Iowa sports betting is legal and fans can sign up for an Iowa sportsbook from anywhere in the state. Iowa has 19 sportsbooks to choose from.
Each Iowa sports betting platform is a bit different, but all offer competitive odds across a wide range of events. The Iowa women were in the Final Four of March Madness — and sportsbooks are starting to offer college wrestling bets. New bettors looking to wager on the 2024 NFL Super Bowl have great, safe options too.
Customers just have to be at least 21 years old and physically located within Iowa state lines. We have links below to help you download some of the best Iowa sports betting apps, including all of the promo codes for various welcome offers.
From a desktop or laptop, just follow our sign-up guides, then bookmark your favorite Iowa online sportsbook. Iowa has plenty of sports betting options so pick the Gaming Today offer that suits you best and get started.
Is Sports Betting Legal 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.
How We Got Here
- 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: Gov. Kim Reynolds approves Senate File 617, effectively legalizing sports betting in Iowa with the stroke of her pen.
- Aug. 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.
- Jan. 1, 2021: Iowa’s in-person registration requirement expires. The change meant Iowa bettors could now sign up for online sportsbooks from anywhere in the state. They didn’t have to register in person at a casino and they weren’t limited to that casino’s retail sportsbook.
- June 17, 2022: Gov. Kim Reynolds signed a gaming expansion bill to allow pro draft bets and award bets like the Cy Young winner, Super Bowl MVP or the Heisman Trophy.
Editors’ Choice: Recommended IA Sports Betting Apps In October 2023
- bet365 Iowa: Best for Data
- BetMGM Iowa: Best for MGM Players
- PointsBet Iowa: Best for Unique Betting Features
- BetRivers Iowa: Best for 2nd Chance Offer
- Betway Iowa: Best for Niche Sports Betting
- FanDuel Iowa: Best for iOS and Android App
- Betfred Iowa: Best for Free Bonus
- Caesars Iowa: Best for New Bettors
Upcoming Events to Use Your Iowa Betting Promos On
We’re into Week 2 of the NFL season. The Chiefs, Vikings and Bears all lost their home opener. Minnesota also lost the Week 2 Thursday night game 34-28 to the Eagles.
We’re going from the Cy-Hawk game to a MAC attack in college football Week 3. Iowa took home the in-state trophy with a 20-13 win.
The Cyclones () have a tricky 11 a.m. matchup on ESPNU against Ohio ().
Iowa returned to the AP rankings at No. 25. The Hawkeyes () are a much heavier favorite for a 2:30 p.m. BTN game against Western Michigan ().
NBA Bets
- NBA Training Camps open for most NBA teams on Oct. 3.
- NBA Preseason games tip off starting on Oct. 5.
- The NBA regular season begins on Oct. 24.
PGA Tour Bets in September
- Fortinet Championship (Napa, CA) — Sept. 14-17
- Ryder Cup (Rome, Italy) — Sept. 29 to Oct. 1
- Sanderson Farms Championship (Jackson, MS) — Oct. 5-8
- Shriners Children’s Open (Las Vegas) — Oct. 12-15
- ZOZO Championship (Chiba, Japan) — Oct. 19-22
NASCAR Bets — Cup Series events in September
Cup Playoffs
- Bristol Motor Speedway — Sept. 16
- Texas Motor Speedway — Sept. 24
- Talladega Superspeedway — Oct. 1
- Charlotte Motor Speedway Road Course — Oct. 8
- Las Vegas Motor Speedway — Oct. 15
- Homestead-Miami Speedway — Oct. 22
- Martinsville Speedway — Oct. 29
- Phoenix Raceway — Nov. 5
Best Iowa Sports Betting Apps & Sites
Best for data
at bet365 Sportsbook Iowa
Best for data
bet365 Sportsbook Iowa
at bet365 Sportsbook Iowa
Welcome Offer
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Bonus Code
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Retail Partner
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Licensed by
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bet365 offers many features that make the betting experience even better. The In-Play betting platform is particularly strong and a standout feature. Live streaming allows you to follow thousands of events from across the globe and monitor the potential for a live bet. Another cool feature? You can opt in to receive tailored alerts for wagers and live sports streams.
bet365’s bonus offer is also one of the best in the industry, even if the total doesn’t look as eye-popping. If you deposit $10 and bet just $1, you get $365 in bonus bets. Use the Bonus Code GTODAYIOWA. Terms and Conditions apply. The bet has to be on odds of -500 or greater (-350, +125, etc.), which is incredible compared to most operators, who set the minimum odds at -200.
