Iowa sports betting is riding an upward trajectory in 2022. Sports bettors in Iowa have access to 18 online sportsbooks. Each Iowa sports betting platform is a bit different, but all offer competitive odds across a wide range of events.
Looking for the best sports betting app? New bettors looking to wager on March Madness or the 2023 NFL Super Bowl winner can do so from anywhere within the state. Bettors who are at least 21 years old and physically located within Iowa state lines can join all licensed sports betting apps. You can simply download your platform of choice, sign up, and make a deposit to start placing bets.
Editors’ Choice: Best Sports Betting App In Iowa By Category May 2022
Reviews Of Iowa’s 8 Best Sports Betting Apps & Sites
Best for DFS Players
at DraftKings Sportsbook IA
Available On: iOS, Android, Web Browser
States Accepted: IA, TN, VA, IL, CO, IN, MI, NJ, NV, WV, PA, NH
Best for DFS Players
DraftKings Sportsbook Iowa
Deposit Bonus
20% up to $1,000
Retail Partner
Wild Rose
Licensed by
IRGC
DraftKings Sportsbook Iowa is one of the best options for sports bettors in the state. Few other brands can compete with the sheer number of lines offered here on a daily basis, and the odds are some of the most competitive on the planet.
Alongside FanDuel and BetMGM, DraftKings makes the Iowa sports betting market one of the best in the US.
New members at DraftKings Iowa can receive a $50 free bet with a $5 deposit, as well as a 20% welcome bonus up to $1,000. If you opt-in, you’ll receive $1 in bonus cash for every $25 in real-money bets placed. You must deposit $5,000 to receive the maximum, but a deposit of just $5 qualifies for the promotion.
- Highest deposit-bonus in Iowa
- Best rated app in the app store
- Huge number of promotions and contests
- Excellent odds and special offers
- PayPal makes depositing and cashing out easy at DraftKings Iowa.
TERMS AND CONDITIONS APPLY & 21+
Best for MGM Players
at BetMGM IA
Available On: iOS, Android, Web Browser
States Accepted: IA, TN, MI, CO, IN, NJ, NV, PA, WV, VA
Best for MGM Players
BetMGM Iowa
Risk-Free Bet
$1000
Retail Partner
Diamond Jo Dubuque
Licensed by
IRGC
BetMGM Sportsbook Iowa is one of the most popular gambling apps in the state, in part because it is backed by the MGM brand name. But it’s also because this is one of the most reliable, feature-rich, and competitive platforms in the US.
The BetMGM Sportsbook iOS app also has a 4.8 out of 5.0 rating on the App Store, which is tied with DraftKings for the best score of any sports betting app. It also offers an incredible parlay profit boost that increases payouts by up to 40%. That’s on top of the many other promotions offered every day at BetMGM Iowa.
- Highest rated app (tied with DraftKings Sportsbook)
- Best futures market in the US
- Best welcome bonus in Iowa
- Range of promotions and odds boosters
- Great rewards program
- Online bank transfer is the best way to deposit at BetMGM Iowa.
TERMS AND CONDITIONS APPLY & 21+
Best for New Bettors
at Caesars Sportsbook IA
Available On: iOS, Android, Web Browser
States Accepted: AZ, CO, IL, IN, IA, LA, MI, NJ, NY, TN, VA & WV
Best for New Bettors
Caesars Iowa
Up To
$1,100
Retail Partner
Isle Bettendorf
Licensed by
IRGC
Claim offer with Caesars Sportsbook Iowa promo code: TODAYCZR
Soon after Caesars Sportsbook acquired William Hill, one of the oldest sports betting companies in the world, it rebranded to become Caesars Sportsbook. While William Hill may be better known in the UK, the Caesars Entertainment name gives US players confidence in the quality of the sports betting app.
And Caesars Sportsbook lives up to the reputation. With impressive market depth, great odds, and an unbeatable rewards program, Caesars Iowa comes highly recommended. This is especially true if you also visit one of Caesars Entertainment’s many properties across the US, including Horseshoe, Isle Casinos, Harrah’s, and many more. The points earned both online and in-person betting apply to your single Caesars Rewards account.
