Iowa Sports Betting: Best Iowa Betting Sites in 2023
Legal Iowa sports betting allows users to easily access the best sports betting sites in the U.S. and make the most of their wagers with the best Iowa sportsbook promos and bonuses. Explore our Iowa online sports betting guide below to learn more about legal wagering in the Hawkeye State.
Best Iowa sports betting sites
1-7 days
- FanDuel Benefits
- Competitive pricing
- Offers same-game parlays
- Exclusive live streaming
- FanDuel Review
1-5 days
- PointsBet Benefits
- Well-designed mobile app
- Live same-game parlays
- 24/7 customer support
- PointsBet Review
0-5 days
- bet365 Benefits
- Top-rated sportsbook
- Ample markets
- Fast and secure banking
- bet365 Review
1-5 days
- Caesars Benefits
- Generous welcome bonus
- Offers same-game parlays
- Ample betting options
- Caesars Review
1-14 days
- BetRivers Benefits
- Weekly promotions
- Over 20 sports available
- NFL live streaming
- BetRivers Review
2-6 days
- Betfred Sports Benefits
- Renowned sportsbook and sterling reputation
- Dedicated mobile apps for iOS and Android devices
- User-friendly interface
- Betfred Review
1-7 days
- DraftKings Benefits
- Good live betting section
- Offers same-game parlays
- User-friendly interface
- DraftKings Review
2-7 days
- BetMGM Benefits
- User-friendly mobile app
- Good deposit options
- Offers same-game parlays
- BetMGM Review
1-5 days
- Betway Benefits
- Modern betting platform
- Convenient banking
- 24/7 customer support
- Betway Review
- Online and retail sports betting is live now
- Legal age for sports betting is 21
- 17 legal online sportsbooks active
- Exclusive welcome offers below
Iowa sports betting updates
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:
Aug. 10, 2023: Four Iowa-state football players are charged with tampering with records after allegedly placing wagers on college sports.
Aug. 2, 2023: The Iowa Division of Criminal Investigation accuses Iowa State University quarterback Hunter Dekkers of placing sports betting wagers with on team events and tampering with records.
June 5, 2023: bet365 launches in Iowa, making it the 19th legal online sportsbook.
May 10, 2023: Iowa's monthly sports betting handle dips 25.8% in April. The state takes in $172.5 million in total wagers after generating $236.2 million in March.
Jan. 11, 2023: Tipico officially launches its sportsbook product in Iowa, making the Hawkeye State the fourth region — Colorado, New Jersey, Ohio — where it operates.
Nov. 14, 2022: Iowa's sports betting handle increased in October, courtesy of a significant spike in wagers.
Nov. 1, 2022: ClutchBet launches ClutchClash, a first-of-its-kind player matchup tool that allows players to make head-to-head (H2H) player parlays using player prop markets in any eligible NFL or NBA game.
Oct. 27, 2022: SuperBook Sportsbook goes live in Iowa, extending its reach to six states.
Oct. 17, 2022: Fubo closes its sportsbook operation, bringing the total number of online sportsbooks down to 17 in Iowa.
Oct. 11, 2022: Iowa's sports betting handle spiked in September as Hawkeye State bettors embraced football season with open wallets.
Sept. 19, 2022: ClutchBet Sportsbook debuts in the U.S. market with its Iowa launch. The sportsbook is planning to go live in three additional states: Colorado, Indiana, and Louisiana.
Aug. 29, 2022: BlueBet receives a license from the Iowa Racing and Gaming Commission to operate its online sportsbook — ClutchBet — in the state.
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 helps the Hawkeye State clear $2 billion in sports betting handle for 2021.
Nov. 8, 2021: Iowa sportsbooks rake in $280 million in wagers during the month of October.
Nov. 3, 2021: Fubo Sportsbook enters the U.S. market as it goes live in Iowa for bettors 21 and older.
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 Iowa betting sites 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.
Is sports betting legal in Iowa?
Yes, sports betting in Iowa is legal and regulated. Gov. Kim Reynolds signed Bill SF-617 into law in May 2019, and land-based and online sports betting launched simultaneously on Aug. 15, 2019.
