Iowa sports betting is legal, and fans can sign up for an Iowa sportsbook from anywhere in the state. There are 13 sportsbooks currently operating in Iowa.
Iowa sports betting was legalized when Gov. Kim Reynolds signed SF-617 in May 2019.
Customers must 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 and 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.
Best Iowa Sports Betting Apps in April 2025
Iowa has several of the industry’s best sports betting apps with generous sign-up bonuses available.
Up to $1,500 in Bonus Bets if Your First Bet Doesn't Win* *Bonus Bets Expire in 7 Days. One New Customer Offer Only. Add’l terms. 21+. Gambling Problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER Use Bonus Code: TODAY Bet $5 Get $200 in Bonus Bets PLUS Get a $50 Bonus Bet on Deposit PLUS up to $1,000 Deposit Bonus Gambling Problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER
Get $250
21+ and present in Iowa. Gambling Problem? Call 1-800-BETS-OFF.
Affiliate Disclosure: If you place a bet at a sportsbook through one of our links, we may earn a commission.
Our top 5 choices
FanDuel Iowa
FanDuel Sportsbook Iowa consistently offers many daily promotions. These are some of the most inventive and enticing offers in sports betting, including odds boosts, cashback offers, free tournaments, and countless more. That’s on top of some of the best odds in Iowa, commonly beating out the odds from its most significant competitors like DraftKings and BetMGM.
- Key features: Competitive underdog odds, clear navigation, readily available boosts, variety of promotions, fantasy sports integration, A-Z sport list
- Live streaming? Yes
- Available on: iOS and Android
- App store ratings: Apple 4.9; Google 4.5
Get $250
- Bet $5, Get $250 in Bonus Bets if Your Bet Wins
- Available on Desktop, Android & iOS
- Gambling Problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER. 21+
- To Claim: Click Play Now
bet365 Iowa
The bet365 Sportsbook offers many features that make the Iowa 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.
- Key features: Early payouts, bet boosts, flexible use of bonus bets
- Live streaming? Yes
- Available on: iOS and Android
- App Store ratings: Apple 4.8; Google 4.6
- Bet $5 Get $150 in Bonus Bets Win or Lose
- OR First Bet Safety Net up to $1,000
- 30% Extra on Same Game Parlay Profit
- T&Cs Apply. Gambling Problem? Call or text 1-800-GAMBLER 21+
- Use Bonus Code: GTODAY
BetMGM Iowa
BetMGM Sportsbook Iowa is one of the most popular gambling apps in the state, in part because the MGM brand name backs it. But it’s also because this is one of the most reliable, feature-rich, and competitive platforms in the US. The BetMGM Sportsbook also offers an incredible parlay profit boost that increases payouts by up to 40%. That’s on top of the many other daily promotions at BetMGM Iowa.
- Key features: Live betting available, quick parlay options, MGM Rewards integration
- Live streaming? Yes
- Available on: iOS and Android
- App store ratings: Apple 4.8; Google 4.5
Up to $1,500 in Bonus Bets if Your First Bet Doesn't Win*
*Bonus Bets Expire in 7 Days. One New Customer Offer Only. Add’l terms. 21+. Gambling Problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER
Use Bonus Code: TODAY
Caesars Iowa
The Caesars Sportsbook Iowa app comes highly recommended due to its impressive market depth, great odds, and unbeatable rewards program. 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.
- Key features: Huge market depth, daily odds boosts and promotions, Caesars Rewards program, fast and easy deposit and cashout, powerful live betting platform
- Live streaming? Yes
- Available on: iOS and Android
- App store ratings: Apple 4.6; Google 4.3
- Stream NFL Games In-App for Free
- 21+ Gambling problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER
- Use Promo Code: TODAYDYW
Fanatics Iowa
Fanatics Sportsbook launched in Iowa in February 2024. With its clean navigation and live streaming, Fanatics rivals the top Iowa sports betting apps previously established in the state. The app’s user-friendly interface and cutting-edge features have quickly attracted a strong user base in Iowa. As more bettors discover what Fanatics has to offer, it’s clear that the competition is heating up.
If you’re ready to join, don’t miss the Fanatics Sportsbook sign-up bonus.