- Stable and accessible app
- Strong live betting component
- Accepts PayPal for deposits and withdrawals as well as credit/debit, online bank transfer, and more.
TERMS AND CONDITIONS APPLY & 21+
Best for Deposit Bonus
at BetRivers IA
Available On: iOS, Android, Web Browser
States Accepted: IA, CO, IL, IN, MI, PA, VA, NJ
Best for Deposit Bonus
BetRivers Iowa
Deposit Bonus
$250
Retail Partner
Wild Rose
Licensed by
IRGC
BetRivers Sportsbook Iowa works great via desktop. However, it has a subpar app. So if you exclusively wager via mobile app, bet somewhere else.
But if you’re willing to play using your web browser, then you should join BetRivers Iowa for the welcome bonus alone. They offer new members a 100% deposit bonus up to $250. That essentially doubles your first deposit up to a total of $500.
The wagering requirement is also only 1x. That means you just need to bet the full amount a single time to withdraw any winnings. You can also use it for any combination of bets with odds of -200 or longer.
The lack of a high-quality app might be a dealbreaker. But with what may be the best welcome bonus in US sports betting, BetRivers Sportsbook Iowa is worth considering – especially when its odds are among the best in the state too.
- Best deposit bonus terms in the US (1x wagering requirement)
- Daily bonus offers and odds boosters
- Competitive odds that sometimes beat out competitors
- The easiest way to deposit is with a debit card, but PayPal is also available.
TERMS AND CONDITIONS APPLY & 21+
Best for International Sports Fans
at Unibet IA
Available On: iOS, Android, Web Browser
States Accepted: AZ, IN, IA, NJ, PA & VA
Best for International Sports Fans
Unibet Iowa
Risk-Free Bet
$500
Retail Partner
Harrah's Casino
Licensed by
IRGC
Unibet may not be as popular or widely available in the US as operators like DraftKings and FanDuel, but it’s a great sportsbook Iowa bettors will want to try. Betting lines are competitive and you’ll be sure to find all popular sports options in addition to international sports like Rugby Union and Aussie rules. The mobile app could use some work. iOS app users complain of the app crashing. For now, Iowa bettors should plan to use the desktop version until Unibet can streamline the mobile app user experience.
Unibet Iowa Sportsbook offers a $500 risk-free bet using our exclusive promo code: BET500.
- Good for international sports betting
- Competitive odds
- Available in Iowa
TERMS AND CONDITIONS APPLY & 21+
Best for iOS & Android App
at FanDuel Sportsbook IA
Available On: iOS, Android, Web Browser
States Accepted: IA, TN, NJ, PA, IL, IN, CO, WV, MI, VA
Best for iOS & Android App
FanDuel Sportsbook Iowa
Risk-Free Bet
$1,000
Retail Partner
Diamond Jo Worth
Licensed by
IRGC
FanDuel Sportsbook Iowa offers one of the largest risk-free bets up to $1,000. A lost wagered is refunded in betting credits, which can be used on any combination of bets. Risk-free bets at other sportsbooks are usually refunded as a second-chance free bet of equal value. The FanDuel T&Cs make it a top-tier choice.
Beyond the introductory offer, FanDuel Sportsbook Iowa consistently offers a remarkable number of daily promotions. These are some of the most inventive and enticing offers in sports betting, including odds boosters, cashback offers, free tournaments, and countless more.
That’s on top of some of the best odds in Iowa, commonly beating out its biggest competitors like DraftKings and BetMGM.
- Tons of daily promotions and tournaments
- Great odds boosters on the hottest events
- Hyper-competitive odds
- Desktop version of sportsbook integrated with FanDuel DFS
- App is stable, powerful, and intuitive
- PayPal is the best way to deposit and withdraw at FanDuel.
