchBet — in the state.
April 27, 2022: BlueBet Holdings Ltd announces that its new brand, ClutchBet, will launch in Iowa in "the coming weeks."
Feb. 28, 2022: Lakeside and Hotel Casino announces it will open a DRF Sportsbook on March 3. Daily Racing Form, Lakeside's sister company, owns and operates the sportsbook.
Feb. 16, 2022: MaximBet announces it will soon launch its online sportsbook in Iowa.
Jan. 25, 2022: Daily Racing Form launches DRF Sportsbook, a Kambi-powered online sportsbook, in Iowa. WynnBET also announces it will launch in Iowa in the first quarter of 2022.
Jan. 11, 2022: Iowa's move to remote registration helps the Hawkeye State clear $2 billion in sports betting handle for 2021.
Nov. 8, 2021: Iowa sportsbooks rake in $280 million in wagers during the month of October.
Nov. 3, 2021: Fubo Sportsbook enters the U.S. market as it goes live in Iowa for bettors 21 and older.
October 2021: Hawkeye State bettors gain access to Betway's online sportsbook.
September 2021: Unibet introduces its sports betting mobile app in Iowa.
Jan. 2021: Fully online sports betting registration comes to Iowa. Players are no longer required to visit a casino to complete the registration process.
Aug. 2019: The first Iowa retail and online sportsbooks launch. William Hill and Elite Sportsbook are the first Iowa betting sites to go live.
May 2019: Iowa sports betting law comes into effect as Gov. Kim Reynolds signs Bill SF-617.
April 2019: Iowa’s sports betting bill, Bill SF-617, passes a senate and house vote.
Why DraftKings is the best sportsbook in Iowa
We've evaluated all 18 online sportsbooks, and DraftKings takes the top spot for the best Iowa sports betting site. We love the mobile app, dependable customer support, and breadth of market coverage DraftKings offers.
Bettors who love the NFL will rejoice at the sight of DraftKings' welcome offer — bet $5, get $200 in bonus bets. First-time bettors can simply sign-up, deposit, and wager $5 or more on any sports market to collect $200 in bonus bets on top of any potential winnings. However, the bonus is only around until Feb. 12, 2023, so those interested should act swiftly.
When it entered the Iowa sports betting market, DraftKings rolled out a deft, user-friendly mobile app for iOS and Android that Covers considers the preeminent option among the best sports betting apps in 2023. Users can confidently tackle live betting, same-game parlays, and prop betting with built-in statistics and analysis.
The customer support provided by DraftKings Sportsbook Iowa includes 24/7 live chat, while new account holders get automatically enrolled in its Dynasty Rewards program, too.
Uncover more detailed information about the best Iowa sportsbook through our DraftKings sportsbook review.
Best offers and bonuses in Iowa
Iowa sports betting sites have come out swinging with generous sign-up bonuses and welcome offers for new Hawkeye State bettors. Here are our picks for the best Iowa sportsbook bonuses of 2023:
Caesars Sportsbook - Up To $1,250 On Caesars: Caesars Iowa’s sign-up promo gives you a shot at redemption if your initial wager loses. Use Caesars IA promo code COVERSBONUSFULL to receive up to $1,250 in bet credit if your initial wager ends up in the ‘L’ column. Caesars is now also rewarding new bettors with 1,000 Caesars Rewards® Tier Credits and 1,000 Caesars Rewards Reward Credits.
FanDuel - $3,000 No Sweat First Bet: FanDuel Iowa checks in with its $3,000 no sweat first bet offer for new users. If your first wager loses, the sportsbook will return your stake to you, up to $3,000, as bonus bets.
BetMGM - $1,000 Back in Bonus Bets: The King of Sportsbooks has an Iowa bonus whereby if you miss on your first BetMGM Iowa wager, the sportsbook will refund your account with five separate bonus bets, totaling your initial stake up to $1,000.