- Key features: Pre-game stats, pre-packaged Same Game Parlays (SGPs), early cashouts, strong live betting section
- Live streaming? Yes
- Available on: iOS and Android
- App Store Rating: Apple 4.7; Google 4.6
- Bet and Get up to $1,000 in No Sweat Bets or Choose Your Own Offer
- Earn FanCash & Spend it on Team Swag or More Bets
- 21+. Gambling Problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER
- To Claim: Click Play Now
What's Happening in Iowa Sports Betting News Right Now?
Best IA Sportsbook Promos Codes and Bonuses To Explore
Iowa sportsbooks are always looking for new customers, and the state has plenty of competition. The links below can help you redeem some of the best sports betting promos in the industry.
| 📱 IA Sportsbook | 💰 Bonus Offer | 🎯 Promo Code |
|---|---|---|
| FanDuel Sportsbook | Bet $5, Get $250 in Bonus Bets if Your Bet Wins | Click to claim promo |
| bet365 Sportsbook | First Bet Safety Net Up to $1,000 OR Bet $5 & Get $150 in Bonus Bets Win or Lose | GTODAY |
| BetMGM Sportsbook | Claim $1,500 in Bonus Bets if your first wager doesn't win | TODAY |
| Caesars Sportsbook | Bet $1, Double Your Winnings on Next 10 Wagers | TODAYDYW |
| Fanatics Sportsbook | Bet and Get up to $1,000 in No Sweat Bets | Click to claim promo |
| DraftKings Sportsbook | Claim up to $1,250 in Bonuses | Click to claim promo |
How To Place a Bet in Iowa
Learning how to bet will enable you to safely join and wager 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.
Select a Welcome Offer
The links at Gaming Today can help you get started. Just make sure to find an offer that matches the bet you have in mind.
Start the Registration Process
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 sign-up process or while you make a deposit. 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.
Types of Bets at Iowa Sportsbooks
Moneyline
A moneyline wager means you are predicting who will win the game or match. As long the team or individual you are wagering on prevails, you get to cash. An example of a moneyline wager would be taking the Chicago Cubs to win at -162 over the Texas Rangers.
Point Spread
When you wager on a point spread, also known as a line, you are betting on the team’s margin of victory or defeat. For instance, if you bet the Chicago White Sox as a -1.5 favorite, they have to win by that many runs or more.
Total (Over/Under)
Placing an Over/Under wager means that you are betting on the combined points in a game. The sportsbook will set a number—e.g., 43.5 for an NFL game—and you’re betting on whether the two teams combine to score Over or Under that point threshold.
Parlay and SGP
Parlay and same-game parlays are wager bundles that require two or more outcomes to come through, such as betting on the St. Louis Blues to win outright, score at least 3 goals, and for their goalie to make 30+ saves. Payouts are bigger than for individual bets, but all the legs of your parlay must come through for your wager to be successful.
Futures
Futures wagers mean you are betting on the outcome of season-long events, such as picking the Green Bay Packers to win another Super Bowl.
Sports To Bet on in Iowa
Iowa does not have any major league sports teams, but 16 NFL, NBA, NHL, and MLB franchises are just over an Iowa border.
In addition, the Iowa Hawkeyes and Iowa State Cyclones compete in major conferences and have passionate fan bases.
| Team | League |
|---|---|
| Iowa Hawkeyes | 🏉 College Football ⛹🏻♂️ College Basketball |
| Iowa State Cyclones | 🏉 College Football ⛹🏻♂️ College Basketball |
| Chicago Bears | 🏈 NFL |
| Green Bay Packers | 🏈 NFL |
| Kansas City Chiefs | 🏈 NFL |
| Minnesota Vikings | 🏈 NFL |
| Chicago Bulls | 🏀 NBA |
| Milwaukeee Bucks | 🏀 NBA |
| Minnesota Timberwolves | 🏀 NBA |
| Chicago Blackhawks | 🏒NHL |
| Minnesota Wild | 🏒NHL |
| St. Louis Blues | 🏒NHL |
| Chicago Cubs | ⚾️ MLB |
| Chicago White Sox | ⚾️ MLB |
| Kansas City Royals | ⚾️ MLB |
| Milwaukee Brewers | ⚾️ MLB |
| MInnesota Twins | ⚾️ MLB |
| St. Louis Cardinals | ⚾️ MLB |
MLB Betting in Iowa
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.
