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Best Iowa sports betting sites in February 2025

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! Our experts just accomplished the mission of investigating everything residents need to know: the best bookmakers, wagering conditions, odds boosts, promos, and more aspects of sports betting in the Corn Belt Heartland! 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: 13.02.2025
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The first question that comes to a responsible player’s mind is: Does Iowa allow sports betting? And fortunately, the answer is yes! It is legal and you can wager in person and on the Internet. This state has a vast number of active online bookmakers where users can freely register, deposit, and gamble, as long as they do it within the state limits.

The gidital sportsbooks you expect and more have presence in Iowa: BetMGM, Bet365, FanDuel, Betfred, Betway, DraftKings, ESPN Bet, BetRivers. Also Caesars Sportsbook, ClutchBet, DRF Sportsbook, Q Sportsbook, etc.

You can easily explore the the platforms and their mobile apps, which have become very popular, like everywhere else. This is thanks to their features, the variety of sports and types of wagers, ease of use. Their promotions, live streaming of different events, and the possibility to gamble on the go make them appealing.

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 gambling sites in IA also offer games of luck.

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 bookies 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 wagering compared to other legal states. The Iowa Racing and Gaming Commission (IRGC) oversees sports wagering in the state, managing licensing and regulation of platforms to ensure the safety of sports bettors. Every app approved for wagering in the Midwestern Gem 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 legal Iowa sports betting you must know:

  • The age requirement for residents and visitors who want to bet on sports in IA is 21 years old.
  • You can register at a digiat gambling site in the state. The previous rule demanding registration in person to bet online expired on January 1, 2021.
  • You don’t have to be a resident of the Midwestern Gem to have the right to wager on sports, but you must place them 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 betting legal in Iowa? Yes, residents can enjoy the activities it has been legal in since 2019.

  • Retail sportsbook betting – legal

    Using the services of physical bookies is legal in The Hawkeye State. If you opt for this choice, you can place your wagers in person at licensed land-based casinos and retail sportsbooks throughout the state. The official release of online sports betting and land-based bookmakers occurred in 2019. If you prefer to place wagers in person, enjoy it without worries! It is lawful 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
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

  • Online sports betting in Iowa – legal

    Governor Kim Reynolds legalized IA wagering on the Internet 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 players. Every app approved for wagering in the Rolling Prairie 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 Hawkeye State’s market has grown fast.

  • Daily fantasy sports (DFS) – legal

    Legal online sports betting in Iowa 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

    Sports betting sites in Iowa include wagering on horse races because it is legal. Hawkeyes can place wagers on horse races both at physical racetracks and through licensed web-based 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.

  • 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 formats launched in August 2019. The process was relatively fast.

2018 – Repealing of the PASPA

The first big step towards the legalization 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. The American Heartland seized this opportunity and passed Senate File 617 in May 2019, making sports wagering and daily fantasy sports (DFS) in the state legal. Governor Kim Reynolds signed the bill into law, allowing both retail and online bets.

2019 – The official start of sports betting

The first bookmaker in the Corn Belt Heartland officially started operations on August 15, 2019. On this day, multiple casinos and bookies began accepting in-person and digital 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 operating.
  • Isle Casino Hotel Waterloo. Like its Bettendorf counterpart, it began operations in partnership with William Hill on the same day.

2021 – Lifting of the in-person registration requirement

Initially, gamblers had to complete their registration in person at a licensed casino to be able to place sports wagers on the Internet. On January 1, 2021, the government lifted the in-person requirement for Internet sports wagering. This made registration, depositing, and placing wagers online more convenient and possible from anywhere within the state. The number of active web-based bookies grew, with several significant operators entering the IA market. This provides a wide range of options for residents.

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 development of the state industry is recent, and there is still much to see.

The most important Iowa sports betting regulations

Mainly, three actions marked the The Corn State’s sports wagering history towards its legalization:

  • Repealing of the PASPA, 2018. This year, the Supreme Court repealed the Professional and Amateur Sports Protection Act (PASPA). Every American state got the authority to legalize spors wagers.
  • The Corn State 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 rule in 2021. Initially, gamblers had to complete in-person registration at a licensed casino. On January 1, 2021, the state lifted the in-person requirement for Internet wagering. Now residents could register, deposit, and place bets entirely online from anywhere within the state.

Debates soon included Iowa racing and gaming.

The legal age for sports wagers in the Hawkeye State is 21. 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 websites

Check out our comprehensive reviews for detailed insights into the leading online sportsbooks in the American Heartland. 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 enthusiasts include in their top choice BetMGM. It is a very well-known name in the market. BetMGM stands out for its extensive selection of sports, including niche markets such as snooker and surfing. The variety the prominent operator ensures for those looking for less common sports is great. Everyone will find something they like alongside popular activities 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 gambling 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 wager 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 wager does not win.

Bet365 Sportsbook

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

Bet365 excels in live gambling, allowing you 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 wagering and streaming makes for a highly interactive experience.