PointsBet - Up to $500 in Free Bets: New PointsBet users in the Hawkeye State receive one second-chance free bet for each of their first five days of betting with the sportsbook. Customers can enter the PointsBet promo code — 5X100RC — to receive up to $500 in free wagers.
Terms and conditions apply to all bonuses and promotional offers.
Top five Iowa betting sites
The top five Iowa betting sites offer enticing sign-up bonuses, competitive odds, and best-in-class mobile apps. Here are our picks for the best Iowa sportsbooks in 2023:
1. DraftKings Iowa
Bet $5, get $200 in bonus bets
No code required
Iowa sports bettors craving the best mobile experience should check out DraftKings IA. The sportsbook's betting app is suitable for new and seasoned gamblers, featuring a huge assortment of betting markets and ongoing promos. Iowans can sign-up online or at any of the three DraftKings retail locations in the state.
Our DraftKings Review offers further insight into the sportsbook's key features.
- App store rating: 4.8 (iOS); 4.6 (Android)
- Sign-up bonus: Bet $5, get $200 in bonus bets
- Payout speed: 1-5 days
2. PointsBet Iowa
Up to $500 in free bets
Code: 5X100RC
One of the more unique Iowa sports betting sites, PointsBet Iowa offers users a wide variety of special features, highlighted by its proprietary Points Betting system. Points Betting is not for the faint of heart, basing payouts and losses on the accuracy of wagers. The sportsbook's "Karma Kommittee" promises to right the ship with refunded bets when users lose wagers due to injuries, missed calls, or other unfortunate circumstances.
Refer to our PointsBet Review to learn more about PointsBet IA.
- App store rating: 4.8 (iOS); 4.7 (Android)
- Sign-up bonus: Up to $500 in free bets
- Payout speed: 1-5 days
3. FanDuel Iowa
$3,000 No Sweat First Bet
No code required
FanDuel IA gets new Iowa bettors started with a $3,000 no sweat first bet offer. Create an account, deposit $10 and place an initial wager on any sports market. Should your wager flop, FanDuel Iowa will reimburse your stake, up to $3,000, as bonus bets. Sign-up and strap in for a steady flow of odds boosts and unique bet types, including same-game parlays and a comprehensive live betting section. FanDuel also operates a brilliant sports betting app, fully equipped with all the bells and whistles.
Check out our FanDuel Review for a more in-depth breakdown of the sportsbook.
- App store rating: 4.8 (iOS); 4.7 (Android)
- Sign-up bonus: $3,000 no sweat first bet
- Payout speed: 1-7 days
4. Caesars Iowa
Up to $1,250 on Caesars
Code: COVERSBONUSFULL
Of Iowa's 18 legal sports betting sites, Caesars offers the most complete package to its users. New customers are winners right out of the gate, courtesy of the “Up to $1,250 on Caesars” promo. Caesars' renowned rewards program follows with perks for active bettors. The sportsbook's mobile app is among the best in the business, and its first-class customer support team ensures users receive proper attention and care.
Read our Caesars Sportsbook Review for more on Iowa's best sportsbook.
- App store rating: 4.6 (iOS); 4.4 (Android)
- Sign-up bonus: Up to $1,250 on Caesars
- Payout speed: 1-5 days
5. BetRivers Iowa
Up to a $500 free bet
Code: SPORTS
The Rush Street Interactive platform isn't as flashy as its contemporaries but packs a punch with great promos and consistently good odds. BetRivers IA's rewards program, iRush Rewards, remains a premier loyalty program in Iowa, giving users "Loyalty Level Points" and "Bonus Store Points" when they place real-money wagers.
Check out our BetRivers Review for more information.
- App store rating: 4.6 (iOS); 3.0 (Android)
- Sign-up bonus: Up to a $500 free bet
- Payout speed: 1-14 days
What sportsbooks are legal in Iowa?
The first legal Iowa sports betting sites launched in August 2019.