Want to try a pro sports bet? We can help: Best MLB Betting Sites | Latest Baseball Promo Codes
NBA Betting in Iowa
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 Betting in Iowa
Iowa’s hockey options include the Chicago Blackhawks, the Minnesota Wild, and the St. Louis Blues. The Iowa Wild is the Minnesota Wild’s AHL affiliate.
Hockey Betting Guides — Best NHL Betting Sites | Latest NHL Promo Codes.
College Sports Betting in Iowa
Iowa boasts four college teams that play at the D1 level in football and basketball. The Iowa Hawkeyes and Iowa State Cyclones are the two most popular college programs 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.
In 2023, Iowa’s football team won the Big Ten West and earned a trip to the Citrus Bowl on New Year’s Day.
The Hawkeyes won the NCAA-recognized Football Writers Association of America’s National Championship in 1958. Iowa has been invited to 36 bowl games, counting the COVID-cancelled 2020 Music City Bowl.
Football Betting Guides — Top NFL Betting Apps | Best College Football Betting Sites | Best Football Promo Codes
In basketball, the Hawkeyes have experienced mixed results in the 2023-24 season. However, the team has been a reliable March Madness participant under coach Fran McCaffery. They’ve taken the court in each of the last four NCAA Tournaments, and they made the Final Four in 1955, 1956, and 1980.
Iowa State’s football team fell short of a winning record overall and stayed home during bowl season in 2022, but coach Matt Campbell’s program is back in the bowl mix with a 2023 Liberty Bowl invite. He helped the Cyclones bring a Fiesta Bowl trophy back to Ames after the 2020 season as well.
The basketball program is ascending after a dismal two-win season in 2020-21. Coach T.J. Otzelberger promptly led the Cyclones to back-to-back NCAA Tournaments, including a 2022 spot in the Sweet 16.
Basketball Betting Guides — Best NBA Betting Sites | Best College Basketball Betting Sites | Latest Basketball Promo Codes
While the Hawkeyes and the Cyclones reign supreme as the state’s most popular college teams, the Northern Iowa Panthers basketball program occasionally breaks through on the national level 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.
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 each year because the Pioneer League has an automatic bid available. In fact, they made their FCS Playoff debut in 2023.
Iowa Sports Betting at a Glance
Iowa casinos partner with your favorite sportsbooks to bring online sports betting to the state. Iowans started placing the state’s first wagers ahead of the 2019 football season. Beginning in 2021, Iowa waived the in-person registration requirement at casinos. Now, you can sign up for Iowa’s legal sportsbooks from the comfort of your home.
| Iowa Population | 3.2 million |
|---|---|
| Legal Betting Age | 21+ |
| Sports Betting Regulator | Iowa Racing and Gaming Commission |
| Online Sportsbooks | ✔ Available |
| Retail Sportsbooks | ✔ Available |
| College Sports Betting | ✔ Available |
| Esports Betting | ⚠ Available (in fantasy sports contests only) |
| Tax Rate | 6.75% |
Iowa Sports Betting Laws
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 to have legal sports betting.
In April 2019, the Iowa Senate voted in favor of legalized sports betting by wide margins. Iowa lawmakers were able to pass a bipartisan bill through the Senate on a 31-18 vote and through the House on a 67-31 vote.
Just a few days later, the bill passed the Iowa House, and it received Gov. Kim Reynolds’s signature on Bill SF-617 on May 13, 2019. It was officially legal to bet on sports in Iowa.
Though the state first launched its sportsbooks in August 2019, the initial law required users to register in person at a land-based casino for online accounts. That rule expired on Jan. 1, 2021.
Under the law, the Iowa Racing and Gaming Commission (IRGC) became the regulator of sports betting and allows casino licensees to offer sports betting.
William Hill (now Caesars) opened the first four retail sportsbooks in the state at Prairie Meadows, Lakeside Casino, Isle Casino Bettendorf, and Isle Casino Waterloo. The company took the state’s first sports bets on Aug. 19, 2019. It was also the first online sportsbook to go live. At the time, customers had to visit a casino to register. From there, they could bet online.
- Iowa sports betting regulator: The Iowa Racing and Gaming Commission administers the laws and regulations regarding commercial casino operations. The IRGC also oversees pari-mutuel wagering at racetracks.
- Authorized Iowa Operators: Iowa’s 19 casinos and racinos may apply for a sports wagering license from the Iowa Racing and Gaming Commission.
- Operator Taxes and Fees: The initial fee for a sports betting license is $45,000. Licenses may be renewed annually for $10,000.