Also, you get bonus bets whether your initial wager wins or not. Finally, those bonus bets can be used in a variety of ways. Put it all together, and the player-friendly terms make bet365 Iowa’s bonus offer one of the best in the state.
- Bet $1, Get $365 in Bonus Bets. T&Cs apply. Gambling problem? Call 1-800-BETS-OFF 21+
- Broad sports offerings
- Easy sign-up bonus conditions
- In-depth app
Best for MGM Players
at BetMGM IA
Best for MGM Players
BetMGM Iowa
at BetMGM IA
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Up to $1,500 in Bonus Bets
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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.
BetMGM Sportsbook Iowa has First Bet Offer up to $1,500 paid back in Bonus Bets if you don’t win with BetMGM bonus code TODAY.
For another option, use bonus code GETTODAY for a Bet $10, Get $200 in Bonus Bets special. (Either offer is a great way to get started at BetMGM, but they cannot be combined.)
- 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 Risky Bettors
at PointsBet IA
Best for Risky Bettors
PointsBet Iowa
at PointsBet IA
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Retail Partner
Catfish Bend Casino
Licensed by
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PointsBet Sportsbook 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 a spread 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.
New members can get up to $1,000 in Second Chance Bets. You’ll receive up to 10 Bonus Bets, of up to $100 each, if your first fixed-odds cash bet of the day loses (one per day for 10 straight days). JOIN NOW
Offer not available in all states. New customers only.
- “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+
Best for Deposit Bonus
at BetRivers IA
Best for Deposit Bonus
BetRivers Iowa
at BetRivers IA
2nd Chance Bet Credit
Up to $100
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 first bet bonus that gives you a 2nd Chance Bet Credit up to $100.
Amazingly, there is no wagering requirement. Normally, a wagering requirement means you just need to bet the full amount a single time to withdraw any winnings. You would have to use it for any combination of bets with odds of -200 or longer. But that does not apply here.
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 (no 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 a $250 Bonus Bet
at Betway IA
Best for a $250 Bonus Bet
Betway Iowa
at Betway IA
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$250
Retail Partner
Wild Rose
Licensed by
IRGC
Iowa bettors will like Betway for its competitive odds and good international options for sports, especially soccer. Some users complain of the mobile app crashing, but that seems to be rare.
Betway is not currently widely available in the US in the same way as other mobile sports betting apps. However, it is growing in popularity, which means the mobile app can only improve. It’s definitely worth downloading and checking out.
Use this link to earn a $250 bonus bet with your first wager. In other words, if your first bet loses, you will receive a bonus in the form of site bets. That gives new users even more reason to check out Betway.
- Great selection of US sports
- Many international sports options
- up to a $250 bonus bet
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Best for iOS & Android App
at FanDuel Sportsbook IA
Best for iOS & Android App
FanDuel Sportsbook Iowa
at FanDuel Sportsbook IA
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Licensed by
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The FanDuel Sportsbook Iowa bonus offers new users the Bet $5, Get $200 in Bonus Bets!
Beyond the introductory offer, FanDuel Sportsbook Iowa consistently offers many 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 most significant 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.
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Best for Iowa Bettors
at Betfred IA
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Betfred Sportsbook Iowa
at Betfred IA
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Licensed by
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UK company Betfred has been in operation for over 50 years, so Iowa bettors can bet with confidence on the Betfred app. International sports fans will enjoy this app for the various options, especially soccer.
