Iowa sports betting: Best licensed sportsbooks in 2024
LEGAL sports betting arrived in Iowa in May 2019, almost exactly one year after the Supreme Court removed the federal ban on sports betting that affected every state in the US.
Iowa sports betting is regulated by the Iowa Racing and Gaming Commission, with anyone over the age of 21 legally allowed to bet as long as they are geographically located within state lines.
The legalization process was relatively painless for Iowa. The bill to legalize sports betting, Senate Bill 617 found broad support in the legislature when it was introduced in 2019, ultimately passing by a vote of 67-31. Since the launch, around 19 different online sportsbooks have opened for business in the Hawkeye State.
Top Iowa sports betting sites
There are lots of options for sports betting fans in Iowa. Check out our favorites below:
The state of sports betting in Iowa
Sports betting is in a very healthy state in Iowa. Since its legalization in 2019, the industry has enjoyed steady growth, with a host of US and international sportsbooks launching in the state. At the start of 2023, around $5.5 billion has been gambled in Iowa sports betting.
Every online sportsbook in Iowa requires a brick-and-mortar partner, and casinos and racetracks are entitled to host two online skins, with the possibility of applying for up to one more. Today Iowa has almost 20 different online sports betting sites, each with an in-person sportsbook in one of the state casinos.
Recent history of Iowa sports betting
It all began for Iowa (and the rest of the states in the US) when the Supreme Court voted to strike down the Professional and Amateur Sports Protection Act in May 2018. PASPA, as it was known, acted as a federal ban on sports betting in almost every state in the country. Upon its removal, each state could legislate for sports betting however they wished.
Iowa wasted no time, and a bill to legalize sports betting (SB617) reached the Senate the following year. It passed relatively easily and was signed into law by Gov. Kim Reynolds in May 2019, with the lawmaker signaling her support for removing the “unregulated black market” that was previously the only option for Iowa sports betting.
In 2022 a new gambling bill, HF2497, was passed in Iowa, which affected both the sports betting industry and the gambling and casino industry as a whole. Thanks to the bill, sports wagering options in the state were expanded to include “award bets” - a type of futures bet based on individual player awards, like the Heisman Trophy winner.
A closer look at Iowa’s best sports betting sites
1. DraftKings
DraftKings sportsbook is regularly listed as the most popular online betting site in a variety of states, and for good reason.
The platform is extremely strong in every facet, from the range of sports to the promotions, the banking process and even the fact that you also get DFS as part of the package.
Pros:
- Industry leading range of bets available
- Excellent sportsbook app
- Lots of special features, like pools and a social platform
Cons:
- Limited customer support options
2. BetMGM
BetMGM is one of the biggest sportsbooks in the US. Just like Caesars, the online platform has close ties to in-peron MGM Resorts. Any money you bet online earns you points which can be cashed in for real life benefits and offers in Vegas or Atlantic City.
Pros:
- Great depth of bets and markets
- Fun parlay building tool
- Tons of on-running promos for specific sports
Cons:
- Some people may be put off by the focus on in person MGM Resort rewards
3. BetRivers
BetRivers is widely available around the US. The range of bets and markets is very good, and you can also stream certain sports right on the platform.
There’s a $500 risk free bet for new players and lots of great on-running promotions too, as well as the iRush rewards program. Bonuses and promos are a real strong point of BetRivers. The platform has some fun unique touches too, including weekly free-to-play games and even a podcast.
Pros:
- Great sportsbook bonuses and promotions
- Excellent live betting options
- Daily odds boosts
Cons:
- Website feels a bit old fashioned
How to choose the best online sportsbook in Iowa
Choosing the best sportsbook is all about figuring out what you personally require from the sports betting experience and finding the site to match. Every sportsbook has differences, from obvious things like the specific types of sports available to bet on, to more subtle things, like the design of the platform.
Below, you can check out some of the things you should think about when choosing an Iowa sportsbook.
- Sports betting markets - There is a fair bit of overlap between the different books, and the most popular sports like NFL and NBA are always going to be available. But there are some sports that are only available at one book or another. If you’re looking for somewhat obscure sports betting options you should do your research in advance.
- Betting offers, bonuses, and promos - All sportsbooks have welcome bonuses for new members, but the types of bonuses vary a lot. We’re going to go into more detail in a later section, but you should always choose a sportsbook with a bonus that makes sense for you personally.
- Accepted payment methods - The banking options also vary book by book, and you should choose one that lets you deposit and withdraw in a way that works for you. You can expect that most sportsbooks will accept a credit or debit card (Visa, Mastercard), PayPal, e-wallets, and other alternatives.
- Deposit and withdrawal times - Deposits are generally instant but the time it takes for cashouts to be processed changes up depending on both the book and the method. If getting fast access to your winnings is a priority, you should look for a book that supports instant cashouts.
- Security and license - We strongly recommend only betting with a sportsbook that is licensed and regulated by the Iowa Racing and Gaming Commission, like the ones featured on this page.
