Iowa Sports Betting: A Comprehensive Guide
Sports betting in Iowa has evolved in recent years, offering sports enthusiasts a new way to engage with their favorite games.
As Iowa embraces this form of entertainment, it's crucial for bettors to comprehend the ins and outs of legal sports wagering in the state.
Legal Iowa Sports Betting
Legal sports betting in Iowa refers to the regulated wagering on various sporting events through licensed operators.
Since August 2019, Iowa has permitted both retail and online sports betting, allowing residents and visitors to place bets on a wide range of professional and collegiate sports. The Iowa Racing and Gaming Commission oversees the industry, ensuring fair play and consumer protection.
Iowa Sports Betting Legislation Timeline
- May 13, 2019: Governor Kim Reynolds signs SF 617 into law, legalizing sports betting in Iowa.
- August 15, 2019: The first legal sports bets are placed in Iowa.
- January 1, 2021: In-person registration requirement for mobile betting is lifted, allowing remote sign-ups.
- 2022: Iowa's sports betting market continues to mature and expand.
- 2023: The market stabilizes with established operators and growing revenue.
- 2024: Iowa sets new records for handle and revenue.
Sportsbooks Available in Iowa
FanDuel Bet $5 Get $150
- Availability across most of US legal states
- Competitive odds & diverse markets
- Attentive customer service
- Extensive list of Same Game Parlay's
- Some users have reported slow app loading speeds
- Geo locate sometimes unreliable
- Wagering requirements on bonus offers can be difficult for new users
DraftKings Bet $5 Get $200
- Widely available across 28 states and in Ontario.
- Responsible gambling tools enabling users to set their own limits.
- Wagering requirements on bonuses and promos are realistic.
- Bonus program is diverse and changes rapidly.
- Speaking to a real person in customer support chat take a long time.
- DraftKings limits the maximum bet amount on odds boost promos.
BetMGM First Bet Offer $10 Get $150 in Bonus Bets. Code:
- Available in 21 states, D.C. and Ontario, Canada
- Highly competitive odds
- Major partnerships with teams/leagues leading to exclusive promotions for users
- RG tools can be set by the user including deposit/time limits
- Wagering requirements on bonuses can be difficult for new users
- BetMGM Rewards requires excessive betting to advance the tiers
ESPN Bet: Bet $10 Get $100 And ESPN+
- Extensive reach across the United States.
- Unmatched fan engagement thanks to ESPN media and sports coverage.
- Many responsible gambling tools enabling users to set limits.
- Odds are often times less competitive than other U.S. Sportsbooks.
- Wagering requirements on sports bets can be difficult especially for new bettors.
- Customer support takes a long time during the evening hours (ET).
Caesars Bet $1 Double Your Winnings Your Next 10 Wagers Up to $25 Max Bet. Code:
- Very popular rewards program.
- Many responsible gambling tools enabling players to set limits.
- Wagering requirements on sports bonuses are straightforward.
- Odds sometimes fall short from other sportsbooks.
- Limited live streaming options.
BetRivers 2nd Chance Bet Up To $250. Code:
- Good live streaming of major sports.
- Numerous promotional offers.
- Available in many U.S. states.
- Competitive odds.
- Some users have had trouble with payouts.
- Outdated website and app design.
- Betting app connectivity issues.
Fanatics Bet $50, Get $250 in Bonus Bets
- Excellent league coverage
- Popular FanCash Program
- Wide availability across the US
- Self regulating responsible gambling tool
- Mobile app glitches and connectivity issues
- No desktop sportsbook option
BallyBet Welcome Bonus: $50 in Bonus Bets
- Numerous daily odds boosts
- Video tutorials to teach about BallyBet for new bettors
- Many responsible gambling tools for self regulating
- Limited availability across the US
- Some users complain about withdrawal speed