The welcome bonus is up to a $1,111 credit for your first $50 bet. After placing your initial $50 bet (or more!), you’ll get a $100 bonus bet after your first wager is settled. Then, you’ll get an additional $50 Bonus Bet the next Monday and another $50 over the next two weeks when placing a wager of at least $1. Just use code: GTODAY.
- International sports selection
- Partnered with the Iowa Cubs
- Parlays, teasers, futures, and more
- In-play wagering
- Secure and easy deposit and withdrawal options
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Best for New Bettors
at Caesars Sportsbook IA
Best for New Bettors
Caesars Iowa
at Caesars Sportsbook IA
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Caesars Sportsbook has made a name for itself with extravagant promotions and bonuses for users. Caesars Iowa is offering new users a Get a $1,000 First Bet on Caesars offer with Caesars Sportsbook promo code TODAY1000.
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 its 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+
Iowa Sports Betting Recent Updates
-
September 8, 2023:
Five Iowa State and Iowa athletes entered Sept. 6 guilty pleas to underage gambling as the athletic departments at each university also sort out the NCAA penalties. The underage gambling charges are simple misdemeanors. In exchange for the pleas, the five athletes had tampering with records charges dropped. That aggravated misdemeanor carried a potential two-year prison sentence. More than a dozen athletes from both schools face charges and have their eligibility in jeopardy because regulators looked into gambling activity at the campuses.
-
August 31, 2023:
Fanatics Betting and Gaming closed out its purchase of PointsBet USA in eight states, including Iowa. Customers in the state will see PointsBet rebranded to “PointsBet, a Fanatics Experience” over the next few months.
-
August 4, 2023:
Iowa’s budget year runs from July to June, so the state recently closed out sports betting numbers for the 2023 fiscal year. The state collected $2,243,583,450 in bets (handle) from July 1, 2022 to June 30, 2023. The numbers are down 8.6% when compared to $2,455,209,849 in FY 2022 bets.
-
May 19, 2023:
We’re starting to see the seasonal slowdown of sports betting in Iowa. The state processed $172.6 million in April bets, which is down about 35% from March’s $232.6 million. April to July are quieter months for sports bets. August shows some improvement. Then September to March are the peak months for sports betting.
-
April 25, 2023:
On the back of the University of Iowa’s run to the NCAA Women’s Basketball National Championship Game, sports betting handle in the state increased to $232.6 in March, a 16.7% increase from February.
-
March 30, 2023:
First the bad news: The state’s college basketball teams went 1-5 in the first round of the men’s and women’s NCAA Tournament. Now, the good news: The sole survivor in the first round has reached the Final Four. The Iowa women, led by player of the year Caitlin Clark, face No. 1 South Carolina Friday night. They’ll be underdogs to reach the championship game, but Iowa’s run so far has excited the state.
-
January 16, 2023:
Iowa sports betting surpassed the $5 billion lifetime mark after reporting $230 million in handle for December 2022. The December 2022 numbers are down from a year earlier when sportsbooks made more bonus offers available. One year ago, at this same time, Iowans placed $266.5 million in bets.
-
June 20, 2022:
Gov. Kim Reynolds signed a bill to allow betting on drafts and sport awards, which will go into effect on July 1. Originally, the bill was also going to allow betting on esports, but that part was removed.
-
June 1, 2022:
TheScore Bet, part of the Penn National Gaming family, which also operates the Barstool Sportsbook, announced it is is shutting down its US sportsbook operation effective July 1, 2022. The operator will shut down its sportsbook in New Jersey, Colorado, Indiana and Iowa and will turn its focus to Ontario sports betting.