The Iowa Racing and Gaming Commission has approved the following 18 online sportsbook operators to date:
- DraftKings - Best mobile app
- PointsBet - Unique features
- FanDuel - Intuitive menus
- Caesars - Best welcome bonus
- BetRivers - Best for new bettors
- BetMGM - Best for banking
- Tipico - Proprietary software
- SuperBook - Competitive lines
- Betfred - Daily promos
- Betway - Most secure
- Bally Bet - Nice odds boosts
- Hard Rock - Great live betting
- Barstool - Lots of markets
- Elite Sportsbook - Customer-focused
- Circa Sports - High limits
- Q Sportsbook - Tiered rewards
- ClutchBet - Clean layout
- DRF Sportsbook - Trusted brand
Legal Iowa betting sites
Legal Iowa sportsbooks may be found online or at one of the state's licensed casinos. Sports bettors can use a computer or mobile phone anywhere in Iowa or join fellow sports fanatics at a physical sportsbook to place wagers.
Iowa's online and mobile sportsbooks
| Online sportsbook | Mobile app | Odds provider | Online casino | Retail partner |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Bally Bet  |
Yes | Bet.Works | No | Elite Casino Resorts |
| Barstool |
Yes | Kambi | No | Ameristar Council Bluffs |
| Betfred Sports |
Yes | OpenBet | Yes | Grand Falls |
| BetMGM |
Yes | BetMGM | Yes | Diamond Jo Casino |
| BetRivers |
Yes | Kambi | Yes | Wild Rose |
| Betway |
Yes | BetRadar | Yes | Wild Rose |
| Caesars Sportsbook |
Yes | Caesars | Yes | Isle Bettendorf, Isle Waterloo, Prairie Meadows, Horseshoe, Harrah's |
| Circa Sports |
Yes | Stadium Technology | Yes | Diamond Jo Casino |
| ClutchBet | Yes | BlueBet | No | Q Casino |
| DraftKings |
Yes | SBTech | Yes | Wild Rose |
| DRF Sportsbook | Yes | Kambi | No | Lakeside Casino |
| Elite Sportsbook |
Yes | Bet.Works | Yes | 3 locations: Grand Falls, Rhythm City, Riverside |
| FanDuel |
Yes | Flutter | Yes | Diamond Jo Casino |
| Hard Rock |
Yes | GiG | Yes | Hard Rock Sioux City |
| PointsBet |
Yes | SBTech | Yes | Catfish Bend |
| Q Sportsbook |
Yes | IGT | Yes | Q Casino |
| SuperBook |
Yes | IGT | No | Isle Casino Waterloo |
| Tipico |
Yes | Tipico | No | Isle Casino Hotel Bettendorf |
Land-based IA sportsbooks
| Sportsbook | Venue | Address | Phone number | Odds provider |
| Betfred Sportsbook | Grand Falls | 1415 Grand Falls Blvd., Larchwood, IA 51241 | (712) 777-7777 | Playtech |
| Caesars Sportsbook | Harrah's Council Bluffs | 1 Harrah's Blvd, Council Bluffs, IA 51501 | (712) 329-6000 | Caesars |
| Caesars Sportsbook | Horseshoe Casino | 2701 23rd Avenue Council Bluffs, IA 51501 | (712) 323-2500 | Caesars |
| Caesars Sportsbook | Isle Casino Bettendrof | 1777 Isle Parkway, Bettendorf, IA, 52722 | (563) 441-7000 | Caesars |
| Caesars Sportsbook | Isle Casino Waterloo | 777 Isle of Capri Blvd, Waterloo, IA 50701 | (877) 475-3946 | Caesars |
| Caesars Sportsbook | Prairie Meadows | 1 Prairie Meadows Dr, Altoona, IA 50009 | (515) 967-1000 | Caesars |
| Draft Day Sports Lounge | Rhythm City | 7077 Elmore Avenue, Davenport, IA 52807 | (563) 328-8000 | Bet.Works |
| Draft Day Sports Lounge | Riverside Casino | 3184 Hwy 22, Riverside, IA 52327 | (319) 648-1234 | Bet.Works |
| DraftKings Sportsbook | Wild Rose Casino & Hotel Clinton | 777 Wild Rose Dr, Clinton, IA 52732 | (563) 243-9000 | SBTech |
| DraftKings Sportsbook | Wild Rose Casino & Hotel Emmetsburg | 777 Main St, Emmetsburg, IA 50536 | (712) 852-3400 | SBTech |
