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Best Iowa sports betting sites in December 2024

Written by: Declan Willis

Fact checked by: Martin Pramatarov

Map of USA, where state of Iowa is pinned.

Are you searching for the best Iowa sports betting sites? It is your lucky day! The experts of Gamezinger.com just accomplished the mission of investigating everything Iowa sports bettors need to know: the best sportsbooks, sports wagering conditions, odds boosts, bonus bet promos, and more aspects of sports betting in Iowa! Are you ready to start? Here we go!

Best sportsbooks IALegal bettingImportant lawsLegal agePopular betting sportsFAQ

The best sportsbooks in Iowa

Verified by: Declan Willis Author at GameZinger.com
Last updated: 17.12.2024
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4.9/5 Up to C$ 200 if your first bet loses
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The first question that comes to a responsible player’s mind is: Does Iowa allow sports wagering? And fortunately, the answer is yes! In Iowa, sports betting is legal. You can bet in person and online. This state has a vast number of active online sportsbooks where users can freely register, deposit, and bet, as long as they do it within the Iowa limits.

The sportsbooks you expect and more have presence in Iowa: BetMGM Sportsbook, Bet 365 Sportsbook, FanDuel Sportsbook, Caesars Sportsbook, Betfred Sportsbook, Betway Sportsbook, DraftKings Sportsbook, ESPN Bet, BetRivers Sportsbook, ClutchBet Sportsbook, DRF Sportsbook, Q Sportsbook, etc.

You can easily explore the IA sportsbooks and their mobile sports betting apps. These last have become very popular, like everywhere else, due to their features, the variety of sports and types of bets they include, ease of use, promotions and bonuses, live streaming of different sports events, and the possibility to bet on the go.

When your favorite sports are off the season, you have many more to try, or you can give the casinos a shot. Many of the most popular sportsbooks in Iowa also offer casino games.

Let’s not delay this anymore! These are the best IA sports betting sites. Pick yours, register, and get a bonus instantly!

Governor Kim Reynolds signed sports wagering into law in May 2019. The law allowed online sportsbooks to operate as long as they partnered with one of the state’s land-based casinos. It also established one of the lower tax rates and licensing fees for betting compared to other legal states. The Iowa Racing and Gaming Commission (IRGC) oversees sports wagering in the state, managing licensing and regulation of sportsbooks to ensure the safety of sports bettors. Every app approved for wagering in Iowa undergoes thorough testing and review for security and fairness before being released. The retail and online launch co-occurred in August 2019.

Critical aspects of Iowa sports betting law you must know:

  • The legal age to bet on sports in Iowa is 21 years old.
  • Bettors can register at an Iowa sportsbook entirely online. The previous rule demanding registration in person to bet online expired on January 1, 2021.
  • You don’t have to be an Iowa resident to bet on sports, but you must place the bets within the state limits.
  • It is forbidden to wager on high school sports or entertainment-related events.
  • Betting on professional and college sports is legal.

Is sports wagering legal in Iowa? Yes, Iowa bettors can enjoy betting on sports without worries because the activity has been legal in this American state since 2019.

  • Retail sportsbook betting – legal

    Retail sportsbook betting is legal in Iowa. If you opt for this choice, you can place your wagers in person at licensed land-based casinos (retail sportsbooks) throughout the state. When Iowa legalized sports betting, the state included this alternative. The official release of digital sports betting and retail sportsbook betting occurred in 2019.

    Iowa sports betting is fun! The state has licensed and authorized retail sportsbooks as many as Iowa sportsbooks. If you prefer to bet in person, enjoy it without worries! It is legal and available in Iowa.