The operator offers a vast range of betting markets, regular promotions, an attractive welcome bonus for new users in Iowa, and more. Residents can choose between wagering $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 style and budget.

Online sports betting in IA is secure and exciting when you choose legal and reliable brands such as Bet365. You can try it if you want a quality website or mobile wagering.

FanDuel sports betting

FanDuel is one of the most reputed IA sports betting sites. It offers smooth and user-friendly experiences both on the web and mobile platforms. The layout is clear and straightforward so, users can navigate various wagering options and features easily. Whether you’re a novice 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 wagers 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 place wager of $5, you receive $150 in bonus bets if it 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 online bookmakers?

Fortunately for Iowa bettors, the variety of platforms 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 gamble.

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 betting markets

You must have your gambling preferences clearly defined. But every day, users look for more sports to try. It is a good strategy for many because once the football, boxing, or basketball season is over, they can still give other disciplines a try. If you search for various betting markets, Iowa sportsbooks have them.

Choose digital bookmakers who offer different bets

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

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

Betting odds

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

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

Betting apps

Currently, many of the leading bookmakers in the Tall Corn State have apps. It is a demand of the modern world. Iowa sports betting apps have surpassed the popularity of their website counterparts, allowing you to place wagers 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 in the state are excellent. You can find versions for both iOS and Android featuring exciting options like live gambling and streaming.

Good selection of banking options

We meticulously assess each 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. It’s wise to review banking options before signing up.

The wagering platforms in Rolling Prairie 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 our team, 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 information for real money gambling. It is essential to use only legal Iowa betting sites. The local authorities strictly oversee these platforms’ security and general operation, which ensures your legal protection. Illegal platforms 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 operators 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 the state’s leading sportsbooks satisfactory.

Live streaming

Iowa bettors love the live-streaming feature! Having an account to stream numerous events live on your laptop or smartphone has become very popular. BetMGM, DraftKings, ClutchBet, FanDuel, Bet365, and other sportsbooks offering this feature get extra points. Experts can stream multiple events simultaneously. Be careful and check your regional restrictions without violating any laws to be able to obtain your winnings smoothly.

Top 3 most popular sports for wagering in Iowa

Football, basketball, and baseball are the top three most popular sports for wagering in the Hawkeye State. You can try your luck on them using the regulated and proven platforms on this page.

Football

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.

Basketball

Basketball is another trendy sport in the Corn State. The NBA attracts many enthusiasts, but college basketball, especially during the NCAA tournament, also sees a lot of action from Iowa sports fans. If you are keen on or expert in basketball, you can try your luck on the best Iowa sportsbooks.

Baseball

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 sports events in the Hawkeye State

These events trigger more wagering activity in the Hawkeye State:

  • Cy-Hawk series. The annual football game between the University of Iowa Hawkeyes and the Iowa State University Cyclones is the biggest derby in the state.
  • College football season. Beyond the Cy-Hawk series, the entire college football season sees a lot of interest.
  • NCAA basketball tournament. The NCAA basketball tournament is hugely popular and called the “March Madness.”
  • NFL season and Super Bowl. Residents 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 gamblers.
  • NBA playoffs and finals. Many Iowans place wagers on these high-stakes games.

Most important local sports teams

The state wagring industry is growing at a steady pace. Iowa football fans are many, although their state doesn’t have any major league sports teams. the Tall Corn State only has minor league locally based teams. 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 football team that represents the University of Iowa is a prominent and storied collegiate athletic program with a valuable history and a passionate fan base.

The Iowa Hawkeyes has won multiple Big Ten Conference championships. Among its notable victories took place in 1956, 1958, 1960, 1981, 1985, and 2002. The 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.

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

This online gambling form is allowed in the Rolling Prairie. You can play table and slot games and many more, but without directly wagering real money on sweepstakes casinos. You can use tokens or virtual currencies – frequently called sweeps coins or gold coins- instead. Register and gamble only through licensed platforms.

Land-based casinos

There are legally established land-based casinos in the Corn State. 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

The legalization of sports wagering in the Hawkeye State happened recently, in 2019. However, online casinos still remain forbidden. Avoid getting into a gambling problem by getting informed about the active laws in your state.

Online Poker

Poker rooms and poker itself are not allowed yet in the Tall Corn State. We will keep you updated.

The conclusion

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

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

Declan WillisAuthor at Gamezinger.com

FAQ

Who supervises the sports betting websites in the Hawkeye Country?

The Iowa Racing and Gaming Commission (IRGC).

Can you bet on college sports in Iowa?

Yes, you can! It is legal to bet on college sports here.

Are there any legal online sports betting sites in Iowa?

Yes. There are over 20 legal online sportsbooks here.

Which IA sportsmakers do you recommend?

You can check our complete list of recommendations and reviews here. Shortly answering, we recommend Betway and Caesars to enjoy the most competitive odds in the market. FanDuel and DraftKings for 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.