Last Updated May 12, 2022, 04:43 PM ET
The addition of remote registration in January 2021 has allowed Iowans to create new sports betting accounts, make deposits, and place bets from anywhere in the state. Most legal sportsbooks also offer big money welcome bonuses — up to $1,000 or more — to new users.
Iowa has experienced steady growth since legalizing sports betting in May 2019. With over a dozen U.S. betting sites and monthly betting handles approaching $300 million, the Hawkeye State is climbing the ranks of states with legal wagering.
Covers has been a leading source of sports betting expertise since 1995. Here’s our list of the top online sportsbooks available in Iowa.
We've evaluated all 18 online sportsbooks, and it's Caesars Sportsbook that takes the top spot for best sportsbook in Iowa. Our ranking considered its excellent mobile app, reliable sign-up bonus, and variety of odds boosts, among other criteria.
The welcome offer from Caesars IA offers players a safety net of sorts on their first wager. Enter promo code COVERSCZR and follow the prompts to claim $1,100 in first bet insurance. If you swing and miss out of the gate, Caesars will refund your newly created account with a free bet of up to $1,100.
When it entered Iowa, Caesars rolled out a slick, user-friendly mobile app for iOS and Android that quickly became one of the best sports betting apps available in 2022. Its minimalist design helps access critical features like live betting and piecing together same-game parlays.
Securing the best price for sports is the goal of every bettor, and Caesars IA does a commendable job here. We found competitive odds and betting lines for big events and matchups, along with various odds boosts
The customer support provided by Caesars Sportsbook Iowa includes 24/7 live chat, while new account holders get automatically enrolled in its Caesars Rewards program, too. Uncover more detailed information about Caesars through our Caesars Sportsbook review.
Iowa sports betting sites have come out swinging with generous sign-up bonuses and welcome offers for new Hawkeye State bettors. Here are our picks for the best Iowa sportsbook bonuses of 2022:
FanDuel - $1,000 Risk-Free Bet: FanDuel Iowa takes the crown with its $1,000 risk-free bet for new users. If you don’t win your first bet, the sportsbook will refund the full amount to your account as site credit.
Caesars Sportsbook - Up to $1,100 in First Bet Insurance: Caesars Iowa’s first bet insurance works the same as a risk-free bet. Use Caesars promo code COVERSCZR to receive up to $1,100 as a single free bet if your initial wager ends up in the ‘L’ column.
BetMGM - $1,000 Risk-Free Bet: The King of Sportsbooks has an Iowa bonus offer that closely resembles FanDuel’s introductory promo. If you miss on your first BetMGM Iowa wager, the sportsbook will refund your account with five separate free bets, totaling your initial stake.
PointsBet- $500 Risk-Free Bet: The risk-free bets continue in Iowa with PointsBet IA. While its $500 maximum refund doesn't carry the same value as the three welcome bonuses above, this remains an excellent offer for new users in the Hawkeye State.
Terms and conditions apply to all bonuses and promotional offers.
$1,100 in first bet insurance
COVERSCZR
Of Iowa's 18 legal sports betting sites, Caesars offers the most complete package to its users. First bet insurance, up to $1,100, greets new customers. Caesars' renowned rewards program follows with perks for active bettors. The sportsbook's mobile app is among the best in the business, and its first-class customer support team ensures users receive proper attention and care.
Read our Caesars Sportsbook Review for more on Iowa's best sportsbook.
$500 risk-free bet
No code required
One of the more unique sports betting sites in the Hawkeye State, PointsBet Iowa offers users a wide variety of special features, highlighted by its proprietary Points Betting system. Points Betting is not for the faint of heart, basing payouts and losses on the accuracy of wagers. The sportsbook's "Karma Kommittee" promises to right the ship with refunded bets when users lose wagers due to injuries, missed calls, or other unfortunate circumstances.
Refer to our PointsBet Review to learn more about PointsBet IA.
$1,000 risk-free bet
No code required
FanDuel IA gets Iowa bettors started with a $1,000 risk-free bet and keeps them engaged with a steady flow of odds boosts and unique bet types, including same-game parlays and a comprehensive live betting section. FanDuel also operates a brilliant sports betting app, fully equipped with all the bells and whistles.
Check out our FanDuel Review for a more in-depth breakdown of the sportsbook.