| DraftKings Sportsbook | Wild Rose Casino & Hotel Jefferson | 777 Wild Rose Drive, Jefferson, IA 50129 | (515) 386-7777 | SBTech |
| DRF Sportsbook | Lakeside Hotel and Casino | 777 Casino Dr, Osceola, IA 50213 | 641-342-9511 | Kambi |
| FanDuel Sportsbook | Diamond Jo Dubuque | 301 Bell St, Dubuque, IA 52001 | (563) 690-4800 | Flutter |
| FanDuel Sportsbook | Diamond Jo Worth | 777 Diamon Jo Lane, Northwood, IA 50459 | (877) 323-5566 | Flutter |
| Hard Rock Sportsbook | Hard Rock Sioux City | 111 3rd Street, Sioux City, IA 51101 | (712) 226-7600 | GiG |
| PointsBet Sportsbook | Catfish Bend | 3001 Winegard Dr., Burlington, IA 52601 | (319) 753-2946 | SBTech |
| Q Sportsbook | Q Casino | 1855 Greyhound Park Rd., Dubuque, IA 52001 | (563) 582-3647 | IGT |
Latest Iowa betting news
Who can bet on sports in Iowa?
Adults 21 and over are permitted to place a sports bet in Iowa. Wagers can be placed via a legal sports betting website, mobile app, or at one of Iowa’s retail sportsbooks.
The following tips will help you get started with legal sports betting in Iowa.
Legal age
If you are 21 or older, you are allowed to bet on sports in person or on Iowa sports betting sites.
Mobile betting
Place your Iowa sports bets using a computer or mobile device to access an online sportsbook or sportsbook app. The Iowa Racing and Gaming Commission regulates all sports betting activity in the Hawkeye State.
Remote registration
Remote registration has been available in Iowa since January 2021. This option allows Iowans to complete the entire sign-up process remotely with a computer or mobile phone. Previously, Iowa gamblers were required to visit a casino to complete their registration before betting with an online sportsbook.
Within state borders
Legal online sportsbooks use geofencing to ensure all players are physically present in Iowa. Attempts to place bets from out of state will be denied. Therefore, it’s essential for Iowans and those passing through the state to turn on location services when placing online bets.
Retail sportsbooks
Iowa is home to 17 retail sportsbooks found at one of the state’s 19 licensed casinos.
Taxable winnings
Like nearly all other states, gambling winnings are taxable at both the federal and state levels in Iowa.
Iowans must report all winnings on federal tax returns, as this money is subject to the standard 24% tax. Winnings that exceed $600 must be reported to the state and taxed at 5%.
The pros and cons of Iowa sports betting
A major shift in Iowa sports betting took place when remote registration was introduced in 2021. Iowans can now place their first sports bets without leaving their homes.
Like many other states, Iowa does not allow college player proposition betting. Iowa has also yet to legalize action on the NFL draft.
No NFL Draft bettingNo esports bettingNo college props wagersHow to start betting in Iowa
Placing a sports bet in the Hawkeye state has never been easier. Now, Iowans can partake in a complete remote registration process.
Casinos are also an option for those who prefer the atmosphere a retail sportsbook provides.
Select a sportsbook
There are many Iowa sportsbooks to choose from, making research an integral part of the process. Conduct research to identify the options that provide the best sign-up bonuses, lines, and customer support.
Check out some betting site reviews and take a look at the terms and conditions of the Iowa sportsbooks you’re considering before getting started.