Best Iowa Sportsbook Bonuses
| Sportsbook | Bonus Offer | Retail Partner(s) |
|---|---|---|
| bet365 | 💰 Bet $1, Get $365 in bonus bets (Use Bonus Code GTODAYIOWA) | Casino Queen Marquette |
| BetMGM | 💰 Use Promo Code TODAYTo Claim up to $1,500 in Bonus Bets OR Bet $10 to Get $200 in Bonus Bets with Offer Code GETTODAY | Diamond Jo Dubuque |
| PointsBet | 💰 Get up to $1,000 in Second Chance Bets | Catfish Bend |
| BetRivers | 💰 2nd Chance Bet Credit Up to $100 (Use Code TODAYRIV) | Wild Rose |
| Betway | 💰 Up to a $250 Bonus Bet with First Wager (Click to Claim) | Super Group |
| FanDuel | 💰 Bet $5, Get $200 in Bonus Bets (Click to Claim) | Diamond Jo Worth |
| Betfred | 💰 Up to $1,111 in bonus bets after initial $50 deposit! (Use Code GTODAY) | Grand Falls |
| Caesars | 💰 Get a $1,000 First Bet on Caesars (Use code TODAY1000) | Isle Bettendorf, Isle Waterloo, Lakeside, Prairie Meadows |
bet365 Sportsbook Iowa
Best for Data
- bet365 Iowa Bonus: Use our promo link and receive $365 in bonus bets when you bet $1 using our code GTODAYNJ. Terms and Conditions apply. IA: Gambling Problem? Call 1-800-BETS-OFF
- bet365 is Best For: Data. bet365 has incredibly strong ratings for its app features, app functionality, and total offerings.
- Local Partner: Casino Queen Marquette
BetMGM Sportsbook Iowa
Best for MGM Players
- BetMGM Iowa Bonus Offer: Claim a Gaming Today bonus offer — Get the first bet up to $1,500 paid back in Bonus Bets if you don’t win. Use Bonus Code TODAY. Or try bonus code GETTODAY to Bet $10, Get $200 in Bonus Bets instantly.
- BetMGM Is Best For: Its loyalty program, MGM Rewards, where users can earn freebies at MGM properties around the country
PointsBet Sportsbook Iowa
Best for Risky Bettors
- PointsBet Iowa Promo Offer: New users can get up to $1,000 in Second Chance Bets. You’ll receive up to 10 Bonus Bets, of up to $100 each if your first fixed-odds cash bet of the day loses (one per day for 10 straight days). LEARN MORE
- PointsBet Is Best For: Innovative betting options, especially PointsBetting, where winnings are multiplied (but so are losses!)
BetRivers Sportsbook Iowa
Best for Deposit Bonus
- BetRivers Iowa Bonus Offer: Use bonus code TODAYRIV to get a 2nd Chance Bet Credit Up to $100, featuring no play-through requirement
- BetRivers Is Best For: Having a welcome offer with the most player-friendly terms in the industry
Betway Sportsbook Iowa
Best for Niche Sports Betting
- Betway Iowa Promo Offer: Click to Claim a bonus bet up to $250
- Betway Is Best For: A diverse set of sports betting options, including a variety of leagues and types of bets.
FanDuel Sportsbook Iowa
Best for iOS and Android App
- FanDuel Iowa Promo Offer: Claim the Bet $5, Get $200 in Bonus Bets!
- FanDuel Is Best For: A mobile app that is fast, intuitive, and easily navigable, FanDuel Iowa is one of the leading brands in the Hawkeye State.
Betfred Sportsbook Iowa
Best for Iowa Sports Fans
- Betfred Iowa Promo Offer: Use promo code GTODAY to get $1,111 in bonus bets after your first $50 bet!
- Betfred Is Best For: A set of bonus bets that allow you to get involved in sports wagers you may not have otherwise been interested in!