Most popular land-based sportsbooks in Iowa
Verified by:Declan WillisAuthor at Gamezinger.com
Last updated: 28.07.2024
SportsbookLocationOwnerLaunch dateOnline betting / Gambling website
Rhythm City Casino ResortElite Casino ResortsAugust 2019Yes
Wild Rose Casino & ResortDraftKingsOctober 2019Yes
Diamond Jo CasinoFanDuelSeptember 2019Yes
Horseshoe Casino Council BluffsCaesars EntertainmentAugust 2019Yes
Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Sioux CityHard Rock InternationalSeptember 2019Yes
Catfish Bend CasinoPointsBet HoldingsAugust 2019Yes
Diamond Jo Worth CasinoBetMGMJanuary 2021Yes
Q CasinoDubuque Racing AssociationAugust 2019Yes
Grand Falls Casino & Golf ResortElite Casino ResortsAugust 2019Yes
Load More

  • Internet sports wagering – legal

    Governor Kim Reynolds legalized IA online sports betting in May 2019. The law allowed online sportsbooks to operate as long as they partnered with one of the state’s land-based casinos. The Racing and Gaming Commission oversees all Iowa sportsbooks and manages their licensing and regulations to ensure the safety of sports bettors. Every app approved for wagering in Iowa undergoes thorough testing and review for security and fairness before release. The launch of the digital sports wagering happened in August 2019. Since then, the Iowa sports betting market has grown fast.

  • Daily fantasy sports (DFS) – legal

    Legal Iowa sports betting also includes daily fantasy sports (DFS). Residents and users who place their bets within the state limits can participate in DFS contests through authorized operators, such as FanDuel and DraftKings. These operators are required to obtain a license from the IRGC to ensure compliance with state regulations and to provide a safe and fair gaming environment for participants.

    Sports betting in Iowa and daily fantasy sports (DFS) have been legal since 2019.

  • eSports – not legal

    The legal status of the eSports is different from state to state. Currently, Iowa still bans eSports. The debate about the legalization of this activity is intense in the state, so it will likely be legal soon. We will keep you up to date!

    Meanwhile, you can enjoy many other online sports betting possibilities in IA.

  • Horse betting – legal

    Sports betting sites in Iowa include horse betting because it is legal. Bettors in the state can place wagers on horse races both at physical racetracks and through licensed online platforms. The Iowa Racing and Gaming Commission oversees and regulates all horse betting activities to ensure fair play and compliance with state laws.

    If you are interested, check out the Iowa racing.

IA sports betting history

The legalization of sports betting in Iowa occurred in May 2019, and the retail and online betting formats launched in August 2019. The process was relatively fast.

Repealing of the PASPA, 2018

The first big step towards the legalization of sports betting in Iowa was the repeal of the Professional and Amateur Sports Protection Act (PASPA) by the Supreme Court in 2018. States obtained the authority to legalize sports betting. Iowa seized this opportunity and passed Senate File 617 in May 2019, legalizing betting on sports and daily fantasy sports (DFS) in the state. Governor Kim Reynolds signed the bill into law, allowing both retail and online betting.

The official start of Iowa sports betting, 2019

The first sportsbooks in Iowa officially started operations on August 15, 2019. On this day, multiple casinos and sportsbooks began accepting in-person and online wagers. Among the early adopters were:

  • Prairie Meadows Casino, Racetrack & Hotel. Partnered with William Hill, it was one of the first to launch both a retail and online sportsbook.
  • Isle Casino Hotel Bettendorf. It also partnered with William Hill and quickly started accepting sports bets.
  • Isle Casino Hotel Waterloo. Like its Bettendorf counterpart, this casino began operations in partnership with William Hill on the same day.

Lifting of the in-person registration for bettors, 2021

Initially, online bettors had to complete their registration in person at a licensed casino. On January 1, 2021, the government lifted the in-person requirement for Internet sports wagering, making it more convenient for bettors to register, deposit, and place bets online from anywhere within the state. The number of active online sportsbooks grew, with several significant operators entering the Iowa market, providing a wide range of options for bettors.

Iowa sports betting regulations have contributed to the market growth, making it one of the more robust markets in the United States. The history of legal sports betting in Iowa is recent, and there is still much to see.