Best Iowa sports betting offers and bonuses
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 2023:
Caesars Sportsbook - $1,000 First Bet On Caesars: Use Caesars IA promo code COVERSBONUS1000 to receive up to $1,000 in bonus bets. Following an unsuccessful first real money wager, Caesars will refund your stake, up to $1,000. Offer is valid for those that make initial qualifying wager within 30 days of activating their accounts.
FanDuel - Bet $5, get $200: FanDuel Iowa checks in with an exciting opportunity for new users. Score $200 in bonus bets when you make a first-time deposit of $10. No FanDuel promo code is needed to secure the welcome offer, expiring on Oct. 26, 2023.
BetMGM - $1,500 in bonus bets: The King of Sportsbooks has an Iowa bonus whereby if you miss on your first BetMGM Iowa wager, the sportsbook will refund your account with five separate bonus bets, up to $1,500. Use BetMGM bonus code COVERSBONUS to redeem this offer. Offer is valid until Feb. 11, 2024.
bet365 - Bet $1, get $365: The newest sportsbook in Iowa is offering $365 in bonus bets by simply wagering $1, win or lose. Use bet365 IA promo code COVERS during registration to activate the offer. Offer is valid until Oct. 5, 2023, at 6:59 a.m. ET.
DraftKings - Bet $5, get $200 + No Sweat SGP: New DraftKings IA users can claim $200 in bonus bets after signing up and placing a $5 wager with the sportsbook. New users can also claim a "No Sweat token" for eligible NFL gamedays, up to three per week. Snag this offer before it ends on Nov. 13, 2023, without the need of a DraftKings promo code.
Terms and conditions apply to all bonuses and promotional offers.
Top five Iowa sports betting sites
The top five Iowa betting sites offer enticing sign-up bonuses, competitive odds, and best-in-class mobile apps. Here are our picks for the best Iowa sportsbooks in 2023:
1. FanDuel Iowa
Bet $5, Get $200
Ends: 26 Oct
With FanDuel Iowa, you can strap in for 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 sportsbook app, fully equipped with all the bells and whistles, is our pick for the country's best football betting app.
Check out our FanDuel Review for a more in-depth breakdown of the sportsbook.
- App Store rating: 4.8 (iOS); 4.7 (Android)
- Sign-up bonus: Bet $5, get $200 in bonus bets
- Payout speed: 1-7 days
2. DraftKings Iowa
Bet $5, Get $200 + No Sweat SGP
Ends: 13 Nov
Iowa sports bettors craving the best mobile experience should check out DraftKings IA. The DK sports betting apps are 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.
- App Store rating: 4.8 (iOS); 4.6 (Android)
- Sign-up bonus: Bet $5, get $200 + No Sweat SGP
- Payout speed: 1-7 days
3. PointsBet Iowa
$1,000 in second chance bets
No code required
One of the more unique Iowa sports betting sites, 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.
- App Store rating: 4.8 (iOS); 4.7 (Android)
- Sign-up bonus: $1,000 in second chance bets
- Payout speed: 1-5 days
4. Caesars Iowa
$1,000 First Bet On Caesars
Code: COVERSBONUS1000
New Caesars customers are winners right out of the gate, courtesy of the “$1,000 First Bet On Caesars” promo. 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.
- App Store rating: 4.6 (iOS); 4.4 (Android)
- Sign-up bonus: $1,000 First Bet On Caesars
- Payout speed: 1-5 days
5. BetRivers Iowa
$100 2nd Chance Bet
Code: COVERSBONUS
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.
Check out our BetRivers Review for more information.
- App Store rating: 4.6 (iOS); 3.0 (Android)
- Sign-up bonus: $100 2nd Chance Bet
- Payout speed: 1-14 days
What sportsbooks are legal in Iowa?
The first legal Iowa sports betting sites launched in August 2019.
