Iowa Sports Betting

10 min read

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 legalized sports betting in May 2019, with the first bets placed on August 15, 2019.

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.

Sportsbooks Available in Iowa

DraftKings Sportsbook
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BetMGM Sportsbook
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Bet365 Sportsbook
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BetRivers Sportsbook
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Fanatics Sportsbook
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Bally Bet Sportsbook
BallyBet Welcome Bonus: $150 in Bonus Bets
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ClutchBet Sportsbook
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Betfred Sportsbook
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SuperBook Sportsbook
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FanDuel Sportsbook
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  • Availability across most of US legal states
  • Competitive odds & diverse markets
  • Attentive customer service
  • Extensive list of Same Game Parlay's
  • App speeds vary for some users
  • Geo locate sometimes unreliable
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VT
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VISA
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ApplePay
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FanDuel Prepaid Card
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DraftKings Sportsbook
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  • Extensive betting markets
  • Live betting
  • Efficient & secure payments
  • Strong security measures
  • Mobile app connectivity issues
  • Maximum bets on odds boosts are low.
  • Promotional restrictions
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PR
DC
CAD
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ACH/eCHECK
American Express
ApplePay
Google Pay
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Trustly
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Cash at Cage
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DraftKings Gift Card
Play+
Venmo
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Mastercard
Discover
Go to Website
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BetMGM Sportsbook
BetMGM Bet First Bet Offer $5 Get $150 in Bonus Bets
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  • Available in many U.S. States and Canada
  • Numerous betting markets
  • Major partnerships with teams/leagues
  • Promotions are timely and change rapidly
  • Connectivity issues on betting app
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IN
IA
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KY
LA
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MI
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OH
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DC
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NC
ON
MO
CAD
USD
Venmo
American Express
Borgata Cage
Mastercard
VISA
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BetMGM GiftCard
VIP Preferred
Bank Wire Transfer
ApplePay
Google Pay
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GameOn Gift Card
Debit Cards
Go to Website
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ESPN Bet Sportsbook
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  • Extensive Market Reach.
  • Unmatched Fan Engagement.
  • Live betting.
  • Digital media bohemeth.
  • Limited live streaming.
  • Connectivity issues on betting apps.
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CO
IL
IA
KS
KY
LA
MD
MI
NJ
OH
PA
TN
VA
WV
MA
NC
USD
CAD
VISA
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Trustly
ACH/eCHECK
PayPal
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Venmo
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ApplePay
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Caesars Sportsbook
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  • One of the biggest welcome bonuses.
  • Secure payments.
  • Efficient customer service
  • Some users have described slow loading times
  • Limited live streaming options
  • Some bonus wagering requirements are unclear
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CO
DC
IL
IN
IA
KS
KY
LA
MD
MA
MI
NV
NJ
NY
OH
PA
TN
VA
WV
WY
ON
NC
ME
CAD
USD
VISA
Mastercard
Discover
Trustly
Paynearme
PayPal
ACH/eCHECK
Cash at Caesars
Caesars Pre-paid Card
Deposit at a Tavern
Skrill
Venmo
Play+
Debit Cards
ApplePay
Go to Website