Register online
Once you’ve picked out the Iowa betting site that you trust to satisfy your gambling needs, go ahead and fill in your information on their website or mobile app. Be prepared to provide the last four digits of your SSN.
Claim a bonus
The amount of competition in Iowa certainly has its benefits for new users, as Iowa sports betting sites routinely offer some excellent promotions to entice potential customers to try out their platforms.
Common bonuses in Iowa include:
- Risk-free bets: If your first bet with a sportsbook is unsuccessful, they may offer to refund the lost amount to your account
- Deposit match: After you add funds to your account, some Iowa sports betting sites may top up your account with the same amount. Playthrough requirements usually come into play here.
- No-deposit bonus: If you’re looking for a way to get started without making a deposit, this may be for you. Upon sign-up, you’ll be given a small amount of cash to place your first bet. Expect playthrough requirements here as well.
Choose your bet
Iowa sports bettors have access to nearly every type of bet imaginable. Betting options are plentiful, and these are the most common bet types:
Betting the moneyline is favored by new sports bettors because you're simply choosing which side will win.
With Over/Unders (totals), you must decide whether the combined score will exceed or fall short of the projected total number set by oddsmakers.
The point spread is considered an equalizer for sports bettors. Oddsmakers apply spread betting to level the playing field since the skill level of teams differs.
Deposit
Iowans have several sportsbook deposit and withdrawal methods available when it comes to adding funds to an account. Keep a watchful eye on transaction fees, however, as these can vary depending on your chosen payment method.
Common payment options in Iowa include debit/credit cards, bank transfers, e-wallets, and prepaid cards. Cash can also be used when visiting a casino.
Start betting
Look at how different sportsbooks’ betting lines stack up against one another before placing your first bet. Glancing over a few different options will ensure you’re not squandering an opportunity to place a more favorable wager.
Withdraw
Iowa sports bettors can withdraw funds from their accounts in a variety of ways. Remember, bank and transaction fees vary here as well, so check to see which method gives you the most bang for your buck.
Odds explained
Iowa sportsbooks use American Odds — aka moneyline odds — to display favorites and underdogs. A minus sign (-) is listed next to the favorite. The number found next to the minus sign specifies the amount players need to wager to be awarded $100 in profit. For example, -155 odds indicate a bet of $155 needs to be placed in order to take home $100 in profit.
Underdogs are accompanied by a plus (+) sign. The number following the plus sign represents the amount of profit that would be realized if a player placed a $100 bet. For example, +170 odds tell us that a winning $100 bet would result in a player profiting $170.
Odds are commonly viewed in decimals and fractions as well. Use our odds calculator to quickly cycle between American, decimal, and fractional odds.
What you can't bet on in Iowa
While Iowans are able to place a wager on nearly any sporting event — locally and internationally — there are a few no-gos in the Hawkeye State.
Politics
Iowa law forbids political betting of any kind. Discussing Iowa caucus betting odds around the water cooler is fine, but that’s as far as you can take things. You won't find any politics when browsing new markets at Iowa sports betting sites.
NFL Draft
The NFL Draft is the league's signature offseason event, but Iowa is one of a handful of U.S. states to outlaw NFL Draft wagering.
esports
Esports betting has not yet been legalized in Iowa, though there does seem to be some momentum building here. Rep. Bobby Kaufmann has sponsored a bill that would regulate esports betting, along with pro sports drafts, and player awards.
Awards shows
Much-hyped celebrity and pop-culture events, such as the Academy Awards, are off-limits at Iowa sportsbooks.
What about Iowa college sports?
Iowa sports bettors may place wagers on any college team in the country. However, individual player prop bets involving in-state schools are not permitted.
Iowa sports betting handle
Iowa saw a major boost in sports betting following the implementation of full remote registration. After modest earnings in 2020, the state’s monthly handle ballooned to $149.5M in January 2021 — a 42% increase over December’s total.