The Iowa Racing and Gaming Commission has approved the following 17 online sportsbook operators to date:
- FanDuel - Best sportsbook
- DraftKings - Intuitive menus
- PointsBet - Unique features
- Caesars - Best welcome bonus
- BetRivers - Best for new bettors
- bet365 - Excellent app
- BetMGM - Best for banking
- Tipico - Proprietary software
- SuperBook - Competitive lines
- Betfred - Daily promos
- Betway - Most secure
- Barstool - Lots of markets
- Elite Sportsbook - Customer-focused
- Circa Sports - High limits
- Q Sportsbook - Tiered rewards
- ClutchBet - Clean layout
- DRF Sportsbook - Trusted brand
- Bally Bet - Returning in late 2023
Legal Iowa sports betting sites
Legal Iowa sportsbooks may be found online or at one of the state's licensed casinos. Sports bettors can use a computer or mobile phone anywhere in Iowa or join fellow sports fanatics at a physical sportsbook to place wagers. Hard Rock ceased online operations in Iowa in 2023.
*Editor's Note: Bally Bet will be temporarily unavailable in Iowa while Bally's focuses on sportsbook product development. Expect a Q4 2023 relaunch.
Iowa's online and mobile sportsbooks
| Online sportsbook | Mobile app | Odds provider | Online casino | Retail partner |
|---|---|---|---|---|
*Bally Bet  |
Yes | Bet.Works | No | Elite Casino Resorts |
| Barstool |
Yes | PENN | No | Ameristar Council Bluffs |
| bet365 |
Yes | bet365 | Yes | Casino Queen Marquette |
| Betfred Sports |
Yes | OpenBet | 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 |
| ClutchBet | Yes | BlueBet | No | Q 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 |
| PointsBet |
Yes | SBTech | Yes | Catfish Bend |
| Q Sportsbook |
Yes | IGT | Yes | Q Casino |
| SuperBook |
Yes | IGT | No | Isle Casino Waterloo |
| Tipico |
Yes | Tipico | No | Isle Casino Hotel Bettendorf |
Land-based IA sportsbooks
| 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 |
Latest Iowa sports betting news
Who can bet on sports in Iowa?
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 age
If you are 21 or older, you are allowed to bet on sports in person or on Iowa sports betting sites.
Mobile betting
Place 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 registration
Remote 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 before betting with an online sportsbook.
Within state borders
Legal 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 sportsbooks
Iowa is home to 17 retail sportsbooks found at one of the state’s 19 licensed casinos.
Taxable winnings
Like 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%.
The pros and cons of Iowa sports betting
A major shift in Iowa sports betting took place when remote registration was introduced in 2021. Iowans can now place their first sports bets from the comfort of their own home.
Like many other states with legal sports betting, Iowa does not allow college player proposition betting, nor has it yet to legalize action on the NFL Draft.
No NFL Draft bettingNo esports bettingNo college props wagersHow to start betting in Iowa
Now that Iowans can complete the registration process remotely, placing a legal sports bet has never been easier in the Hawkeye State.
Casinos are also an option for those who prefer the atmosphere a retail sportsbook provides.
Select a sportsbook
There are many Iowa sportsbooks to choose from, 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 betting site reviews and take a look at the terms and conditions of the Iowa sportsbooks you’re considering before getting started.
Register online
Once you’ve picked out the Iowa betting site that you trust to satisfy your gambling 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.
Claim a bonus
The amount of competition in Iowa certainly has its benefits for new users, as Iowa sports betting sites routinely offer some excellent promotions to entice potential customers to try out their platforms.
Common bonuses in Iowa include:
- Risk-free bets: If your first bet with a sportsbook is unsuccessful, they may offer to refund the lost amount to your account
- Deposit match: After you add funds to your account, some Iowa sports betting sites may top up your account with the same amount. Playthrough requirements usually come into play here.
- No-deposit bonus: If you’re looking for a way to get started without making a deposit, this may be for you. Upon sign-up, you’ll be given a small amount of cash to place your first bet. Expect playthrough requirements here as well.
Choose your bet
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 exceed or fall short of the projected total number set by oddsmakers.
The point spread is considered an equalizer for sports bettors. Oddsmakers apply spread betting to level the playing field since the skill level of teams differs.