The most important Iowa sports betting regulations

Mainly, three actions marked Iowa’s sports betting history towards its legalization.

  • Repealing of the PASPA, 2018. This year, the Supreme Court repealed the Professional and Amateur Sports Protection Act (PASPA). States obtained the authority to legalize sports betting.
  • Legalization of Iowa sports betting, 2019. Iowa passed Senate File 617 in May 2019, legalizing sports wagering and daily fantasy sports (DFS) in the state. Governor Kim Reynolds signed the bill into law, allowing both retail and online wagering.
  • Lifting of the in-person registration for bettors, 2021. Initially, online bettors had to complete in-person registration at a licensed casino. On January 1, 2021, Iowa lifted the in-person requirement for Internet sports wagering, allowing bettors to register, deposit, and place bets entirely online from anywhere within the state.

Debates soon included Iowa racing and gaming.

The legal age to bet on sports in Iowa is 21 years old. If you comply and can prove this legal requirement, enjoy the best sportsbooks in Iowa!

Legal sports betting age

Betting typeLegal age at land-based establishmentLegal age onlineLegal since
Sportsbooks21212019
Fantasy sports21212019
Horse race betting21212019

More about the best Iowa sports betting sites

Check out our comprehensive reviews for detailed insights into the leading online sportsbooks in Iowa. Our experts have thoroughly examined these sites and apps, providing valuable information to guide you.

We have also prepared summaries of the top platforms in the state. These condensed reviews are helpful for those who need a quick overview without delving into the full articles. You’ll find enough details to understand the companies and why they rank among the best in Iowa.

BetMGM Sportsbook

The IA online sports betting includes in his top choices BetMGM. It is a very well-known name in the legal sports wagering market.

BetMGM stands out for its extensive selection of sports, including niche markets such as snooker and surfing. This variety ensures that bettors looking for less common sports will find something they like alongside popular sports like football, basketball, and baseball.

BetMGM’s website navigation and the general experience will satisfy your expectations. Its mobile app offers a generally solid experience, with a friendly interface that makes placing bets on the go easy. You can use the famous “edit my bet” option on both platforms. The feature allows you to modify your wagers after placing them, offering flexibility to change bet types, add selections, or increase the stake.

BetMGM provides a generous welcome bonus for new users in Iowa. You can receive up to $1,500 bonus bets if your first bet does not win.

Bet365 Sportsbook

Bet365, one of Europe’s leading sportsbooks, is now one of the top sportsbooks in Iowa. Bet365’s app and website cater to novice and experienced bettors with a wide range of comprehensive features. The interface is clean, making navigating through an extensive menu of betting options easy. One of Bet365’s standout features is the ability to edit bets. This flexibility allows bettors to adjust their wagers even after placing them, providing more control over their betting strategy.

Bet365 excels in live betting. The live wagering feature allows users to place bets in real time as events unfold. Coupled with this is the streaming feature, which lets users watch a wide range of sports events directly from the app. This combination of live betting and streaming makes for a highly interactive experience.

Bet365 offers a vast range of betting markets, regular promotions, an attractive welcome bonus for new users in Iowa, and more. Bettors can choose between betting $5 to get up to $150 in bonus bets or a first bet safety net of up to $1,000. This flexibility in the welcome offer allows users to select the bonus that best suits their betting style.

Online sports betting in IA is secure and exciting when you choose a legal and reliable sportsbook such as Bet365. You can give it a shot if you are looking for a quality website or mobile sports betting.

FanDuel sports betting

FanDuel Sportsbook is one of the most reputed IA sports betting sites. This sportsbook offers one of the most efficient and user-friendly experiences on the web and mobile platforms. The layout is clear and straightforward so, users can navigate various betting options and features easily. Whether you’re a novice bettor or an expert, you will find the platform easy to use.

A standout feature of FanDuel Sportsbook is the ability to create same-game parlays. It lets users combine multiple bets from a single game into one parlay, increasing the potential payout and adding an extra layer of excitement to the betting process.