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Bet365 Sportsbook
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  • Licensed in multiple U.S. states
  • Live streaming
  • Tools for responsible gambling
  • Fast & secure banking
  • No loyalty program
  • Bonuses may vary according to location
  • Welcome bonus may be complex to novice users
NJ
CO
OH
IA
VA
KY
ON
NC
IN
LA
AZ
CAD
USD
ACH/eCHECK
American Express
ApplePay
Debit Cards
VISA
Bank Wire Transfer
PayPal
Trustly
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Cash at Cage
Skrill
Mastercard
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Tipico Sportsbook
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  • Good functionality on desktop and betting apps.
  • Live Streaming.
  • Live Betting.
  • Betting Apps on iOS & Android
  • Limited availability in the U.S.
  • Limited sports categories.
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BetRivers Sportsbook
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  • 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.
NJ
MD
PA
NY
VA
OH
WV
IN
MI
IL
IA
CO
AZ
LA
CAD
USD
Cash at Cage
Paynearme
VISA
Mastercard
Discover
PayPal
VIP Preferred
American Express
ACH/eCHECK
Venmo
Go to Website
Details
PointsBet Sportsbook
PointsBet Daily Boosted Odds
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  • Unique PointsBetting system
  • Straightforward mobile app
  • Growing user base
  • Fast and secure payouts
  • Limited U.S. availability
  • PointsBetting system may be complex for novice users
CO
IL
IN
IA
KS
LA
MD
MI
NJ
NY
OH
PA
VA
WV
CAD
USD
VISA
Mastercard
Discover
Trustly
ACH/eCHECK
Paynearme
Cash at Cage
Cash at Bally's Atlantic City Hotel & Casino
Cash at Catfish Bend Casino
Cash at Meadowlands Racetrack
American Express
Bank Wire Transfer
Debit Cards
Go to Website
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Betway Sportsbook
  • Live streaming.
  • Interesting bonuses & promotions.
  • Competitive odds.
  • Users have complained about connectivity issues.
  • Lengthy payout process.
  • Limited reach in the U.S.
AZ
CO
IA
IN
LA
NJ
OH
PA
VA
CAD
USD
VISA
Mastercard
PayPal
Cash at Cage
Play+
ACH/eCHECK
VIP Preferred
Paynearme
Go to Website
Details
Fanatics Sportsbook
Fanatics $200 in Bonus Bets up to $1000
Get bonus here
  • Excellent league coverage
  • Popular FanCash Program
  • Wide availability across the US
  • Mobile app glitches and connectivity issues
  • No desktop sportsbook option
AZ
CO
CT
IL
IN
IA
KY
KS
MD
MA
MI
NJ
NY
NC
OH
PA
TN
VT
VA
WV
WY
USD
ACH/eCHECK
American Express
Cash at Cage
VISA
Mastercard
Debit Cards
Diners
Discover
PayPal
Play+
Venmo
paysafecard
Go to Website
Details
Bally Bet Sportsbook
BallyBet Welcome Bonus: $150 in Bonus Bets
Get bonus here
  • Daily odds boosts
  • Videos offering betting advice
  • Generous welcome bonus
  • Only available in some states
  • Some users complain about withdrawal speed
AZ
CO
IN
IA
NY
VA
ON
OH
CAD
USD
Mastercard
VISA
VIP Preferred
ACH/eCHECK
PayPal
Debit Cards
Go to Website
Details
ClutchBet Sportsbook
ClutchBet Welcome Bonus: Up to $250 in Bonus Bets
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  • Generous welcome bonus
  • Many methods to contact support
  • Significant daily odds boosts
  • Only available in 3 states
  • Slow customer support
  • Limited payment options
  • Poor selection of niche sports markets
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Betfred Sportsbook
Betfred 2nd Chance Bet up to $105
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  • Simple welcome bonus
  • Strong in-play betting platform that allows users to easily track bets
  • Established sportsbook with decades of experience in online betting
  • No 24/7 live chat
  • Not available in as many states as market leaders
  • Connectivity issues on betting apps
CO
AZ
IA
LA
MD
NV
OH
PA
VA
WA
USD
VISA
Mastercard
Debit Cards
ACH/eCHECK
PayPal
VIP Preferred
Go to Website
Details
SuperBook Sportsbook
SuperBook $250 Every First Bet Wins Bonus Review
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  • NFL SuperContest.
  • Excels in NFL betting.
  • Secure payments & withdrawals.
  • Clean and modern platform
  • Limited availability in the U.S.
  • Betting apps connectivity issues.
AZ
CO
IA
MD
NV
NJ
OH
TN
USD
VISA
Mastercard
Discover
Debit Cards
paysafecard
Play+
PayPal
Go to Website
Details
Circa Sports Sportsbook
  • Runs contests with big prizes for high-stakes bettors
  • Emphasizes competitive odds
  • App-only experience
  • No welcome offer
  • Only available in five states
Details