TERMS AND CONDITIONS APPLY & 21+
Best for Risky Bettors
at PointsBet IA
Available On: iOS, Android, Web Browser
States Accepted: IA, NJ, CO, IN, IL, MI, WV
Best for Risky Bettors
PointsBet Iowa
Risk-Free Bets
$2,000
Retail Partner
Catfish Bend Casino
Licensed by
IRGC
PointsBet is a new sports betting brand in the US, but it’s already becoming a highly regarded choice where it’s licensed. For sports bettors in Iowa, it’s one of the best choices for its great odds, including the “no juice” promo on select points spread events, such as the NFL playoffs.
PointsBet also offers PointsBetting, where you place an over/under totals bet, and the amount you win or lose is determined by the exact score. The more correct you were, the higher your win. The more incorrect, the higher your losses.
The PointsBet Iowa welcome bonus is two risk-free bets up to $2,000. Bettors can claim up to $500 in a fixed-odds wager and one PointsBetting wager up to $1,500. Make sure to use the PointsBet Iowa promo code BONUSDAY.
- “No Juice” events with +100 odds on select spread bets
- Great daily odds boosters
- Huge selection of international events
- Sports coverage partnership with NBC Sports
- The easiest way to deposit
TERMS AND CONDITIONS APPLY & 21+
All Iowa Sportsbook Sites
| Sportsbook | Bonus Offer | Retail Partner(s) |
|---|---|---|
| DraftKings | 20% deposit match up to $1,000 (Claim here) | Wild Rose |
| BetMGM | Risk-free bet up to $1,000 (Claim here) | Diamond Jo Dubuque |
| Caesars | First Bet Insurance up to $1,100 (Claim here) | Isle Bettendorf, Isle Waterloo, Lakeside, Prairie Meadows |
| BetRivers | 100% deposit match up to $250 (Claim here) | Wild Rose |
| FanDuel | Risk-free bet up to $1,000 (Claim here) | Diamond Jo Worth |
| PointsBet | Risk-free bets up to $2,000 with code BONUSDAY (Claim Here) | Catfish Bend |
| DRF | Up to $500 risk-free bet | Lakeside Hotel and Casino |
| Unibet | Risk-free bet up to $500 | Harrah's Casino |
| Betfred | N/A | Grand Falls |
| ELITE Sportsbook | Risk-free bet up to $500 | Grand Falls, Rhythm City, Riverside |
| Q Sportsbook | N/A | Q Casino |
| Hard Rock Sportsbook | Risk-free bet up to $100 | Hard Rock Sioux City |
| theScore Bet | Risk-free bet up to $500 | Ameristar Casino-Council Bluffs |
| Betway | Risk-free bet up to $250 | Super Group |
| Fubo | Up to $1,000 risk free bet + 30 days free FuboTV | Casino Queen Marquette |
Iowa Sports Betting News
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May 19, 2022:
Smarkets, one of the biggest betting exchange platforms in the world, and Affinity Interactive, an omni-channel gaming industry leader, announced a new agreement for sports betting market access in the state of Iowa.
-
May 2, 2022:
Missouri sports betting likely won’t pass this year, which could mean revenue won’t change any time soon for Iowa. Many Missouri bettors travel to Iowa to wager, and it sounds like that will continue until at least next year.
-
March 17, 2022:
The University of Iowa men’s basketball team lost in an upset to Richmond, 67-63, in the opening round of the NCAA men’s basketball tournament.
-
February 23, 2022:
The Iowa Racing and Gaming Commission issued an updated reports on all the approved bets that can be made in the state.
-
February 11, 2022:
In January 2022, Iowans bet more than $303 million to smash the previous monthly record of $287 million last November. The handle was up more than 101% over last January per the Iowa Racing and Gaming Commission.
-
January 13, 2022:
Iowans bet more than $2 billion on sports last year. That figure dwarfed the $575 million bet in Iowa during the previous year.
Iowa Legal Sportsbooks
Betting at illegal sportsbooks adds unnecessary risk to your personal information and finances. These sites routinely sell their users’ information, refuse to pay winnings, or disappear (with your money) altogether.
Thanks to oversight by the Iowa Racing and Gaming Commission (IRGC), your personal information and finances are protected when you play at legally licensed sportsbooks.