FanDuel offers a competitive welcome bonus for new users in Iowa. When you bet $5, you receive $150 in bonus bets if your bet wins. Additionally, FanDuel provides daily boosts or bonuses throughout the summer, giving users more opportunities to maximize their winnings.

While there is room for growth in terms of regular promotions, the platform remains a top choice for sports bettors in Iowa.

How do you choose sports betting websites?

Fortunately for Iowa bettors, the variety of sportsbooks in the state is vast. For sure, there is a choice for every sports enthusiast. The downside can be that researching and comparing them to pick one can take some time. To save you some effort, we have a comparison that includes different choices for sports betting in Iowa. It is a solid starting point for you to decide where to bet.

Best overall sports betting platformBetMGM
The most generous bonusesBorgata
Excellent betting optionsBetRivers
Top betting oddsDraftKings
Great mobile betting experienceCaesars
Online sportsbook with high-securityBetMGM
Great payment methodsBetRivers
Excellent choice for withdrawal speedBetway
High-class customer serviceDraftKings
Best browser and app user interfaceCaesars

Reviewing the availability of sports betting markets

Bettors have their sports preferences clearly defined. But every day, users look for more sports to bet on. It is a good strategy for many because once the football, boxing, or basketball season is over, they can still bet by trying other disciplines. If you search for various betting markets, Iowa sportsbooks have them. You can find this information in our list of Iowa recommendations.

Choose those who offer different bets

The Iowa sports betting market is rapidly becoming mature. It already offers a vast menu of betting options, including Parlay Bets, Same Game Parlays, Over/Under (Total) Bets, Point Spread Bets, Futures Bets, Moneyline Bets, Proposition Bets (Prop Bets), Live Betting (In-Play Betting), and more.

We know Iowa sports bettors demand variety, so you will find platforms offering that in our list of recommendations.

Betting odds

Having a variety of legal online sports betting providers leads to better odds for bettors. In Iowa’s competitive sports betting market, you can take advantage of some of the highest betting odds in the USA. Top-tier sites offer very competitive odds, and with popular Iowa sports betting promotions like odds boosts, you can achieve even better outcomes for your bets.

A tip if you plan to bet online in Iowa! To make the most of your wagers, compare the same games and betting options across different platforms to find the best odds for your specific situation. No single sports gambling provider consistently offers the best odds. While we strive to keep our reviews as up-to-date as possible, the odds constantly change.

Sports betting app

Currently, many of the best sportsbooks in Iowa offer sports betting apps. It is a demand of modern bettors. Iowa sports betting apps have surpassed the popularity of their website counterparts, allowing you to place bets from anywhere within the state. Whether commuting, relaxing in a park, or lounging in your living room, you can easily bet on your favorite sports. The app store ratings for these apps in Iowa are excellent. You can find versions for both iOS and Android featuring exciting options like live betting and live streaming.

Good selection of banking options

We meticulously assess each Iowa online sportsbook to evaluate its deposit and withdrawal choices. Why both? Because you should have the ease of starting with your preferred banking method and the assurance of seamless withdrawals when you win.

Sports wagering platforms focus on ensuring you have a seamless and enjoyable betting experience. Smooth transactions are essential to avoid being distracted by other factors, such as the security of your finances and to enjoy betting. It’s wise to review banking options before signing up.

Iowa platforms provide a plethora of banking options. You’ll find traditional card payments, e-wallets, and other innovative methods to make your transactions straightforward and secure. You can pick the banking option that best suits you from a list of names like Visa, Mastercard, Wire Transfer, Skrill, Bitcoin, Paysafecard, and more. For all Gamezinger.com experts, safety comes first when evaluating these methods, followed closely by the diversity and accessibility of the options available.

Security

Security is the main factor when choosing a sportsbook. From the moment you register, you will provide personal details and, later on, bank data to bet. It is essential to bet only on legal Iowa betting sites. Iowa authorities strictly oversee these platforms’ security and general operation, giving you legal protection. Illegal betting sites are dangerous, and you won’t count on customer service or legal protection from authorities in case of an issue.