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Best Iowa Sportsbooks

Iowa's sports betting landscape features several reputable sportsbooks, both online and at retail locations. 

Some of the top operators in the state include:

  1. DraftKings Sportsbook
  2. FanDuel Sportsbook
  3. Caesars Sportsbook
  4. BetMGM
  5. PointsBet

These sportsbooks offer competitive odds, a wide range of betting markets, and user-friendly platforms for Iowa bettors.

Online Sports Betting in Iowa 

Online sports betting has become increasingly popular in Iowa since its inception. Bettors can access sportsbooks via desktop websites or mobile apps, providing convenience and flexibility. 

The removal of the in-person registration requirement in January 2021 has further boosted the growth of online betting in the state.

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As of 2024, mobile betting accounts for over 90% of the total sports betting handle in Iowa.

How Can I Sign Up For An Online Sportsbook in Iowa?

Signing up for an online sportsbook in Iowa is a straightforward process:

  1. Choose a licensed sportsbook operating in Iowa.
  2. Visit the sportsbook's website or download their mobile app.
  3. Click on the "Sign Up" or "Register" button.
  4. Provide personal information, including your name, date of birth, address, and last four digits of your Social Security number.
  5. Create a username and password.
  6. Agree to the terms and conditions.
  7. Verify your account through email or SMS.
  8. Make your first deposit and start betting.

Remember to have a valid government-issued ID ready, as you may need to provide additional verification.

What Sports Can I Bet on in Iowa?

NFL: The National Football League is one of the most popular sports for betting in Iowa. Fans can wager on regular season games, playoffs, and the Super Bowl. Popular bets include point spreads, moneylines, and player props.

NBA: Basketball enthusiasts can bet on NBA games throughout the season, including the playoffs and Finals. Iowa sportsbooks offer a variety of markets, from game outcomes to player performance props.

MLB: Major League Baseball provides numerous betting opportunities, with a long season and multiple games daily. Bettors can wager on game winners, run totals, and player statistics.

NHL: Hockey fans can place bets on NHL games, including regular season matches, playoffs, and the Stanley Cup Finals. Common bets include puck lines, moneylines, and period betting.

College Sports: Iowa allows betting on college sports, including popular NCAA football and basketball games. However, there are restrictions on certain types of prop bets for college athletes.

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Betting on in-state college teams is permitted in Iowa, but prop bets on individual college athletes are prohibited.

NASCAR: Auto racing fans can bet on NASCAR events, including race winners, head-to-head driver matchups, and various prop bets related to race outcomes.

Iowa's Sports Teams to Bet On 

While Iowa doesn't have any major professional sports teams, there are several popular college teams that attract significant betting interest:

  1. Iowa Hawkeyes (University of Iowa)
  2. Iowa State Cyclones (Iowa State University)
  3. Northern Iowa Panthers (University of Northern Iowa)
  4. Drake Bulldogs (Drake University)

These teams compete in various sports, with football and basketball generating the most betting action.

Types of Wagers Available

Moneyline: A straightforward bet on which team or player will win a game or match. The odds reflect the perceived likelihood of each outcome.

Parlays: Combining multiple bets into a single wager for potentially higher payouts. All selections must be correct for the parlay to win.

Totals: Also known as over/under bets, these wagers are placed on whether the combined score of a game will be over or under a predetermined number set by the sportsbook.

Point Spreads: A bet on the margin of victory in a game, with the favorite giving points and the underdog receiving points.

Futures: Long-term bets on outcomes that will be decided in the future, such as championship winners or season MVP awards.

Prop Bets: Wagers on specific events or outcomes within a game that may not directly affect the final result, such as player performance statistics.

Live Bets: In-play wagering allows bettors to place bets on games that are already in progress, with odds updating in real-time based on the current state of play.

Prohibited Bets

Iowa prohibits certain types of bets to maintain the integrity of sports and protect athletes. These include:

  • Prop bets on individual performances of college athletes
  • Bets on high school or youth sports events
  • Wagers on non-sporting events, such as elections or entertainment awards

Choosing the Right Iowa Betting Site

With multiple options available, it's crucial to select the right sportsbook for your needs. Here are some factors to consider:

What Should I Look For When Deciding Which Iowa Online Sports Betting Site is Right for me? 

When selecting an Iowa sportsbook, consider the following factors:

  1. Licensing and regulation: Ensure the sportsbook is licensed by the Iowa Racing and Gaming Commission.
  2. Competitive odds: Compare odds across multiple sportsbooks to find the best value.
  3. Betting markets: Look for a wide range of sports and bet types to suit your preferences.
  4. User experience: Choose a platform with an intuitive interface and reliable performance.
  5. Bonuses and promotions: Consider sign-up bonuses, free bets, and ongoing promotions.
  6. Banking options: Verify that the sportsbook offers convenient deposit and withdrawal methods.
  7. Customer support: Check for responsive and helpful customer service.
  8. Mobile app availability: If you prefer betting on-the-go, ensure the sportsbook has a quality mobile app.