The Iowa.gov website also offers a great tax resource for bettors, including their policies on automatically withholding winnings of $600 or more (the same for a lottery win). All net winnings from gambling are subject to the 5% state income tax rate as well as the 24% federal income tax rate for a total of 29%.
Iowa Sports Betting Revenue
Iowa’s sports betting handle was $177.4 million in April. After starting the year with a record handle of $303.3 million in January 2022, Iowa sportsbooks numbers have declined including a reported $233.5 million in bets for March.
Iowa sports betting totaled over $2 billion last year, up significantly from $575 million in the previous year.
How Iowa Compares To Other States
Compared to its Midwest neighbors Illinois and Indiana, Iowa offers a great sports betting market with a few shortcomings:
- You can’t use a credit card to make a deposit
- You can’t place prop bets on in-state college teams
- You can’t bet on TV competitions like the Oscars
Iowa Versus Indiana
Indiana has the most liberal sports betting laws in the country, even more so than New Jersey or Nevada. For example, Indiana sportsbooks can offer prop bets on in-state college schools. It’s also one of only two states (along with New Jersey) that allows bets on the Oscars and other TV competitions.
However, Indiana expressly prohibits esports betting. Iowa does not, but it is not currently an approved category for betting in the state.
Illinois Versus Iowa
Illinois required in-person registration for online sportsbooks but changed that requirement in March 2022. Illinois bettors no longer need to visit a retail sportsbook to complete their registration process.
Even still, Iowa beats Illinois in two key categories: the ability to bet on in-state college schools, and the pure number of options. While Iowa sports bettors can join at least 12 sports betting apps, Illinois only has six.
In Illinois, you can’t bet on in-state college teams, but you can use a credit card to deposit at a sportsbook.
Iowa Betting Successes And Failures
Iowa Sports Betting Success
Iowans bet over $303 million in January, breaking the monthly record of $287 million set in November. Iowa officially surpassed expectations for sports betting revenue at the end of Fiscal Year 2021, when the IRGC reported $1.22 billion in handle. That translates to over $6 million in taxes for the state. The total handle for FY ‘21 was $1.1 billion, so that’s hugely promising for Iowa’s ongoing sports betting success.
While online sports betting officially launched in Iowa in August 2019, the in-person registration requirement made the state an unenviable market for many operators. With that requirement gone and each land-based casino able to open three online sportsbooks each, the Iowa market can finally grow to its true potential.
Where Could Iowa Improve Online Gambling
It’s highly unlikely that Iowa will change the law and allow prop bets on in-state college sports or credit card deposits. And the in-person registration requirement is behind us.
However, Iowa could improve its online gambling position by allowing esports bets and TV competitions like the Academy Awards, which could attract bettors from Illinois and elsewhere where those wagers aren’t offered.
Legalization Effort In Iowa
Less than one year after the US Supreme Court struck down the Professional and Amateur Sports Protection Act (PASPA) in May 2018, Iowa was one of the first states with legal sports betting.
In April 2019, the Iowa Senate voted in favor of legalized sports betting by wide margins. Support also came from both sides of the aisle, with the majority of democrat and republican lawmakers agreeing to the legality.
Just a few days later, the bill passed the Iowa House, and it received Governor Kim Reynolds’s signature on May 13, 2019. It was officially legal to bet on sports in Iowa.
Important Dates For Iowa Sports Betting
- May 14, 2018: The day after the overturn of PASPA, The Des Moines Register reports that Iowa lawmakers will consider legalizing sports betting in the state.
- April 17, 2019: Senate File 617, an Act legalizing sports betting, passes the Iowa Senate by a margin of 31 to 18.
- May 13, 2019: Governor Kim Reynolds approves Senate File 617, effectively legalizing sports betting in Iowa with the stroke of her pen.
- August 15, 2019: William Hill (now Caesars) opens the first four retail sportsbooks in the state at Prairie Meadows, Lakeside Casino, Isle Casino Bettendorf, and Isle Casino Waterloo. William Hill also becomes the first online sportsbook available in the state.