- Customer support - A responsible and helpful customer support team makes a huge difference to the overall experience of using Iowa sports books.
- Mobile app and user experience - If mobile betting is your thing you should choose a book with a highly-rated app, which works for your specific iOS or Android phone or tablet.
How to sign up online at a sports betting site in Iowa and start betting
Even though all the books are different, getting set up with an account is fairly similar whichever one you choose. First up, you’ll need to register by giving the sportsbooks some personal information. Here’s what you’ll need:
- Name
- Date of birth
- Email address
- Password
- Phone number
Depending on the sportsbook, you may also be prompted to type in a promo code, which unlocks your welcome bonus.
You’ll also need to verify your identity, which normally involves providing the following info along with a copy of some personal identification, like a driver’s license or passport.
- Address
- SSN
Once your account has been set up and verified you can deposit some money to start betting with, or to activate your welcome bonus bet. Head to the cashier, choose your preferred payment method and follow the instructions. The payment is normally processed instantly.
When that’s all taken care of, here’s how you can place a bet:
- Open the menu of bets and find the one you want to place. The menu is organized by sports, and if you click into each section or game you’ll find more markets.
- Click on your bet to add it to the digital betslip.
- You can type in different stakes to see how much you win, or add more selections to the betslip to build a parlay.
- When you’re ready, click the “Confirm” button to lock your bet in. The money will come out of your account immediately.
Interesting Iowa sports betting facts
- Legal sports betting launched in Iowa in May 2019
- The state approved a new, wider ranging gambling bill in 2022 which expanded the range of legal bets in the state
- You must be at least 21 years old to sign up to a sportsbook and bet
- You can sign up from anywhere but you need to be inside Iowa state lines when you place a bet
- Sports betting revenue is taxed at 6.75%
- Iowa has no professional sports teams in the US major leagues
- Iowa is the smallest state to have taken a $100 million in bets in a single month
- In 2021, more than $2 billion was handled in sports bets
Our top 5 sports tips and strategies for betting online in Iowa
We asked our experts for their top five tips for anyone starting out in the betting scene in Iowa. Here’s what they came up with.
- Don’t just stick to one book. One of the best and easiest strategies to get an extra edge in sport betting is to check around different sites for the best price before you place a bet. Some people might be put off by creating multiple accounts, but it’s basically guaranteed to save you some money if you’re even a semi-regular sports bettor.
- Make the most of bonuses. Another benefit of multiple accounts is that you get different welcome bonuses. There’s a reason you only get a welcome bonus once: the sportsbook is basically paying you (or at least, giving you a discount) to join up. Sports betting is all about finding marginal gains, and bonuses are a prime source.
- Objectivity is key. Avoid betting on your favorite teams to win, or generally on outcomes you want to happen. Successful betting is based on analysis, not emotion.
- Form your opinions before you see the lines. Say you’re into betting against the spread in the NFL. Spend some time predicting what you think a fair spread would be in each game over the weekend, then check the actual lines against your expectations. This is a great habit to get into: it means you understand the books better, helps eliminate confirmation bias and basically gives you simple “picks” whenever large discrepancies arise.
- Keep an eye on live movement. Another good practice is to check the line both as soon as its release, and then just before the game starts. It tells you what the public thinks and what direction the money is flowing.
What sports bets are legal at betting sites in Iowa?
The specific sports betting options at Iowa are pretty extensive, especially since bill HF 2497 passed in 2022 which further liberalized the types of bets you could place in the state. Below, we’re taking a quick run through all the most popular types of bets in Iowa.
Moneylines
A moneyline bet is simply a forecast on which side you think will win an individual matchup - like betting on the Celtics to win at -200 in a match against the 76ers. Each side is given odds on the moneyline, which reflect their respective chances of winning. Moneyline bets are just about the simplest way to bet in Iowa.
Point spreads
Betting against the spread is all about the margin of victory. The favorites are effectively given a handicap, while the underdogs get a headstart. The odds tend to be around even money, and to win the bet either side simply needs to cover the spread. For example, you might take the Celtics at -5 against the 76ers at +5. To win your bet, the Celtics need to win by 6 points or more.
Totals
This is a bet on the total number of points scored in a game. The book sets a line and you can take either the Over or the Under. Totals bets also tend to pay out around even money.
Futures
Futures are bets on outcomes in the future - often at the end of the season - like picking the winner of the Super Bowl or the winners of different Conferences. Since 2022, you could also place futures on player awards, like the Super Bowl MVP or Heisman Trophy winner.
Props
Props are bets on specific things that happen in a game, or on specific aspects of a team or player’s performance. Think betting on the number of rushing yards in the NFL, layups in the NBA or home runs in MLB.
Live betting
IA sports betting rules allow you to be on sports that are happening live, with the odds changing second by second. Most people like to use mobile sportsbooks for this, for the convenience of fast access.