Callout: Always read user reviews and compare multiple sportsbooks before making your decision.

Why Should I Have At Least 3 Iowa Sportsbook Accounts? 

Having multiple sportsbook accounts in Iowa offers several advantages:

  1. Line shopping: Compare odds across different sportsbooks to find the best value for your bets.
  2. Diverse promotions: Take advantage of various bonuses and promotions offered by different operators.
  3. Wider range of betting markets: Access unique markets and bet types that may be exclusive to certain sportsbooks.
  4. Reduced risk of limitations: Spread your betting activity across multiple accounts to minimize the risk of having your account restricted.
  5. Capitalize on arbitrage opportunities: Occasionally, you may find discrepancies in odds that allow for guaranteed profits by betting on all outcomes across different sportsbooks.

What Deposit And Withdraw Options Are Available? 

Iowa sportsbooks typically offer a variety of banking methods for deposits and withdrawals:

Deposits:

  • Credit/Debit cards (Visa, Mastercard)
  • ACH/eCheck
  • PayPal
  • Online banking transfer
  • Play+ prepaid card
  • Cash at casino cage (for sportsbooks with retail partners)

Withdrawals:

  • ACH/eCheck
  • PayPal
  • Online banking transfer
  • Play+ prepaid card
  • Check by mail
  • Cash at casino cage (for sportsbooks with retail partners)
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Processing times for withdrawals can vary depending on the method chosen, ranging from instant to several business days.

Sports Betting in Iowa: The Big Picture

The Iowa sports betting market has shown steady growth since its launch in 2019. The state's approach to regulation has created a competitive environment that benefits bettors through improved odds and promotions.

Iowa Sports Betting Tax Rate 

Iowa imposes a 6.75% tax rate on sports betting revenue, which is relatively low compared to some other states. This competitive tax rate has helped attract multiple operators to the market, providing bettors with a variety of options.

Importance of Responsible Gaming in Iowa 

Responsible gaming is a crucial aspect of Iowa's sports betting industry. The state and licensed operators are committed to promoting safe gambling practices and providing resources for those who may be experiencing gambling-related issues.

Key responsible gaming initiatives in Iowa include:

  1. Self-exclusion programs
  2. Deposit and betting limits
  3. Time-out options
  4. Problem gambling helplines
  5. Educational resources on responsible betting
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If you or someone you know is struggling with gambling addiction, call 1-800-BETS-OFF for confidential help and support.

Iowa Sports Betting FAQ

Minimum Age

What is the minimum age to bet on sports in Iowa?

The legal age for sports betting in Iowa is 21 years old.

NCAA Betting

Can I bet on Iowa college teams?

Yes, betting on Iowa college teams is allowed, but prop bets on individual college athletes are prohibited.

Residency Restrictions

Do I need to be an Iowa resident to bet online?

No, you don't need to be an Iowa resident, but you must be physically located within state borders when placing bets.

Maximum Bets

Are there any restrictions on bet sizes in Iowa?

While there are no state-mandated limits on bet sizes, individual sportsbooks may set their own maximum bet amounts.

Offshore Sportsbooks

Can I use offshore sportsbooks in Iowa?

It is not recommended to use offshore sportsbooks, as they are not regulated by Iowa authorities and may not offer the same protections as licensed operators.

Summary of Iowa Sports Betting Options

 Iowa offers a robust and competitive sports betting market with both retail and online options. Bettors can wager on a wide range of professional and collegiate sports through multiple licensed operators. 

The state's regulatory framework prioritizes consumer protection while allowing for innovation and growth in the industry.

Key points to remember about Iowa sports betting:

  1. Legal since August 2019
  2. Both retail and online betting available
  3. Multiple reputable sportsbooks to choose from
  4. Competitive 6.75% tax rate
  5. College sports betting allowed, with some restrictions
  6. Emphasis on responsible gaming practices

 

As the Iowa sports betting market continues to evolve, bettors can expect ongoing improvements in technology, betting options, and user experience. 

By staying informed and practicing responsible gambling, Iowa residents and visitors can enjoy a safe and exciting sports betting environment.