Caesars Sportsbook Iowa
Best for New Bettors
- Caesars Iowa Promo Offer: Caesars Iowa has an offer for new users to get a $1,000 First Bet on Caesars. Use code TODAY1000. CLAIM NOW
- Caesars Is Best For: Its generous welcome offer and it loyalty program, Caesars Rewards
Full List of Iowa Online Sportsbooks
- bet365 Sportsbook
- BetMGM
- BetRivers
- Betway Sportsbook
- FanDuel
- Betfred Sportsbook
- Caesars Sportsbook
- Bally Bet Sportsbook
- Barstool Sportsbook
- Circa Sportsbook
- DRF Sportsbook
- Elite Sportsbook
- Hard Rock Sportsbook
- Q Sportsbook
- Tipico Sportsbook
- PointsBet
- DraftKings
- ClutchBet Sportsbook (coming soon)
Top Retail Sportsbooks in Iowa
| Sportsbook | Address | Hours |
|---|---|---|
| Caesars Sportsbook at Isle Bettendorf | 1777 Isle Pkwy Bettendorf, IA 52722 | Mon-Fri 11 a.m-9 p.m. Sat & Sun 10 a.m.-9 p.m. (betting kiosks open 24/7) |
| Caesars Sportsbook at Isle Waterloo | 777 Isle of Capri Blvd Waterloo, IA 50701 | Mon-Fri 11 a.m.-9 p.m. Sat & Sun 10 a.m.-9 p.m. |
| PointsBet at Catfish Bend Casino | 3001 Winegard Dr Burlington, IA 52601 | Kiosks Daily 10 a.m.-10 p.m. Counter Mon-Fri Noon-8 p.m. Sat&Sun 10 a.m.-8 p.m. |
| Caesars Sportsbook at Prairie Meadows | 1 Prairie Meadows Dr Altoona, IA 50009 | Mon-Fri 11 a.m.-9 p.m. Sat & Sun 9 a.m.-9 p.m. |
| Caesars Sportsbook at Harrah's Council Bluffs | One Harrahs Blvd Council Bluffs, IA 51501 | 24/7 kiosks |
| Caesars Sportsbook at Horseshoe Council Bluffs | 2701 23rd Ave Council Bluffs, IA 51501 | Mon-Thu 10 a.m.-10 p.m. Fri 10 a.m.-11 p.m. Sat 9 a.m.-11 p.m. Sun 10 a.m.-11 p.m. (Kiosks 10 a.m.-midnight daily) |
| FanDuel Sportsbook at Diamond Jo Worth | 777 Diamond Jo Ln Northwood, IA 50459 | Mon-Fri 10 a.m.-10 p.m. Sat 9 a.m.-midnight Sun 9 a.m.-9 p.m. |
| FanDuel Sportsbook at Diamond Jo | 301 Bell St Dubuque, IA 52001 | Daily 8:30 a.m.-2:30 a.m., using casino cage if sportsbook area is closed |
| bet365 Sportsbook at Casino Queen | 100 Anti Monopoly Marquette, IA 52158 | Sun-Thurs 9 a.m.-midnight Fri-Sat 9 a.m.-2 a.m |
| DraftKings at Wild Rose Jefferson | 777 Wild Rose Drive Jefferson, IA 50129 | Mon-Thu Closed Fri & Sat 10:30 a.m.-10 p.m. Sun 10:30 a.m.-9 p.m. (Betting kiosks open during all casino hours) |
| DraftKings at Wild Rose Emmetsburg | 777 Main Street Emmetsburg, IA 50536 | Mon & Tue Closed Wed-Sun 10 a.m.-10 p.m. (Betting kiosks open during all casino hours) |
| DraftKings at Wild Rose Clinton | 777 Wild Rose Drive Clinton, IA 52732 | Sun-Th 11 a.m.-9 p.m. Fri & Sat 11 a.m.-10 p.m. (Betting kiosks open during all casino hours) |
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 continued a seasonal slowdown as the state gets ready for football bets in the fall. Iowa casinos collected $115.6 million in June, which is down about 14.8% from $147.7 million in May.
For year-over-year, the $115.6 million collected in June is down 5.6% from $122.4 million in June bets for the same month in 2022.
Historically, the state sees lower numbers over the summer. Starting in August, the numbers start to climb. September brings a surge of college and NFL football bets. The strong numbers continue through March Madness in Iowa.
How Iowa Compares To Other States
Iowa sports betting keeps pace Midwest neighbors Illinois and Indiana. Just keep in mind:
- 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 award show outcomes.
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 so, 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 sign up for more than 15 sports betting apps, Illinois only has six.