- January 1, 2021: Iowa’s in-person registration requirement expires, allowing remote registration on any legally-licensed online sportsbook in the state.
Iowa Teams
Iowa Professional Sports Teams
Iowa does not have any major league sports teams. But betting on major league sports—particularly on teams located in nearby states—is highly popular in Iowa, particularly betting on the Super Bowl.
Iowa’s Favorite NFL Teams
It’s safe to say that these are the four most popular NFL teams in Iowa:
- Green Bay Packers
- Kansas City Chiefs
- Chicago Bears
- Minnesota Vikings
All four of these teams inspire tons of wagers from Iowans, and the variety of fans makes for an interesting layout of odds, which are dramatically affected by how many bets are placed.
Iowa’s Favorite MLB Teams
In 2019, SeatGeek released a map that showed the most popular sports teams by county in Iowa. The most popular team was the Kansas City Royals, followed by the Chicago Cubs, Minnesota Twins, and St. Louis Cardinals, respectively.
Iowa’s Favorite NBA Teams
Outside of March Madness, basketball doesn’t inspire as many bets as football or baseball. However, it remains the third most popular sport in the country, and Iowa’s favorite teams include:
- Chicago Bulls
- Minnesota Timberwolves
- Milwaukee Bucks
Iowa College Sports Teams
Iowa boasts four college teams that play at the D1 level in football and basketball, the two most popular college sports by far.
However, you can only bet moneyline, spread, or total for in-state college sports. Prop bets are only allowed for out-of-state college teams and professional sports.
Iowa Hawkeyes
The University of Iowa has the most successful D1 athletic program in the state, and it’s often one of the elite teams in the country.
In basketball, the Hawkeyes were ranked among the top 25 teams in the country at the time of this writing. Iowa had a 21-8 overall record and was in position to make another appearance in March Madness.
In football, the Hawkeyes often rank in the AP Top 25. They won the Big 10’s West division title last year with a conference record of 7-2.
Iowa State Cyclones
Iowa State’s football team has improved in recent years. The Cyclones finished with a 7-6 overall record last season. Iowa State dropped a tough 20-13 loss to Clemson in its bowl game. The Cyclones can also hoop it with the best of them, boasting several NCAA Tournament appearances, and making it to the Sweet 16 twice within the past decade.
Northern Iowa Panthers
While the Hawkeyes and the Cyclones reign supreme for most popular college teams, the Northern Iowa Panthers basketball program has been making a name for itself at the national level by appearing in March Madness on multiple occasions in recent years.
Drake Bulldogs
The Drake Bulldogs basketball team has only made it to the NCAA Tournament four times. But Drake is a strong member of the Missouri Valley Conference, making for some exciting betting action, particularly for point spreads.
Other Sports To Bet On In Iowa
Iowa allows sportsbooks to list a range of sports. You can find bets on auto racing, golf, European soccer, Rugby, and beyond. In fact, you could attend a NASCAR race at Iowa Speedway while betting on the event with your mobile device.
If you’re betting on sports beyond popular college teams or major leagues in the US and Europe, make sure to explore the options before joining a sportsbook. You don’t want to be an MMA-specific bettor only to find out the sportsbook doesn’t offer lines on the fights.
How To Place A Bet In Iowa
Step 1: Find The Right Online Sportsbook
You can safely join and bet at any legally-licensed online sportsbook in the state. You can find a complete list of available sites and apps in the list table, including the welcome bonus offer for each option.
Step 2: Register Remotely
As of January 1, 2021, you can register at any of Iowa’s online sportsbooks from anywhere. That includes outside of the state, but you must be physically inside the State of Iowa to wager.
Registration is similar to opening a bank account in terms of the information you need to provide. This includes your name, DOB, address, and phone number as well as a unique password for your account.
Step 3: Make A Deposit
You may need to provide a promo code during the signup process or while you make a deposit, so make sure you have TODAY copied for the BetMGM Iowa deposit bonus or BONUSDAY for the risk-free bets up to $2,000 from PointsBet Iowa.