- Iowa Sports Betting Tax Rate: 6.75 percent
- Legal Betting age in Iowa: Must be 21 years old.
- Iowa Betting restrictions: No prop betting is allowed on in-state collegiate athletes. It is also prohibited to bet on minor league sports events and any athletic event of an interscholastic sport, defined as “any educational institutions that are not community colleges, colleges, or universities.”
Iowa Sports Betting Legalization Timeline
Governor 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 on June 17, 2022.
Sports betting became much more convenient at the start of the year when the in-person registration requirement expired. 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.
The first sportsbooks launch in Iowa.
Gov. Kim Reynolds signs SF-617 into law, legalizing sports betting in Iowa.
Iowa lawmakers finalized legislation to legalize sports wagering and placing bets on fantasy sports websites and apps.
Legal Iowa Betting Markets
Iowa allows online and in-person betting on in-state college games. The state recently added bets on pro sports drafts and end-of-season player awards. The full Iowa sports betting catalog can be found here.
| ✅ Approved Sports and Wagering Events | 🚫Unapproved Sports and Wagering Events |
|---|---|
| ✅ Major Sports Leagues (NFL, NBA, MLB, NFL) | 🚫 College prop bets |
| ✅ College Sports | 🚫 eSports |
| ✅ Motorsports | 🚫 Awards shows |
| ✅ Olympics (team events only) | 🚫 Politics |
| ✅ Golf | 🚫NFL Draft |
| ✅ Soccer |
Some exotic options include the International Sumo League, the International Cycling Union, and cornhole. The Super Bowl coin toss is considered a sports-related event, so you’ll find that option when the Big Game arrives.
Illegal Iowa Betting Markets
Iowa bettors won’t find Oscars bets at their favorite sportsbook.
Some prop bets are also not allowed:
- Individual athlete performances for Iowa college teams. For example, you can bet on an Iowa men’s basketball score but not on whether or not a player will score 15+ points.
- The free-agent destination of a coach or star player.
- The outcome of a kickoff or first play from scrimmage.
- Bets on a negative outcome — for example, an incomplete pass on a quarterback’s first attempt. Penalties and injury bets also can’t be wagered on.
Iowa Sports Betting Revenue and Handle
Month-to-month: Sports betting in Iowa will start to slow down until football returns in the fall. Iowa’s casino sportsbook partners collected $166,987,544.23 in handle for August 2024. A total of $156,108,842.48 was generated by Iowa online sportsbooks, plus $10,878,701.75 generated by retail sportsbooks.
Historically, the state sees progressively lower numbers over the summer. Starting in August, the numbers should start to climb. September brings a surge of college and NFL football bets.
| Month | Sports Betting Handle | Internet Handle | Tax Revenue |
|---|---|---|---|
| August 2024 | $166,987,544.23 | $156,108,842.48 | $1,058,864.13 |
| July 2024 | $138,136,616.46 | $130,623,913.24 | $936,488.81 |
Full List of Iowa Sportsbook Apps
Each of Iowa’s 19 casinos can carry up to three sportsbook brands. Beyond that, there is no limit to the number of sportsbook apps available. Few states can match the variety of sportsbooks Iowa has to offer.
| 📱Sportsbook | 🤝 Local Partner | ✅ Mobile and/or Retail? |
|---|---|---|
| 📱FanDuel IA | 🤝 Diamond Jo Dubuque Casino | ✅ Mobile and Retail |
| 📱bet365 IA | 🤝 Casino Queen Marquette | ✅ Mobile |
| 📱BetMGM IA | 🤝 Diamond Jo Casino Dubuque | ✅ Mobile |
| 📱Caesars IA | 🤝 Prairie Meadows Racetrack & Casino | ✅ Mobile and Retail |
| 📱Fanatics Sportsbook IA | 🤝 Catfish Bend Casino | ✅ Mobile and Retail |
| 📱Betfred IA | 🤝 Grand Falls Casino & Golf Resort | ✅ Mobile and Retail |
| 📱BetRivers IA | 🤝 Wild Rose Casinos | ✅ Mobile |
| 📱DraftKings IA | 🤝 Wild Rose Casinos | ✅ Mobile and Retail |
| 📱Circa Sports IA | 🤝 Wild Rose Casino Jefferson | ✅ Mobile |
| 📱ESPN Bet IA | 🤝 Ameristar Casino Hotel | ✅ Mobile and Retail |
| 📱Q Sportsbook IA | 🤝 Q Casino Dubuque | ✅ Mobile and Retail |
| 📱Bally Bet IA | 🤝 Elite Casino Resorts | ✅ Mobile |
| 📱Sporttrade IA | 🤝 Wild Rose Casino Clinton | ✅ Mobile |
What To Look for in Iowa Betting Apps
With 16 apps currently live in the state, Iowa bettors have a wide variety of options when choosing a sportsbook. While all mobile apps are regulated and offer their own unique benefits, there are several features one should look at when considering which sportsbooks best suit your wagering needs.