In Illinois, you can’t bet on in-state college teams unless you visit an Illinois casino in person, 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 2022 to set a new, single-month record.
Iowa budget years go from July to June. We can track how the sports betting industry has fared so far. Customers could visit casinos to open online accounts starting in August 2019. Online sportsbook registrations began in January 2021. You’ll see quite a jump once customers could register for an online Iowa sportsbook from home.
- Start of sports bets (August 2019) through June 2020 — $368 million
- July 2020 through June 2021 — $1.22 billion
- FY 2022 (July 2021 through June 2022) — $2.46 billion
Each of Iowa’s 19 land-based casinos can open three online sportsbooks with its sports betting license. That also helped the Iowa market grow to its true potential.
Within the past year, the Iowa Legislature passed a gaming update to allow bets on athlete honors like the Cy Young Award or the Heisman Trophy. The changes now allow Iowa bets on pro draft positions as well.
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.
However, Iowa could improve its online gambling position by allowing esports bets and award show bets like the Oscars, which could attract bettors from Illinois and elsewhere where those wagers aren’t offered.
Iowa might consider online casino games like roulette and slots to head off the illegal market as well. Most Iowa online sportsbooks have online casino options ready to go if approved.
NFL Betting in Iowa
The 2023 NFL season and 2024 NFL playoffs will bring a wide range of betting opportunities across all Iowa sportsbook apps. These include limited-time promotions like parlay profit boosts, bonus 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.
NFL 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.
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.
College Sports Betting in Iowa
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. Player stat bets are only allowed for out-of-state college teams and professional sports.
Iowa and Iowa State have fairly even athletic departments. Their annual Cy-Hawk Series keeps a head-to-head tally. The scoreboard covers football, basketball and Olympic sports. Iowa State has wins in 7 years compared to 6 years for Iowa.
Iowa Hawkeyes
The University of Iowa remains the biggest brand in the state. The Hawkeyes boast an elite wrestling program. Its football and basketball programs are typically solid. The Iowa women’s basketball team reached the 2023 Final Four. Iowa has the state’s only D1 college baseball team and the Hawkeyes received an NCAA Tournament berth over the summer.
The Hawkeyes set multiple records at sportsbooks for the all-time lowest over/under total in college football last season. It was a perfect storm of an inept offense and one of the best defenses in the nation. They found more wins than losses overall and started the season at No. 25 in the preseason AP football poll.
In basketball, the Hawkeyes stumbled in the second round of the Big Ten Conference Tournament and bowed out in the first round of the 2023 NCAA Tournament. They’ve reached four straight editions of March Madness — the count would have been five in-a-row if the 2020 NCAA Tournament had been played.
Iowa State Cyclones
Iowa State’s football team stumbled in 2022 but still eked out a 10-7 win over the Hawkeyes early on. They fell short of a winning record overall and stayed home during bowl season, but that’s unusual for coach Matt Campbell’s program. He helped the Cyclones bring a Fiesta Bowl trophy back to Ames after the 2020 season. Last season’s absence snapped a five-season bowl streak.
The basketball program is ascending after a dismal two-win season in 2020-21. The following year under first-year coach T.J. Otzelberger they reached the Sweet 16. They made it back to the 2023 March Madness field as well. Folks in the bracket projection business think the Cyclones will have a spot in the 2024 edition of the NCAA Tournament as well.
Northern Iowa Panthers
While the Hawkeyes and the Cyclones reign supreme as the state’s most popular college teams, the Northern Iowa Panthers basketball program breaks through on the national level from time to time as well.
One of the most iconic scenes of March Madness features Ali Farokhmanesh burying a three-point shot to knock off No. 1 overall seed Kansas in the 2010 NCAA Tournament. They returned to March Madness in 2015 and 2016 and still have one of the better programs in the Missouri Valley Conference.
The above-average football program competes at the FCS level, so betting lines during the regular season are harder to come by.