Customer support

The top Iowa sportsbooks provide round-the-clock customer support. Usually, you can reach out via live chat on their website or app. Additionally, some sites offer contact through email and phone. The live chat was the fastest way to contact the support staff during our tests. More platforms should include phone support, as it can quickly resolve issues, particularly those related to online banking. Overall, we found the customer service of Iowa’s leading sportsbooks to be satisfactory.

Live streaming

Iowa bettors love the live-streaming feature! Having an account on a betting site to stream numerous sports events live on your laptop or smartphone has become very popular. BetMGM, Bet365, DraftKings, ClutchBet, FanDuel, and other sportsbooks offering this feature get extra points. Expert bettors stream multiple events simultaneously. Users must observe the regional restrictions to bet without violating any law to obtain their winnings smoothly.

Top 3 most popular sports to bet on in Iowa

Football, basketball, and baseball are the top three most popular sports to bet in Iowa. You can enjoy betting on all of them on the best Iowa sports betting sites.

Betting on football in Iowa

Like in the rest of the US, Iowans are passionate about football. Both NFL and college football attract a significant number of wagers. The enthusiasm for the Iowa Hawkeyes, the Iowa State Cyclones, and popular NFL teams drives considerable betting activity to the best sportsbooks in Iowa.

Betting on basketball in Iowa

Basketball is another trendy sport for betting in Iowa sportsbooks. The NBA attracts many bettors, but college basketball, especially during the NCAA tournament, also sees a lot of action from Iowa sports fans. If you are a basketball enthusiast, you can bet on this sport on the best Iowa online sportsbooks.

Betting on baseball in Iowa

Major League Baseball is also a favorite among Iowa bettors. The long season and numerous games provide ample opportunities for placing bets, making it a staple in the Iowa sports wagering market.

Popular Iowa sports events you can bet on

These events trigger betting activity in Iowa:

  • Cy-Hawk series. The annual football game between the University of Iowa Hawkeyes and the Iowa State University Cyclones is the biggest derby for bettors in the state.
  • College football season. Beyond the Cy-Hawk series, the entire college football season sees a lot of betting interest.
  • NCAA basketball tournament. The NCAA basketball tournament is hugely popular and called the “March Madness.”
  • NFL season and Super Bowl. Bettors place wagers on regular-season games, playoffs, and the Super Bowl.
  • MLB season and World Series. The extensive season of major league baseball and the World Series attracts numerous bets.
  • Big Ten Championship. As part of the Big Ten Conference, the championship game involves the top teams from the conference, including the Iowa Hawkeyes.
  • NASCAR races. Specifically, races at the Iowa Speedway in Newton draw many local bettors.
  • NBA playoffs and finals. Many Iowans place wagers on these high-stakes games.

Most important sports teams from Iowa

Iowa sports betting industry is growing at a steady pace. Different sports in Iowa are as popular as in the rest of the US. Iowa football bettors are many, although their state doesn’t have any major league sports teams. Iowa only has minor league teams based throughout the state. NFL and college football (and more Iowa college sports) attract many wagers. The enthusiasm for the Iowa Hawkeyes and the Iowa State Cyclones, along with popular NFL, NBA, MLB, NHL, and other major league teams, drives considerable betting activity to the best sportsbooks in Iowa.

Iowa Hawkeyes logo

Iowa Hawkeyes (University of Iowa)

The Iowa Hawkeyes, representing the University of Iowa, are a prominent and storied collegiate athletic program with a valuable history and a passionate fan base.

The Iowa Hawkeyes football team has won multiple Big Ten Conference championships, with notable victories in 1956, 1958, 1960, 1981, 1985, and 2002.

The Iowa Hawkeyes men’s basketball team has made numerous appearances in the NCAA tournament and secured several Big Ten regular-season and tournament titles.