Deposit match up to $1,000
No code required
Iowa sports bettors craving the best mobile experience should check out DraftKings IA. The sportsbook's betting app is suitable for new and seasoned gamblers, featuring a huge assortment of betting markets and ongoing promos. Iowans can sign-up online or at any of the three DraftKings retail locations in the state.
Our DraftKings Review offers further insight into the sportsbook's key features.
$250 deposit match
250MATCH
The Rush Street Interactive platform isn't as flashy as its contemporaries but packs a punch with great promos and consistently good odds. BetRivers IA's rewards program, iRush Rewards, remains a premier loyalty program in Iowa, giving users "Loyalty Level Points" and "Bonus Store Points" when they place real-money wagers. BetRivers also has the best deposit bonus available in Iowa in 2022.
Check out our BetRivers Review for more information.
Placing a sports bet in the Hawkeye state has never been easier. Now, Iowans can partake in a complete remote registration process.
Casinos are also an option for those who prefer the atmosphere a retail sportsbook provides.
There are many sportsbooks to choose from in Iowa, making research an integral part of the process. Conduct research to identify the options that provide the best sign-up bonuses, lines, and customer support.
Check out some bettor reviews, furnished here by our experts, and take a look at the terms and conditions of the sportsbooks you’re considering before getting started.
Once you’ve picked out the sportsbook that you trust to satisfy your sports betting needs, go ahead and fill in your information on their website or mobile app. Be prepared to provide the last four digits of your SSN.
The amount of competition in Iowa certainly has its benefits for Iowa sports gamblers as sportsbooks routinely offer some excellent promotions to entice bettors to try out their platforms.
Common bonuses in Iowa include:
Iowa sports bettors have access to nearly every type of bet imaginable. Betting options are plentiful and these are the most common bet types:
Betting the moneyline is favored by new sports bettors because you're simply choosing which side will win.
With Over/Unders (totals), you must decide whether the combined score will match the projected total number set by oddsmakers.
The point spread is considered an equalizer for sports bettors, who use this number to compare teams. Oddsmakers apply spread betting to level the playing field since the skill level of teams differs.
Iowa sportsbooks give players a number of options when it comes to adding funds to an account. Keep a watchful eye on transaction fees, however, as these can vary depending on your chosen payment method.
Common payment options in Iowa include debit/credit cards, bank transfers, e-wallets, and prepaid cards. Cash can also be used when visiting a casino.
Take a look at how different sportsbooks’ betting lines stack up against one another, prior to placing your first bet. Glancing over a few different options will ensure you’re not squandering an opportunity to place a more favorable wager.
Iowa sports bettors can withdraw funds from their accounts in a variety of ways. Remember, bank and transaction fees vary here as well, so check to see which method gives you the most bang for your buck.
American Odds — aka moneyline odds — are used by Iowa sportsbooks to display favorites and underdogs. A minus sign (-) is listed next to the favorite. The number found next to the minus sign specifies the amount players need to wager to be awarded $100 in profit. For example, -155 odds indicate a bet of $155 needs to be placed in order to take home $100 in profit.
Underdogs are accompanied by a plus (+) sign. The number that follows the plus sign represents the amount of profit that would be realized if a player placed a $100 bet. For example, +170 odds tell us that a winning $100 bet would result in a player profiting $170.
Odds are commonly viewed in decimals and fractions as well. Use our odds converter to quickly cycle between American, Decimal, and Fractional odds.
Iowa sports betting was legalized when Gov. Kim Reynolds signed Bill SF-617 into law in May of 2019.
Review this timeline of Iowa's sports gambling history:
April 27, 2022: BlueBet Holdings Ltd announces that its new brand, ClutchBet, will launch in Iowa in "the coming weeks."
Feb. 28, 2022: Lakeside and Hotel Casino announces it will open a DRF Sportsbook on March 3. Daily Racing Form, Lakeside's sister company, owns and operates the sportsbook.
Feb. 16, 2022: MaximBet announces it will soon launch its online sportsbook in Iowa.
Jan. 25, 2022: Daily Racing Form launches DRF Sportsbook, a Kambi-powered online sportsbook, in Iowa. WynnBET also announces it will launch in Iowa in the first quarter of 2022.
Jan. 11, 2022: Iowa's move to remote registration helped the Hawkeye State clear $2 billion in sports betting handle for 2021.
Nov. 23, 2021: Fubo Sportsbook went live in Iowa for bettors 21 and older.
Nov. 8, 2021: Iowa sportsbooks raked in $280 million in wagers during the month of October.