Drake Bulldogs
The Drake Bulldogs basketball team is on to something special under coach Darian DeVries. The former Creighton assistant led the 2020-21 team to a First Four March Madness win over Wichita State in Dayton. They returned as the Missouri Valley Conference automatic qualifier in 2023. The Bulldogs proved to be a tricky 2023 March Madness hurdle for eventual Final Four participant Miami (FL).
Drake has an FCS football program but the Bulldogs play in a non-scholarship conference. That leaves them a step below UNI and other programs. They still have a shot at the FCS Playoffs because the Pioneer League has an automatic bid available.
Other Sports To Bet On In Iowa
Iowa allows sportsbooks to list a range of sports — and an increasing number of sportsbooks are tapping into Iowa’s passion for NCAA wrestling. You can’t bet on individual matches, but team spreads are becoming an option. Iowa, Iowa State and UNI all field programs that are consistently in the top 25.
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. The Milwaukee Brewers and Chicago White Sox are within driving distance and are worth a mention as well.
The Iowa Cubs are a AAA affiliate of the Chicago Cubs, so Des Moines is a frequent stop for players who are on their way to The Show.
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
NHL Teams
Iowa’s hockey options include the Chicago Blackhawks, the Minnesota Wild and the St. Louis Blues. The Iowa Wild is an AHL affiliate of the Minnesota Wild.
You can also find bets on auto racing, and European soccer bets, as well as wagers for golf, 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.
| Event | Sport | Date(s) |
|---|---|---|
| UFC 294 | MMA | Oct. 21 |
| UFC 295 | MMA | Nov. 11 |
| College Football Playoff Selections and Bowl Announcements | CFB | Dec. 3 |
| Heisman Trophy | Awards (CFB) | Dec. 9 |
| MLS Cup | Soccer | Dec. 9 |
| Rose & Sugar Bowl semifinals | CFB | Jan. 1, 2024 |
| National Championship Game | CFB | Jan. 8, 2024 |
| NFL Wild Card Round | NFL | Jan. 13-15, 2024 |
| Australian Open | Tennis | Jan. 15-28, 2024 |
| NFL Divisional Round | NFL | Jan. 20-21, 2024 |
| AFC, NFC Championship Games | NFL | Jan. 28, 2024 |
| Super Bowl LVIII | NFL | Feb. 11, 2024 |
| Daytona 500 | NASCAR | Feb. 18, 2024 |
| The Oscars | Awards | March 10, 2024 |
| MBB/WBB Selection Sunday | March Madness | March 17, 2024 |
| NCAA WBB Final Four | March Madness | April 5 & 7, 2024 |
| NCAA MBB Final Four | March Madness | April 6 & 8, 2024 |
| The Masters | Golf | April 8-11, 2024 |
| NFL Draft | NFL | April 25-27, 2024 |
| Kentucky Derbry | Horse Racing | May 4, 2024 |
| PGA Championship | Golf | May 16-19, 2024 |
| Preakness Stakes | Horse Racing | May 18, 2024 |
| French Open (Roland Garros) | Tennis | May 20-June 9, 2024 |
| Indianapolis 500 | IndyCar Series | May 26, 2024 |
| Belmont Stakes | Horse Racing | June 7-8, 2024 |
| US Open | Golf | June 13-16, 2024 |
| MLB All-Star Game | Baseball | July 16, 2024 |
| Wimbledon | Tennis | July 1-14, 2024 |
| The Open (British Open) | Golf | July 18-21, 2024 |
| XXXIII Olympic Summer Games | Olympics | July 26-Aug. 11, 2024 |
| US Open | Tennis | Aug. 26-Sept. 8, 2024 |
| NFL Opening Game | NFL | Sept. 5, 2024 |
How To Place A Bet In Iowa
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.
Register Remotely
As of Jan. 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.
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. Most welcome bonuses are applied automatically when using Gaming Today’s sign-up links.
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.
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 different sportsbooks, so it’s a good idea to compare beforehand.
IMPORTANT: Bonus 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.
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 bet on an individual player’s stats at the college level. 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. 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.
Iowa bettors have access to many “best in class” sports betting apps including 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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