In accordance with state law, Iowa sportsbooks cannot accept credit cards as a deposit method. That means a more limited number of options in the state, but most accept debit cards for deposits as well as PayPal and online banking for both deposits and cashing out.
Step 4: Place A Bet
Once you have money in your account, you can place any bet offered by the sportsbook. You can find a diverse selection of odds for the same event across the different sportsbooks, so it’s a good idea to compare beforehand.
IMPORTANT: Risk-free bets usually apply to the first wager only. It’s also important to read all terms and conditions before participating in any promotion. Things to look for are minimum odds, time limits, and how the betting credits are refunded if the wager loses.
NFL Betting In Iowa
The 2022-23 NFL Season will bring a wide range of betting opportunities across all Iowa sportsbook apps. These include limited-time promotions like parlay profit boosts, risk-free wagers, and special prop bets.
Iowa bettors with their eye on NFL offers should regularly check two areas of their sportsbooks of choice:
- Promotions Page: Check the ongoing promotions on a weekly basis to opt-in for the offers that appeal to you. You won’t always find something you’re interested in, but you’ll also never miss out on an offer that fits your style of betting.
- Odds Boosters: Every online sportsbook has a separate section for specialty bets. At BetRivers, they’re housed in “House Specials.” At FanDuel, they’re labeled “Boosts.”
It’s also a good idea to join multiple sports betting apps in Iowa to ensure you’re always getting the best odds. While the sportsbooks will have a similar number of NFL betting options, the odds can vary significantly when it comes to specific lines.
Iowa Sports Betting FAQs
21. You must be at least 21 years old to bet at an online sportsbook in Iowa. The gambling age for all casinos and sportsbooks in Iowa is 21 except for at Meskwaki Casino in Tama, where the gambling age is 18. However, they do not offer a sportsbook.
It is legal to bet on college sports in Iowa. However, you cannot place prop bets on in-state college teams. All other forms of betting on in-state schools are allowed, including moneyline, points spread, parlays, futures, and totals. You can also place prop bets on out-of-state college teams.
Yes. Online sports betting in Iowa is safe as long as you join legally-licensed online sportsbooks. You can find links to all Iowa sports betting apps and sites at Gaming Today as well as exclusive welcome bonuses and detailed reviews. You can also verify legal sportsbooks on the Iowa Racing and Gaming Commission website.
Yes. Most sportsbooks in Iowa offer an iOS app. However, some are better than others. DraftKings, BetMGM, FanDuel, and PointsBet offer the best iOS apps in Iowa according to their App Store ratings. The odds at the specific sportsbook are the same whether you use the iOS app, Android app, or desktop version.
Yes. DraftKings Sportsbook Iowa launched in February 2020. This is a top-rated sportsbook app with competitive odds, daily promotions, and convenient banking methods, including PayPal. New members at DraftKings Sportsbook Iowa can receive a 20% first-deposit match up to $1,000. If you opt in, they’ll match every $25 wagered with $1 in bonus cash. DraftKings also offers a free $50 bet with a minimum $5 deposit.
Iowa bettors have access to many “best in class” sports betting apps including DraftKings, FanDuel, BetMGM, and Caesars Sportsbook.
More Resources On Iowa Sports Betting
- Iowa Racing and Gaming Commission (IRGC), in charge of gambling regulations in the state, offers a robust resource for sports bettors and gambling operators alike.
- Monthly Gaming Revenue reports from the IRGC.
- Senate File 617, the legislation that legalized sports betting.
- Iowa sports betting rules and regulations that are enforced by the IRGC.
- A historical snapshot of Iowa sports betting talks immediately after the US Supreme Court struck down PASPA, courtesy of The Des Moines Register.
- Des Moines Register Sports offers the latest news on Iowa college and high school sports as well as coverage on other sports.
- Sports news from The Gazette offers insights that extend beyond Cedar Rapids.
- Hawkeye Sports is a University of Iowa publication with up-to-the-minute coverage on all programs.
- Fight for Iowa is the official podcast of University of Iowa athletics.
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