Deposit
Iowans have several sportsbook deposit and withdrawal methods available 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.
Start betting
Look at how different sportsbooks’ betting lines stack up against one another before placing your first bet. Glancing over a few different options will ensure you’re not squandering an opportunity to place a more favorable wager.
Withdraw
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.
Odds explained
Iowa sportsbooks use American Odds — aka moneyline odds — 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 following 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 calculator to quickly cycle between American, decimal, and fractional odds.
What you can't bet on in Iowa
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.
Politics
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. You won't find any politics when browsing new markets at Iowa sports betting sites.
NFL Draft
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
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.
Awards shows
Much-hyped celebrity and pop-culture events, such as the Academy Awards, are off-limits at Iowa sportsbooks.
What about Iowa college sports?
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.
Iowa sports betting handle
Iowa 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.
Our team tracks and reports on sports betting revenue generated from each legal market, including their respective monthly handle and hold. Iowa’s sportsbooks have posted the following numbers to date:
Yearly breakdown
| Year | Total handle | Revenue | Hold percentage | Tax revenue |
| 2023 | - | - | - | - |
| 2022 | $2.34B | $165.5M | 7% | $11.9M |
| 2021 | $2B | $88M | 5.9% | $8.7M |
| 2020 | $575M | $41.6M | 7.2% | $2.8M |
| 2019 | $212M | $19M | 9% | $1.3M |
Monthly handle
| Year | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | Total |
| 2023 | $233.6M | $193.8M | $232.6M | $172.5M | $147.7M | - | - | - | - | - | - | - | $980.3M |
| 2022 | $303.3M | $215.9M | $233.5M | $177.3M | $147.9M | $122.4M | $108.5M | $122.6M | $200M | $238.7M | $247.5M | $229.9M | $2.34B |
| 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 |
Home team advantage: Iowa sports
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 bets at Iowa sportsbooks is an entirely different story. Always be sure to remain objective when placing sports wagers, as these allegiances can quickly cloud your judgment. Read through our how to bet guides for an overview of betting terms and scenarios.
Iowa sports betting law
When Gov. Reynolds put her signature on Bill SF-617 on May 13, 2019, the Iowa market launch followed in August of that year.
Here's how the legal Iowa sports betting market looks in 2023:
- The Iowa Racing and Gaming Commission (IRGC) is responsible for the regulation of sports wagering.
- Only individuals 21 and older can legally wager on sports in Iowa.
- Iowa does not limit the number of casinos or racinos permitted in the state.
- 19 casinos/racinos are currently operational and each is authorized three online skins for a total of 57 sites.
- Iowa gambling winnings are treated as taxable income at 6.75%.
- Operators must submit 0.75% of gross gaming revenue (GGR) for charitable causes.
- Iowa law does not allow esports betting or wagers on the NFL Draft.
- Betting on college sports is allowed, except wagers on Iowa-based teams.
Other types of gambling
Iowa is home to 23 licensed casinos and four tribal casinos. Two of the state’s casinos offer live racing.
Casino
Each of Iowa’s commercial, riverboat, and tribal casinos offers players the full range of table games, slots, and more.
Real money 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.
Poker
With 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 racing
Live 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 sports
Daily 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.
Quick facts: Iowa sports betting
Iowa sports betting is red hot with monthly total handle numbers up across the board, thanks to a mature retail sportsbook environment and a blooming online sports betting sector.
To learn the key takeaways about IA sports betting, examine our table below:
| Launch date | August 2019 |
| Legal age for betting | 21 |
| Online sports betting | Yes ✅ |
| Number of betting licenses | 19 |
| Number of betting sites | 17 |
| Remote registration | Yes ✅ |
| Retail sportsbooks | Yes ✅ |
| Online casino sites | Yes ✅ |
| Online poker | No ❌ |
| Retail casinos | Yes ✅ |
| Betting on college sports | Yes ✅ |
| Betting on esports | No ❌ |
| State population | 3.19 million |
| Total handle (2022) | $2.34 billion |
| Tax rate | 6.75% |
| State regulator | Iowa Racing and Gaming Commission |
| Last Verified | Oct. 4, 2023 ✅ |
Responsible gaming in Iowa
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 CommissionLegal U.S. sports betting markets
Iowa mobilized on legalizing sports gambling following the Supreme Court's decision to overturn the federal ban on sports gambling. Outside of Iowa, these U.S. jurisdictions have all introduced sports betting laws:
Upcoming legal U.S. sports betting launches
It's been a long time coming for proponents of online sports betting in Maryland. Two years after voter approval, the state finally launched mobile wagering on Nov. 23, 2022.