October 2021: Hawkeye State bettors gain access to Betway's online sportsbook.
September 2021: Unibet introduces its sports betting mobile app in Iowa.
Jan. 2021: Fully online sports betting registration comes to Iowa. Players are no longer required to visit a casino to complete the registration process.
Aug. 2019: The first Iowa retail and online sportsbooks launch. William Hill and Elite Sportsbook are the first to go live.
May 2019: Iowa sports betting law comes into effect as Gov. Kim Reynolds signs Bill SF-617.
April 2019: Iowa’s sports betting bill, Bill SF-617, passes a senate and house vote.
Legal sportsbooks may be found online or at one of Iowa’s licensed casinos. Sports bettors need only a computer, mobile phone, and an internet connection to get started, but have the option of joining fellow sports fanatics at a physical sportsbook.
| Online sportsbook | Mobile app | Odds provider | Online casino | Retail partner |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Bally Bet  |
Yes | Bet.Works | No | Elite Casino Resorts |
| Barstool |
Yes | Kambi | No | Ameristar Council Bluffs |
| Betfred Sports |
Yes | Playtech | Yes | Grand Falls |
| BetMGM |
Yes | BetMGM | Yes | Diamond Jo Casino |
| BetRivers |
Yes | Kambi | Yes | Wild Rose |
| Betway |
Yes | BetRadar | Yes | Wild Rose |
| Caesars Sportsbook |
Yes | Caesars | Yes | Isle Bettendorf, Isle Waterloo, Prairie Meadows, Horseshoe, Harrah's |
| Circa Sports |
Yes | Stadium Technology | Yes | Diamond Jo Casino |
| DraftKings |
Yes | SBTech | Yes | Wild Rose |
| DRF Sportsbook | Yes | Kambi | No | Lakeside Casino |
| Elite Sportsbook |
Yes | Bet.Works | Yes | 3 locations: Grand Falls, Rhythm City, Riverside |
| FanDuel |
Yes | Flutter | Yes | Diamond Jo Casino |
| Fubo Sportsbook |
Yes | Fubo | No | Casino Queen Marquette |
| Hard Rock |
Yes | GiG | Yes | Hard Rock Sioux City |
| MaximBet (coming soon) |
Yes | Kambi | No | TBD |
| PointsBet |
Yes | SBTech | Yes | Catfish Bend |
| Q Sportsbook |
Yes | IGT | Yes | Q Casino |
| theScore Bet |
Yes | Bet.Works | Yes | Ameristar Council Bluffs |
| Unibet |
Yes | Kambi | Yes | Harrah's Council Bluffs |
| Sportsbook | Venue | Address | Phone number | Odds provider |
| Betfred Sportsbook | Grand Falls | 1415 Grand Falls Blvd., Larchwood, IA 51241 | (712) 777-7777 | Playtech |
| Caesars Sportsbook | Harrah's Council Bluffs | 1 Harrah's Blvd, Council Bluffs, IA 51501 | (712) 329-6000 | Caesars |
| Caesars Sportsbook | Horseshoe Casino | 2701 23rd Avenue Council Bluffs, IA 51501 | (712) 323-2500 | Caesars |
| Caesars Sportsbook | Isle Casino Bettendrof | 1777 Isle Parkway, Bettendorf, IA, 52722 | (563) 441-7000 | Caesars |
| Caesars Sportsbook | Isle Casino Waterloo | 777 Isle of Capri Blvd, Waterloo, IA 50701 | (877) 475-3946 | Caesars |
| Caesars Sportsbook | Prairie Meadows | 1 Prairie Meadows Dr, Altoona, IA 50009 | (515) 967-1000 | Caesars |
| Draft Day Sports Lounge | Rhythm City | 7077 Elmore Avenue, Davenport, IA 52807 | (563) 328-8000 | Bet.Works |
| Draft Day Sports Lounge | Riverside Casino | 3184 Hwy 22, Riverside, IA 52327 | (319) 648-1234 | Bet.Works |
| DraftKings Sportsbook | Wild Rose Casino & Hotel Clinton | 777 Wild Rose Dr, Clinton, IA 52732 | (563) 243-9000 | SBTech |
| DraftKings Sportsbook | Wild Rose Casino & Hotel Emmetsburg | 777 Main St, Emmetsburg, IA 50536 | (712) 852-3400 | SBTech |
| DraftKings Sportsbook | Wild Rose Casino & Hotel Jefferson | 777 Wild Rose Drive, Jefferson, IA 50129 | (515) 386-7777 | SBTech |
| DRF Sportsbook | Lakeside Hotel and Casino | 777 Casino Dr, Osceola, IA 50213 | 641-342-9511 | Kambi |
| FanDuel Sportsbook | Diamond Jo Dubuque | 301 Bell St, Dubuque, IA 52001 | (563) 690-4800 | Flutter |
| FanDuel Sportsbook | Diamond Jo Worth | 777 Diamon Jo Lane, Northwood, IA 50459 | (877) 323-5566 | Flutter |