Living in Indiana? Check what bets you can place at the Hoosier State!
What bonuses and promotions are available at Iowa sports betting sites?
It’s always a good sign when there are a lot of different sportsbooks to choose from in a single state, for one big reason: competition. It means each book will be trying to stand out from the crowd, and their main tactic to do so is by using bonuses and promos.
Check out some of the most common offers at Iowa sportsbooks below:
- Deposit match bonuses - The sportsbook matches some or all of your first deposit with bonus cash or free bets
- Reload bonuses - The same but not restricted to your first deposit
- Risk free bet - If your first bet loses, your stake will be refunded in the form of a free bet or free bets
- Free bets - Basically a voucher to place a bet. If it wins, you only get to keep the winnings
- Odds boosts - The sportsbook chooses certain bets to receive enhanced odds
- Moneyback specials - get your money back if a certain event happens in the game, like a specific player scores the last points.
What sports are popular for bettors in Iowa?
You can bet on most sports at Iowa sportsbooks. Although the state doesn’t have any pro teams in the major leagues, the likes of NFL, NBA, MLB, and NHL still attract the majority of the action.
Betting on college games is also very popular, especially around big events in the calendar like March Madness.
Even though boxing events are not as common, it doesn't mean they are less popular among bettors. Whether it's a heavyweight or catchweight title match, there are plenty of betting markets available.
Check the latest odds for Gervonta Davis vs Ryan Garcia fight.
Check out some of the sports you can bet on below:
- Football (NFL, college football)
- Basketball (NBA, WNBA, college basketball)
- Hockey (NHL, college hockey
- baseball (MLB, college baseball
- Soccer (Premier League, MLS, Champions League, etc.)
- Golf
- Tennis
- Boxing
- UFC / MMA
- Motorsports
- Table Tennis
- Lacrosse
- Australian Rules
- Badminton
- Billiards
- Bowling
- Chess
- Cricket
- Curling
- Cycling
- Darts
- Esports
- Field Hockey
- Floorball
- Handball
- Horse Racing
- Netball
- Rugby League
- Rugby Union
- Snooker
- Volleyball
- Water polo
- Wrestling
- Winter Sports
Register at BetMGM and place your bet on a variety of betting markets
What betting apps are legal and available in Iowa?
It’s been a healthy rise for Iowa sportsbooks, with more and more online sportsbooks launching in the state each year since sports arrived in 2019. Check out the full list below:
- Bally Bet
- Barstool
- Betfred
- BetMGM
- BetRivers
- Betway
- Caesars Sportsbook
- Circa Sportsbook
- DraftKings
- DRF
- Elite Sportsbook
- FanDuel
- Hard Rock
- PointsBet
- Q Sportsbook
- SuperBook
- Tipico
What’s the legal gambling age in Iowa?
You need to be at least 21 years old to bet in Iowa.
Can you bet on DFS legally in Iowa?
Yes. Daily Fantasy Sports was formally legalized in 2019 as part of the sports betting bill. Both DraftKings and FanDuel DFS websites are available to players in Iowa.
Sign up at DraftKings and bet on DFS
Are college sports legal to bet on in Iowa?
Yes. In fact, due to the lack of major professional sports teams in the state, betting on Iowa colleges in various NCAA sports is very popular. However, you may not place bets on individual college players (essentially NCAA player props), which is illegal.
Can I bet on sports events in Iowa if I’m from another state?
Yes. Anyone over the age of 21 can complete the registration process at an Iowa sportsbook. However, to actually place a bet you must be geographically located in the state.
What are the advantages for bettors in Iowa?
There are plenty. The sports betting market in Iowa is several years old already, with an excellent selection of sportsbooks and liberal laws surrounding what you can bet on. Having access to so many sportsbooks is always a good thing, especially when they have to compete to outdo each other with various sign-up bonus offers.
Iowan sports bettors basically have access to the complete package. The Hawkeye State is as good as anywhere in the US for betting on sports.
Are there any disadvantages if you bet in Iowa?
We’re happy to report that there aren’t many. If you want to get really picky, the overall number of sportsbooks is still lower than in some states, like Colorado for instance. Iowa also doesn’t have the same footprint in the major leagues as many states, so you, unfortunately, won’t be betting on any local franchises to win the biggest competitions.
Legal sportsbooks in other US states
Looking for legal sports betting action from another US state? Check out our lists with the best sports betting sites in the following states:
Responsible gambling
Remember to gamble responsibly
A responsible gambler is someone who:
- Establishes time and monetary limits before playing
- Only gambles with money they can afford to lose
- Never chase their losses
- Doesn’t gamble if they’re upset, angry, or depressed
- National Council on Problem Gambling – https://www.ncpgambling.org/
- Gamble Aware – www.begambleaware.org
For help with a gambling problem, call the National Gambling Helpline on 1-800-522-4700 or go to ncpgambling.org/chat