The Iowa Hawkeyes wrestling team has achieved over 20 NCAA team championships.

For fans and bettors alike, wagering on the Hawkeyes adds excitement and engagement to the games. Whether placing bets at retail sportsbooks or through online sportsbooks, the experience is more fun when the home team is involved.

The Iowa State Cyclones logo

The Iowa State Cyclones (Iowa State University)

The Iowa State Cyclones, representing Iowa State University, are a significant collegiate athletic program with a passionate following and a notable presence in various sports. Every Cyclones match wakes up big excitement that is noticeable in any Iowa online sportsbook.

The Iowa State Cyclones football team has had competitive seasons in the Big 12 Conference.

The bowl team has achieved notable victories in the Liberty Bowl (2017) and the Alamo Bowl (2020).

The men’s basketball team has made numerous appearances in the NCAA tournament and won several Big 12 Conference tournament titles. The Cyclones women’s basketball team has also made multiple NCAA tournament appearances and reached the Elite Eight.

The wrestling program has obtained eight NCAA team championships and numerous individual titles.

The Iowa State Cyclones have a dedicated fan base, particularly in Ames and central Iowa. Local pride and school spirit make betting on the Cyclones appealing to fans and residents.

What other types of gambling are legal in Iowa?

There are different restrictions you should observe to avoid a gambling problem.

Sweepstakes Casinos Iowa

This particular type of online gaming site is allowed in Iowa. You can play table games, slot games, and more but without directly wagering real money on sweepstakes casinos. Players use tokens or virtual currencies – frequently called sweeps coins or gold coins- instead. Play only on licensed gambling sites.

Land-based casinos Iowa

There are legally established land-based casinos in Iowa. The Iowa Racing and Gaming Commission (IRGC) is responsible for issuing their license and overseeing their operation. If the casinos have a license, you can play all their games without legal worries. Extra note: Iowa has several tribal gaming facilities, but their regulation is in charge of the tribes themselves. The IRGC has no role when it is about them.

Online Gambling Iowa

The legalization of sports wagering in Iowa happened recently (2019). However, the state still forbids online casinos. Avoid a gambling problem.

Online Poker Iowa

In Iowa, poker rooms and poker itself are not allowed.

The best Iowa sports betting sites, the conclusion

Iowa allowed betting on sports in 2019, so there are legal sports wagering sites in the Hawkeye state. You can enjoy mobile betting or choose a sportsbook, as long as you do it within the state limits and comply with the legal age to bet. As mentioned in this review, the variety of online sportsbooks, sports and markets to bet on, betting types, and attractive bonuses won’t disappoint you!

The Internet sports wagering scene in Iowa is new but has grown and improved quickly and steadily. You won’t miss the big names of the industry: BetMGM Sportsbook, Bet 365 Sportsbook, FanDuel Sportsbook, Caesars Sportsbook, Betfred Sportsbook, Betway Sportsbook, DraftKings Sportsbook, ESPN Bet, BetRivers Sportsbook, ClutchBet Sportsbook, DRF Sportsbook, Q Sportsbook, etc. The best sportsbooks in Iowa await you!

Declan WillisAuthor at Gamezinger.com

Iowa sports betting FAQ

Who supervises the sports betting websites in Iowa?

The Iowa Racing and Gaming Commission (IRGC).

Can you bet on college sports in Iowa?

Yes, you can! In Iowa, it is legal to bet on college sports.

Are there any legal online sports betting sites in Iowa?

Yes. There are over 20 legal online sportsbooks in Iowa.

Which Iowa sportsbook do you recommend?

You can check our complete list of recommendations and reviews at Gamezinger.com. Shortly answering, we recommend Betway and Caesars to enjoy the most competitive odds in the market. FanDuel and DraftKings to bet on major events, tournaments, and games. Bet365 and BetMGM to get the most extensive variety of sports. BetRivers and Caesars to access the best rewards programs. BetMGM and Caesars to enjoy the best regular promotions for existing bettors.