| Hard Rock Sportsbook | Hard Rock Sioux City | 111 3rd Street, Sioux City, IA 51101 | (712) 226-7600 | GiG |
| PointsBet Sportsbook | Catfish Bend | 3001 Winegard Dr., Burlington, IA 52601 | (319) 753-2946 | SBTech |
| Q Sportsbook | Q Casino | 1855 Greyhound Park Rd., Dubuque, IA 52001 | (563) 582-3647 | IGT |
| William Hill Sportsbook | Lakeside | 777 Casino Drive, Osceola, IA 50213 | (641) 342-9511 | William Hill |
Adults 21 and over are permitted to place a sports bet in Iowa. Wagers can be placed via a legal sports betting website, mobile app, or at one of Iowa’s retail sportsbooks.
The following tips will help you get started with legal sports betting in Iowa.
Legal ageIf you are 21 or older, you are allowed to bet on sports in Iowa.
Mobile bettingPlace your Iowa sports bets using a computer or mobile device to access an online sportsbook or sportsbook app. The Iowa Racing and Gaming Commission regulates all sports betting activity in the Hawkeye State.
Remote registrationRemote registration has been available in Iowa since January 2021. This option allows Iowans to complete the entire sign-up process remotely with a computer or mobile phone. Previously, Iowa gamblers were required to visit a casino to complete their registration.
Within state bordersLegal online sportsbooks use geofencing to ensure all players are physically present in Iowa. Attempts to place bets from out of state will be denied. Therefore, it’s essential for Iowans and those passing through the state to turn on location services when placing online bets.
Retail sportsbooksIowa is home to 18 retail sportsbooks found at one of the state’s 19 licensed casinos.
Taxable winningsLike nearly all other states, gambling winnings are taxable at both the federal and state levels in Iowa.
Iowans must report all winnings on federal tax returns, as this money is subject to the standard 24% tax. Winnings that exceed $600 must be reported to the state and taxed at 5%.
A major shift in Iowa sports betting took place when remote registration was introduced in 2021. Iowans can now place their first sports bets without leaving their homes.
Like many other states, Iowa does not allow college player proposition betting. Iowa has also yet to legalize action on the NFL draft.
No NFL Draft bettingNo esports bettingNo college props wagersIowa saw a major boost in sports betting following the implementation of full remote registration. After modest earnings in 2020, the state’s monthly handle ballooned to $149.5M in January 2021 — a 42% increase over December’s total.
Iowa surpassed the $1 billion mark in total sports bets early in 2021 and is on pace to double that number in the coming months. In January 2022, the state recorded its first instance of surpassing $300 million in monthly sports betting handle. Iowa’s sportsbooks have posted the following numbers to date:
| Year | Total handle | Revenue | Hold percentage | Tax revenue |
| 2022 | - | - | - | - |
| 2021 | $2B | $88M | 5.9% | $8.7M |
| 2020 | $575M | $41.6M | 7.2% | $2.8M |
| 2019 | $212M | $19M | 9% | $1.3M |
| Year | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | Total |
| 2022 | $303.3M | $215.9M | $233.5M | $177.3M | - | - | - | - | - | - | - | - | $930M |
| 2021 | $149.5M | $143.6M | $161.4M | $118.3M | $114.8M | $111.2M | $88.9M | $108.4M | $210.4M | $280M | $287.2M | $266.5M | $2B |
| 2020 | $58M | $56.9M | $19.5M | $1.5M | $6.9M | $12.7M | $22.8M | $50.3M | $72.3M | $81.9M | $87.1M | $104.8M | $575M |
| 2019 | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A | $8.7M | $38.5M | $46.5M | $59.3M | $59.2M | $212M |
While Iowans are able to place a wager on nearly any sporting event — locally and internationally — there are a few no-gos in the Hawkeye State.
Iowa law forbids political betting of any kind. Discussing Iowa caucus betting odds around the water-cooler is fine, but that’s as far as you can take things.
