Iowa Betting Revenue & Handle Tracker: October 2026 Betting Market Handle
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Gov. Kim Reynolds signed Bill SF-617 into law in May 2019, and both land-based and online sports betting commenced on Aug. 15, 2019.
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.
Iowa sports betting revenue
Iowa sports betting began in August 2019 with retail betting and online betting. The Hawkeye State generated $2.84 billion in total sports betting handle in 2025.
Below is an outline of Iowa's sports betting figures over the years:
Iowa annual data
| Year 📅 | Handle 💵 | Gross revenue 💰 | Hold % (average) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 | $1,614,499,504 | $157,456,651 | 9.6% |
| 2025 | $2,847,302,575.93 | $266,657,246.13 | 9.6% |
| 2024 | $2,770,339,580.62 | $218,482,781.65 | 7.9% |
| 2023 | $2,420,464,385.99 | $198,797,419.22 | 8.2% |
| 2022 | $2,348,065,963.33 | $165,551,990.32 | 7.10% |
Iowa 2026 monthly data
| Month📅 | Handle 💵 | Gross revenue 💰 | Hold % (average) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Jan | $247,658,528 | $26,287,810 | 10.6% |
| Feb |
$203,452,256 |
$19,440,128 | 9.5% |
| Mar |
$253,389,288 |
$23,034,224 | 9.0% |
| Apr |
$201,172,237 |
$20,840,261 | 10.3% |
| May |
$181,499,185 |
$19,631,098 | 10.8% |
| June |
$176,733,267 |
$15,518,103 | 8.7% |
| July |
$173,175,506 |
$16,786,386 | 9.6% |
| Aug |
$177,419,237 |
$15,918,641 | 8.9% |
Iowa 2025 monthly data
| Month 📅 | Handle 💵 | Gross revenue 💰 | Hold % (average) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Jan | $289,730,208.89 | $26,188,815.79 | 9.0% |
| Feb | $216,451,613.83 | $21,272,944.44 | 9.8% |
| Mar | $287,826,744.94 | $15,749,319.64 | 5.5% |
| Apr | $215,555,372.79 | $18,757,824.32 | 8.7% |
| May | $202,573,364.85 | $20,059,488.53 | 9.9% |
| June | $168,169,130.24 | $19,210,710.78 | 11.4% |
| July | $146,718,571.56 | $17,995,576.78 | 12.3% |
| Aug | $181,612,625.13 | $22,069,518.03 | 12.2% |
| Sept | $271,081,074.73 | $20,595,504.07 | 7.6% |
| Oct | $301,953,806.10 | $26,812,865.86 | 8.8% |
| Nov | $303,055,716.86 | $29,828,480.37 | 9.8% |
| Dec | $262,574,346.01 | $28,116,197.52 | 10.7% |
Iowa 2024 monthly data
| Month 📅 | Handle 💵 | Gross revenue 💰 | Hold % (average) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Jan | $259,468,795.21 | $22,064,697.35 | 8.5% |
| Feb | $220,583,731.55 | $13,608,942.97 | 6.2% |
| Mar | $272,366,214.10 | $18,194,914.35 | 6.7% |
| Apr | $209,522,910.70 | $16,527,341.75 | 7.9% |
| May | $182,461,326.32 | $16,697,596.40 | 9.2% |
| June | $146,682,917.56 | $12,494,103.08 | 8.5% |
| July | $138,136,616.46 | $13,880,200.30 | 10% |
| Aug | $166,987,544.23 | $15,755,186.81 | 9.4% |
| Sept | $270,853,307.53 | $27,459,491.04 | 10.1% |
| Oct | $294,931,668.85 | $18,443,864.43 | 6.3% |
| Nov | $315,221,241.35 | $30,069,719.61 | 9.5% |
| Dec | $293,123,306.76 | $13,286,723.56 | 4.5% |
Iowa 2023 monthly data
| Month 📅 | Handle 💵 | Gross revenue 💰 | Hold % (average) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Jan | $233,619,612.38 | $16,543,360.58 | 7.10% |
| Feb | $193,879,638.12 | $11,871,156.24 | 6.10% |
| Mar | $232,614,150.30 | $19,857,210.09 | 8.50% |
| Apr | $172,589,394 | $14,127,483 | 8.2% |
| May | $147,715,126.26 | $16,599,870.83 | 11.2% |
| June | $115,595,592.51 | $7,131,172.77 | 6.2% |
| July | $109,680,895.28 | $10,568,988.51 | 9.6% |
| Aug | $141,295,038.62 | $13,507,280.39 | 9.6% |
| Sept | $245,759,020.10 | $24,059,082.73 | 9.8% |
| Oct | $255,293,522.35 | $24,189,825.15 | 9.5% |
| Nov | $289,698,466.19 | $14,090,776.30 | 4.9% |
| Dec | $282,723,929.88 | $26,251,212.63 | 9.3% |
Iowa 2022 monthly data
| Month 📅 | Handle 💵 | Gross revenue 💰 | Hold % (average) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Jan | $303,327,687.52 | $14,269,557.46 | 4.70% |
| Feb | $215,921,313.46 | $8,579,099.66 | 4.00% |
| Mar | $233,525,474.48 | $14,411,045.78 | 6.20% |
| Apr | $177,370,317.00 | $12,398,243.00 | 7.00% |
| May | $147,913,284.00 | $12,630,387.00 | 8.50% |
| Jun | $122,437,949.61 | $6,568,678.08 | 5.40% |
| Jul | $108,556,796.13 | $11,173,191.07 | 10.30% |
| Aug | $122,568,313.38 | $14,418,923.26 | 11.80% |
| Sep | $200,230,740.78 | $25,417,556.91 | 12.70% |
| Oct | $238,788,233.84 | $19,137,523.31 | 8.00% |
| Nov | $247,476,283.51 | $5,802,260.86 | 2.30% |
| Dec | $229,949,569.62 | $20,745,523.93 | 9.00% |
Iowa betting at a glance
- Launch date: August 2019
- Regulator: Iowa Racing and Gaming Commission (IRGC)
- Latest reported month: September 2025
- Lifetime handle: $12,699,798,550
- Lifetime revenue: $982,136,379
- Last updated: December 24, 2025
Note: Iowa sports betting revenue is reported on a monthly basis. Figures reflect combined online and retail wagering unless otherwise specified by the regulator.