Here are the top factors we consider when rating the top legal sportsbooks:
- Easy app navigation and clean interface;
- Depth of odds and betting lines;
- A variety of bet types;
- Stringent security features;
- Multiple deposit and withdrawal options;
- Best-in-class welcome offers and bonuses.
Where To Bet in Iowa: Retail Sportsbooks
At one time, Iowa customers who wanted to use a sportsbook had to register in person at a casino. That gave Caesars an early market advantage. Starting in 2021, the state allowed remote registration, so no casino visit was necessary.
Even so, casino guests often enjoy the experience of betting in person and then watching the games play out with some food and drinks.
| Location | Sportsbook | Address |
|---|---|---|
| Isle Casino & Hotel Bettendorf | Caesars Sportsbook | 1777 Isle Pkwy Bettendorf, IA 52722 |
| Isle Casino & Hotel Waterloo | Caesars Sportsbook | 777 Isle of Capri Blvd Waterloo, IA 50701 |
| Catfish Bend Casino | PointsBet, a Fanatics Experience | 3001 Winegard Dr Burlington, IA 52601 |
| Prairie Meadows Casino & Hotel | Caesars Sportsbook | 1 Prairie Meadows Dr Altoona, IA 50009 |
| Harrah's Council Bluffs | Caesars Sportsbook | One Harrahs Blvd Council Bluffs, IA 51501 |
| Horseshoe Council Bluffs | Caesars Sportsbook | 2701 23rd Ave Council Bluffs, IA 51501 |
| Diamond Jo Worth | FanDuel Sportsbook | 777 Diamond Jo Ln Northwood, IA 50459 |
| Diamond Jo Dubuque | FanDuel Sportsbook | 301 Bell St Dubuque, IA 52001 |
| Casino Queen | Queen Sportsbook | 100 Anti Monopoly Marquette, IA 52158 |
| Wild Rose Jefferson | DraftKings Sportsbook | 777 Wild Rose Drive Jefferson, IA 50129 |
| Wild Rose Emmetsburg | DraftKings Sportsbook | 777 Main Street Emmetsburg, IA 50536 |
| Wild Rose Clinton | DraftKings Sportsbook | 777 Wild Rose Drive Clinton, IA 52732 |
| Q Hotel & Casino | Q Sportsbook | 1855 Greyhound Park Road Dubuque, IA 52001 |
| Grand Falls Casino & Golf Resort | Betfred Sportsbook | 1415 Grand Falls Blvd. Larchwood, IA 51241 |
| Ameristar Casino Hotel | ESPN Bet Sportsbook | 2200 River Rd. Council Bluffs, IA 51501 |
| Hard Rock Hotel & Casino | Hard Rock Sportsbook | 111 3rd St Sioux City, IA 51101 |
| Lakeside Hotel Casino | DRF Sportsbook | 777 Casino Drive Osceola, IA 50213 |
| Rhythm City Casino Resort | Betfred Sportsbook | 7077 Elmore Avenue Davenport, IA 52807 |
| Riverside Casino and Golf Resort | Betfred Sportsbook | 3184 Hwy 22 Riverside, IA 52327 |
How Iowa Compares to Other States
Iowa sports betting keeps pace with other states with legal sports betting, including its 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 entertainment competitions like the Oscars.
Indiana has the most liberal sports betting laws in the country, even more so than those in 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 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 online and the pure number of options. While Iowa sports bettors can sign up for more than 15 sports betting apps, Illinois has only eight.
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.
Pros and Cons of Iowa Sports Betting
Overall, Iowa is well above average in the number of sportsbooks available and the menu of allowable bets.