Iowa surpassed the $1 billion mark in total sports bets early in 2021 and is on pace to double that number in the coming months. In January 2022, the state recorded its first instance of surpassing $300 million in monthly sports betting handle. Iowa’s sportsbooks have posted the following numbers to date:
Yearly breakdown
| Year | Total handle | Revenue | Hold percentage | Tax revenue |
| 2023 | - | - | - | - |
| 2022 | $2.34B | $165.5M | 7% | $11.9M |
| 2021 | $2B | $88M | 5.9% | $8.7M |
| 2020 | $575M | $41.6M | 7.2% | $2.8M |
| 2019 | $212M | $19M | 9% | $1.3M |
Monthly handle
| Year | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | Total |
| 2023 | - | - | - | - | - | - | - | - | - | - | - | - | - |
| 2022 | $303.3M | $215.9M | $233.5M | $177.3M | $147.9M | $122.4M | $108.5M | $122.6M | $200M | $238.7M | $247.5M | $229.9M | $2.34B |
| 2021 | $149.5M | $143.6M | $161.4M | $118.3M | $114.8M | $111.2M | $88.9M | $108.4M | $210.4M | $280M | $287.2M | $266.5M | $2B |
| 2020 | $58M | $56.9M | $19.5M | $1.5M | $6.9M | $12.7M | $22.8M | $50.3M | $72.3M | $81.9M | $87.1M | $104.8M | $575M |
| 2019 | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A | $8.7M | $38.5M | $46.5M | $59.3M | $59.2M | $212M |
Home team advantage: Iowa sports
Whether they’ve grown up on Vikings football or reveled in the triumphs of the 2016 World Series-winning Cubs, there is no questioning Iowans’ fandom and allegiances to their favorite clubs.
Cheering on your team is one thing, but placing bets at Iowa sportsbooks is an entirely different story. Always be sure to remain objective when placing sports wagers, as these allegiances can quickly cloud your judgment. Read through our how to bet guides for an overview of betting terms and scenarios.
Other types of gambling
Iowa is home to 23 licensed casinos and four tribal casinos. Two of the state’s casinos offer live racing.
Casino
Each of Iowa’s commercial, riverboat, and tribal casinos offers players the full range of table games, slots, and more.
Real money online casinos are illegal in Iowa, as they were not included in Bill SF-617. National brands Chumba Casino and LuckyLand Slots offer a limited number of casino games and use “sweeps coins” to remain legally compliant in Iowa.
Poker
With 421 tables in the state, there’s no shortage of poker action in Iowa.
For those looking for an online alternative, Global Poker’s sweepstakes model remains the only option. Iowa has yet to make any progress on an online poker bill.
Horse racing
Live and simulcast horse racing can be found at Iowa’s lone horse racing site — Prairie Meadows. A number of off-track betting sites can be found throughout the state as well. Pari-mutuel bets can be placed online in Iowa at the best horse racing betting sites.
Iowa is also home to one greyhound racetrack — Iowa Greyhound Park.
Daily fantasy sports
Daily fantasy sports (DFS) has been a popular option in Iowa since the state passed its sports betting law in May 2019. DraftKings, the first operator to enter the market, was joined by fellow industry titan FanDuel soon after.
Quick facts: Iowa sports betting
Iowa sports betting is red hot with monthly total handle numbers up across the board, thanks to a mature retail sportsbook environment and a blooming online sports betting sector.
To learn the key takeaways about IA sports betting, examine our table below:
| Launch date | August 2019 |
| Legal age for betting | 21 |
| Online sports betting | Yes ✅ |
| Number of betting licenses | 19 |
| Number of betting sites | 18 |
| Remote registration | Yes ✅ |
| Retail sportsbooks | Yes ✅ |
| Online casino sites | Yes ✅ |
| Online poker | No ❌ |
| Retail casinos | Yes ✅ |
| Betting on college sports | Yes ✅ |
| Betting on esports | No ❌ |
| State population | 3.19 million |
| Total handle (2022) | $2.34 billion |
| Tax rate | 6.75% |
| State regulator | Iowa Racing and Gaming Commission |
Responsible gaming in Iowa
The Iowa Racing and Gaming Commission has taken preventative measures to ensure programs and resources are available for individuals who feel as if their gambling activity is getting out of hand. Helplines, treatment centres, and self-exclusion lists have all been established to curb the effects of problem gambling in Iowa.