Ohio mobile betting apps and retail sportsbooks began accepting wagers on Jan. 1, 2023.
The surge of legal online betting markets continues as Massachusetts welcomed big industry players to town in early 2023. Physical sportsbooks were ready on January 31, and online Massachusetts sports betting arrived on March 10.
Legal Kentucky sports betting arrived on the scene on Sept. 7, 2023, with the launch of retail sportsbooks. Online sports betting arrived on Sept. 28.
Potential legal U.S. sports betting markets
There are still a considerable number of states moving toward legal sports betting.
Here are those which may potentially legalize the practice in the near future:
Iowa sports betting history
The speed with which Iowa sports betting became a reality was the result of a bi-partisan push in the state legislature. Gov. Reynolds's signature made it official in April 2019 and Iowans began placing legal wagers in August.
2023: The Iowa Racing and Gaming Commission (IRGC) fined three operators, Rush Street Interactive, Diamond Jo Worth, and Horseshoe Council Bluffs, for credit card, underage gambling, and self-exclusion violations respectively. Hard Rock leaves the online sports betting market in Iowa.
2022: The Iowa sports betting handle tops $300 million for the first time.
2021: Iowa's in-person registration requirement expires, allowing Iowa sports betting customers to register and fund an account online.
2020: IRGC adopts permanent regulations for sports wagering.
2019: Governor Kim Reynolds signed into law Senate File 617, a bill that allows land-based and mobile wagering via casinos and racetracks.
Iowa sports betting resources
Review some of our favorite Iowa sports betting resources to further your industry knowledge:
- Iowa Racing and Gaming Commission (IRGC): Regulatory body tasked with administering Iowa sports betting laws and rules
- Approved Iowa Sports Wagers: Complete list of approved sports wagers in Iowa
- Iowa sports betting revenue: Access sports wagering revenues in Iowa
- Iowa self-exclusion program: Allows individuals to exclude from all casino, racetrack, sports wagering, and fantasy sports operators licensed by the state.
Iowa sports betting conclusion
Once required to travel to a retail locale just to register with a sportsbook, Iowa sports bettors now have access to one of the more competitive U.S. markets in 2023, thanks to remote registration. Not only are there 17 online Iowa sportsbooks to choose from, but the opportunity to wager on college sports and the favorable lines induced by low tax rates for operators makes the experience fun and accessible.
While there are a few drawbacks for players — such as the inability to bet on the NFL Draft — Iowa sports betting covers all of the major areas of interest and does so well.
Sportsbooks to avoid in Iowa
See all blacklisted sportsbooks 
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.
- Allegations of withdrawal issues
- No license information available on site
- Poor customer service
- Multiple reports of slow payments
- Allegations of non-payments
- Risk of account closure simply for winning bets
- Reports of confiscated winnings
- Slow customer support response times
Iowa sports betting FAQ
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 by using legal Iowa sports betting sites or visiting a retail sportsbook in person.
Yes, you can bet on Iowa-based 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 $11.9 million in sports betting tax revenue in 2022.
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 17 retail sportsbooks.
The biggest sports betting cities in Iowa are Des Moines, Council Bluffs, Davenport, and Dubuque.
Yes, DraftKings is legally allowed to operate in Iowa. The online sportsbook joined the Iowa sports betting market in February 2020 and can be found at three Wild Rose Casino locations in the state.
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Jeff has been reviewing sportsbooks and covering North American sports betting full-time since 2021. The former NHL prospects writer has crafted over 100 reviews and guides for the Covers community and has been sweating his own picks for over a decade.