The NFL Draft is the league's signature offseason event, but Iowa is one of a handful of U.S. states to outlaw NFL Draft wagering.
Esports betting has not yet been legalized in Iowa, though there does seem to be some momentum building here. Rep. Bobby Kaufmann has sponsored a bill that would regulate esports betting, along with pro sports drafts, and player awards.
Much-hyped celebrity and pop-culture events, such as the Academy Awards, are off-limits to Iowa bettors.
Iowa sports bettors may place wagers on any college team in the country. However, individual player prop bets involving in-state schools are not permitted.
Whether they’ve grown up on Vikings football or reveled in the triumphs of the 2016 World Series-winning Cubs, there is no questioning Iowans’ fandom and allegiances to their favorite clubs.
Cheering on your team is one thing, but placing a bet is an entirely different story. Always be sure to remain objective when placing sports bets as these allegiances can quickly cloud your judgment. Read through our how to bet guides for an overview of betting terms and scenarios.
Iowa is home to 23 licensed casinos and four tribal casinos. Two of the state’s casinos offer live racing.
CasinoEach of Iowa’s commercial, riverboat, and tribal casinos offers players the full range of table games, slots, and more.
Online casinos are illegal in Iowa, as they were not included in Bill SF-617. National brands Chumba Casino and LuckyLand Slots offer a limited number of casino games and use “sweeps coins” to remain legally compliant in Iowa.
PokerWith 421 tables in the state, there’s no shortage of poker action in Iowa.
For those looking for an online alternative, Global Poker’s sweepstakes model remains the only option. Iowa has yet to make any progress on an online poker bill.
Horse racingLive and simulcast horse racing can be found at Iowa’s lone horse racing site — Prairie Meadows. A number of off-track betting sites can be found throughout the state as well. Pari-mutuel bets can be placed online in Iowa at the best horse racing betting sites.
Iowa is also home to one greyhound racetrack — Iowa Greyhound Park.
Daily fantasy sportsDaily fantasy sports (DFS) has been a popular option in Iowa since the state passed its sports betting law in May 2019. DraftKings, the first operator to enter the market, was joined by fellow industry titan FanDuel soon after.
The Iowa Racing and Gaming Commission has taken preventative measures to ensure programs and resources are available for individuals who feel as if their gambling activity is getting out of hand. Helplines, treatment centres, and self-exclusion lists have all been established to curb the effects of problem gambling in Iowa.
Fifteen of Iowa’s 19 licensed casinos now offer self-exclusion programs. Not all online sportsbooks offer these programs, but sites do provide players with a number of options to manage their betting activity. These tools include deposit and betting limits, timeouts, and self-assessments.
Legal online sportsbooks also allow users to place a wide range of restrictions on themselves. Players can set deposit and betting limits or permanently join the self-exclusion list.
Visit the Iowa Racing and Gaming CommissionIowa mobilized on legalizing sports gambling following the Supreme Court's decision to overturn the federal ban on sports gambling. Outside of Iowa, these states have all introduced sports betting laws:
Bettors should also steer clear of unregulated offshore betting sites. These blacklisted sites are not authorized to take your bets, and you’ll have no legal recourse if your funds disappear from an offshore account.
Yes, Iowa offers legal sports betting for adults 21 and older. Iowa’s efforts to regulate sports betting pre-dated the Supreme Court’s (SCOTUS) disposal of the Professional and Amateur Sports Protection Act (PASPA) of 1992.
You can make a sports bet using an online sportsbook or by visiting an Iowa casino.
Yes, Iowans are free to place bets on any in-state teams with the exception of prop bets on college players.
You do not have to reside in Iowa to place an online bet. As long as you have both feet on the ground in the Hawkeye State you’ll be able to bet online.
Iowa reported gross revenue of over $41M in 2020.
To place a sports bet in Iowa, you can visit an online sportsbook or download an app. Physical wagers can be placed at any of Iowa’s 18 retail sportsbooks.
Des Moines, Council Bluffs, Davenport, and Dubuque.
Yes, DraftKings joined the Iowa sports betting market in February 2020. The industry giant can be found at three Wild Rose Casino locations in the state.
Jeff Watters is a content editor at Covers. Before he began supporting Covers experts in making smarter sports bettors in 2021, the well-traveled Nova Scotian and Atlanta Braves fanatic spent time writing about education, software, and NHL prospects.
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