Revenue Insights
DES MOINES, Iowa - July 3rd, 2025
Iowa isn’t typically the first state that comes to mind in sports betting conversations. But behind the scenes, it’s become one of the country’s most consistent performers. With eleven online sportsbooks, Iowa's 3.124 million residents are seeing millions of dollars in sports betting tax revenue invested in community projects.
In April 2025, Iowans wagered over $215.5 million, a strong recovery after March’s slower month. Sportsbooks generated $18.76 million in revenue, and the state collected a portion of that through tax dollars, which now directly support economic development, tourism, and infrastructure in Iowa’s communities.
April 2025 Revenue
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Handle | $215.6M |
| Revenue (GGR) | $18.76M |
| Hold Rate | 8.70% |
| Estimated Tax Revenue | ~$1.31M |
Over $1.3 million in new tax revenue was added to Iowa’s general fund this April alone, helping to finance everything from community grant programs to high school tourism education initiatives.
Where Does Iowa’s Sports Betting Money Go?
Unlike some states where sports betting taxes go straight into a budget black hole, Iowa gives this revenue a purpose:
- Rebuild Iowa Infrastructure Fund
A portion of the tax money supports this fund, which helps revitalize local infrastructure, such as broadband internet expansion in rural counties or small-town community center renovations. - Vision Iowa & CAT Grants
Since 2021, sports betting taxes have helped support Community Attraction and Tourism (CAT) grants, which provide matching funds to build local trails, rec centers, libraries, and family entertainment zones across Iowa. - Problem Gambling Treatment & Education
A portion of the monthly revenue is earmarked for gambling addiction support services, including helplines, prevention education, and counseling programs.
A Quiet Climb: 5-Year Iowa Sports Betting Growth
| Year | April Handle | April Revenue | Hold % | Tax Revenue (Est.) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2021 | $118.4M | $7.73M | 6.53% | $521K |
| 2022 | $177.4M | $12.40M | 6.99% | $836K |
| 2023 | $172.6M | $14.12M | 8.18% | $953K |
| 2024 | $209.5M | $16.53M | 7.89% | $1.12M |
| 2025 | $215.6M | $18.76M | 8.70% | $1.31M |
Every year since 2021, Iowa has seen April revenue climb, with consistent growth in tax contributions, even as margins fluctuate. That stability makes it easier for the state to plan long-term investments in local improvement projects.
Sportsbooks Serving Iowa Bettors
Even with a modest population Iowa features a big sportsbook lineup:
- Bally Bet
- Bet365
- betMGM
- BetRivers
- Caesars Sportsbook
- Circa Sports
- DraftKings
- ESPN BET
- Fanatics Sportsbook
- FanDuel
- Q Sportsbook
April in Perspective
Iowa’s April numbers might not steal headlines like New York or Ohio, but the state doesn’t need flash; it thrives on consistency, community, and quiet reinvestment.
That $1.3 million in tax revenue is going somewhere tangible: a high school library in Carroll County, a water main repair in Ottumwa, a public trail restoration in Decorah.
Industry News Experts
Sergey has been in sports journalism since 2007 as a reporter, editor, and manager. He has covered the Olympic Games, soccer World Cups, the World Cup of Hockey in 2016, the European championships, the Stanley Cup Finals, IOC events, and many others. Sergey interviewed the sport's greatest athletes, coaches, and executives. Since 2016, he has been an Independent Senior Editor of NHL.com/ru.