Fifteen of Iowa’s 19 licensed casinos now offer self-exclusion programs. Not all online sportsbooks offer these programs, but sites do provide players with a number of options to manage their betting activity. These tools include deposit and betting limits, timeouts, and self-assessments.
Legal online sportsbooks also allow users to place a wide range of restrictions on themselves. Players can set deposit and betting limits or permanently join the self-exclusion list.
Visit the Iowa Racing and Gaming CommissionLegal U.S. sports betting markets
Iowa mobilized on legalizing sports gambling following the Supreme Court's decision to overturn the federal ban on sports gambling. Outside of Iowa, these U.S. jurisdictions have all introduced sports betting laws:
Upcoming legal U.S. sports betting launches
It's been a long time coming for proponents of online sports betting in Maryland. Two years after voter approval, the state finally launched mobile wagering on Nov. 23, 2022.
Ohio mobile betting apps and retail sportsbooks began accepting wagers on Jan. 1, 2023.
The surge of legal online betting markets continues as Massachusetts expects to welcome big industry players to town in early 2023. Online Massachusetts sports betting is projected to arrive sometime in March 2023. Luckily, physical sportsbooks will be ready on Jan. 31.
Potential legal U.S. sports betting markets
There are still a considerable number of states moving toward legal sports betting.
Here are those which may potentially legalize the practice in the near future:
Iowa sports betting conclusion
Once required to travel to a retail locale just to register with a sportsbook, Iowa sports bettors now have access to one of the more competitive U.S. markets in 2023, thanks to remote registration. Not only are there 18 online Iowa sportsbooks to choose from, but the opportunity to wager on college sports and the favorable lines induced by low tax rates for operators makes the experience fun and accessible.
While there are a few drawbacks for players — such as the inability to bet on the NFL Draft — Iowa sports betting covers all of the major areas of interest and does so well.
Sportsbooks to avoid in Iowa
See all blacklisted sportsbooks
Bettors should also steer clear of unregulated offshore betting sites. These blacklisted sites are not authorized to take your bets, and you’ll have no legal recourse if your funds disappear from an offshore account.
- Allegations of withdrawal issues
- No license information available on site
- Poor customer service
- Multiple reports of slow payments
- Allegations of non-payments
- Risk of account closure simply for winning bets
- Reports of confiscated winnings
- Slow customer support response times
Iowa sports betting FAQ
Yes, Iowa offers legal sports betting for adults 21 and older. Iowa’s efforts to regulate sports betting pre-dated the Supreme Court’s (SCOTUS) disposal of the Professional and Amateur Sports Protection Act (PASPA) of 1992.
You can make a sports bet by using legal Iowa sports betting sites or visiting a retail sportsbook in person.
Yes, Iowans are free to place bets on any in-state teams with the exception of prop bets on college players.
You do not have to reside in Iowa to place an online bet. As long as you have both feet on the ground in the Hawkeye State you’ll be able to bet online.
Iowa reported $11.9 million in sports betting tax revenue in 2022.
To place a sports bet in Iowa, you can visit an online sportsbook or download an app. Physical wagers can be placed at any of Iowa’s 17 retail sportsbooks.
Des Moines, Council Bluffs, Davenport, and Dubuque.
Yes, DraftKings joined the Iowa sports betting market in February 2020. The industry giant can be found at three Wild Rose Casino locations in the state.
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Jeff has been reviewing sportsbooks and covering North American sports betting full-time since 2021. The former NHL prospects writer has crafted over 100 reviews and guides for the Covers community and has been sweating his own picks for over a decade.