Pros
Able to register online and via mobile devices Competitive industry with popular sportsbook brands Licensed by Iowa Gaming Commission
Cons
Credit cards not allowed as deposit method Some bet types prohibited in Iowa but available in other states No prop betting on in-state collegiate athletes
Other Gambling Options in Iowa
Iowa was one of the last states to offer greyhound racing, but that era has come to a close. The state still has plenty of other betting options.
| Gambling Alternative | Legal? |
|---|---|
| Social Sportsbooks | ✅ |
| Daily Fantasy Sports | ✅ |
| Horse Racing Betting | ✅ |
| Lottery | ✅ |
| Online Casinos | ❌ |
| Online Poker | ❌ |
Sweepstakes Games
Iowa may take a look at online casino games (iGaming) in the future. For now, social sportsbooks like Fliff, which uses Fliff Coins and integrates promotions and loyalty rewards to allow you to win prizes, are present in the Hawkeye State. Social casinos like WOW Vegas, Pulsz, and High 5 Casino are also legal and available.
Players use sweeps “coins” to place wagers. If you win, the fictional coins can be redeemed for real cash prizes. Users can purchase more coins to extend and enhance their experience at the site.
There is also Rebet Social Sportsbook, a mobile app that allows users to make sports picks for fun or real money.
Daily Fantasy Sports in Iowa
Paid daily fantasy sports are available, but only at the “premier” league level. That means MLB and the NBA are approved. Minor League Baseball and the G-League are not. College daily fantasy sports are not an option in Iowa. DraftKings and FanDuel are the only two DFS operators in the state at the moment.
Horse Race Betting in Iowa
The Hawkeye state has a single location for live horse racing. Prairie Meadows Racetrack and Casino in Altoona, IA, has a May to September racing schedule.
Several casinos in Iowa are licensed to allow pari-mutuel horse betting. They are:
- Q Casino in Dubuque
- Horseshoe Casino in Council Bluffs
- Prairie Meadows Racetrack & Casino
- Wild Rose casinos in Clinton, Emmetsburg, and Jefferson
FanDuel Racing is one of the best horse betting apps. It is operated by ODS Technologies, L.P. and authorized by the Iowa Racing and Gaming Commission. TVG, which is owned by FanDuel, is the only racing app allowed for use in Iowa.
Iowa Responsible Gaming
The state’s casinos and sportsbooks apps give Iowa bettors plenty of options, but it’s important to maintain a healthy approach and practice responsible gaming.
Iowa has a state-specific hotline, 1-800-BETS OFF, to guide gamblers and their loved ones through any concerns about addiction. You may also text (855) 895-8398 for assistance.
The Department of Health and Human Services offers help through the Your Life Iowa website as well. The site has a live chat option, a list of facts and myths about gambling, and even a payout wizard to help you understand the odds for some of the most popular casino games in Iowa.
Iowa Sports Betting Industry: More Resources
- The Iowa Racing and Gaming Commission (IRGC) is in charge of gambling regulations and offers a robust resource for sports bettors and gambling operators.
- 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.
Iowa Sports Betting FAQ
It is legal to bet on sports in Iowa. You can bet on a vast catalog of sports including NFL, MLB, NBA, and NHL. PGA Tour, tennis, NASCAR, MMA and other events are also open. College sports betting is legal, but player prop bets are prohibited.
Yes. DraftKings is one of 14 legal sportsbooks in the Hawkeye State. You can bet on sports or play DFS on DraftKings in IA.
Yes. FanDuel Sportsbook Iowa is available. Customers can also play FanDuel DFS in Iowa.
No, but you need to be located within Iowa when you place a bet. Visitors from other states can legally wager at Iowa’s online sportsbooks.
Legal mobile apps use geolocation technology to determine a user’s location at the time of a bet. If the geolocation services can’t detect that you’re in the state, you won’t be able to bet.
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 Meskwaki Casino in Tama, where the gambling age is 18. However, this establishment does not offer a sportsbook.
Iowa bettors have access to many “best in class” sports betting apps including FanDuel, BetMGM, and Caesars Sportsbook.
You can bet on all major professional and college sports (except player props) in Iowa. Soccer, darts, cricket, and other sports are readily accessible. You can’t bet on high school sports or awards shows (Oscars, Emmys, etc.) in IA.
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.
It is not legal to use offshore sportsbooks in Iowa. Such sites are not regulated and cannot guarantee security with your deposits or winnings. They are illegal and should never be used.
Yes. Online sports betting in Iowa is legal 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.
Online casinos and online poker are not currently legal in IA.
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