About betting revenue in Iowa
Iowa legalized sports betting in 2019, with retail wagering launching that year and online and mobile sportsbooks following shortly after under the oversight of the Iowa Racing and Gaming Commission.
The state’s sports betting market is rooted in its network of licensed casinos, which serve as the gateway for both retail sportsbooks and partnered mobile operators. While in-person registration was initially required, Iowa transitioned fully to remote mobile sign-ups, accelerating statewide adoption and shifting the market decisively toward online wagering.
The Iowa Racing and Gaming Commission publishes monthly sports wagering reports detailing handle, gross gaming revenue, and tax contributions. These reports reflect combined retail and mobile activity and provide a transparent view of market performance.
Because Iowa blends a casino-based licensing structure with widespread mobile access in a relatively small-population state, its sports betting figures are best understood as indicators of efficient market penetration and sustained engagement rather than sheer scale, making Iowa a useful reference point for similarly structured Midwestern markets.
How to read revenue numbers
- Handle represents the total amount wagered by bettors during the month.
- Revenue reflects sportsbook winnings after payouts, before expenses.
- Hold is calculated as revenue divided by handle, expressed as a percentage.
Monthly revenue can fluctuate significantly due to seasonality, betting mix, and the outcomes of major sporting events.
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 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 betting market looks in 2026:
- 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.
Covers and credibility
We have had our finger on the pulse of the sports betting industry for more than 25 years. The sports betting revenue figures and statistics found here have been personally reviewed, verified, and fact-checked to ensure their validity.
News outlets turn to Covers for our earned reputation as a trusted and authoritative source of sports betting information. These are among the notable publications and media outlets that have referenced Covers.com and our industry experts.
More industry resources
As states continue to authorize legal sports betting — now 38 states plus DC, consult these informational websites for additional information on the sports betting industry:
- American Gaming Association (AGA): Organization dedicated to advancing the gambling industry's interests by promoting, educating, and advocating for responsible gambling.
- Professional and Amateur Sports Protection Act (PASPA): Supreme Court of the United States ruling.
- National Council on Problem Gambling: Those seeking help for a gambling problem can call 1-800-GAMBLER toll-free, 24/7.
Related betting revenue coverage
U.S. Sports Betting Revenue Tracker
Monthly Sports Betting Revenue by State: Arizona | Arkansas | Colorado | Connecticut | DC | Illinois | Indiana | Iowa | Kansas | Kentucky | Louisiana | Maine | Maryland | Massachusetts | Michigan | Missouri | Nevada | New Hampshire | New Jersey | New York | North Carolina | Ohio | Oregon | Pennsylvania | Rhode Island | Tennessee | Vermont | Virginia | West Virginia | Wyoming
Betting revenue tracker FAQ
Which sports generate the most sports betting revenue?
The sports that generate the most sports betting revenue can vary depending on factors such as the sport's popularity, the betting market's size, and the timing and frequency of significant events. Football stands as the most popular sport for betting in the United States, with the NFL generating the highest revenue. The Super Bowl alone is one of the world's most-watched and bet-on sporting events. Basketball is also a popular sport for betting, particularly in the United States where the NBA lays claim to the top basketball league in the world.
How does sports betting revenue compare to other industries?
Sports betting revenue varies greatly depending on the region, market, and size of the industry. However, in many jurisdictions, sports betting can generate significant revenue and contribute to the overall economy. Compared to other industries, sports betting revenue may not be as significant. For example, in 2020, the global video game industry was estimated to generate over $159 billion in revenue. Meanwhile, the global film industry was estimated to generate over $100 billion in revenue in 2020.
What are the factors that affect sports betting revenue?
The popularity of select sports events cannot be overlooked, with the Super Bowl and World Cup among the largest betting events in the globe. Betting odds and lines also greatly impact the amount of revenue generated by sports betting. Other factors include technological advancements, including the live streaming of events.
What is the future of sports betting revenue?
The future of sports betting revenue hinges on additional markets legalizing sports betting, via mobile betting, land-based, or a combination of both. An uptick in legal U.S. markets will trigger increased revenues, while new bet trends including same game parlays and in-game wagering, unlocks more opportunities for customers.
How has online sports betting impacted sports betting revenue?
Online sports betting has significantly impacted sports betting revenue, notably in states where it is legal and regulated. The rise of online sports betting has facilitated the customer experience, allowing people to place bets remotely or in-person from the event itself, leading to increased revenue for sportsbooks. Betting site operators can also reach a much larger audience and customer-base. Overall customer convenience plays a large part in driving up sports betting revenue.
What is the difference between gross revenue and net revenue in sports betting?
Gross revenue represents the total amount of money a sportsbook takes in from all customer bets, and it includes the total value of all bets placed, regardless of whether the bets won or lost. In other words, gross revenue is the total amount of money a sportsbook earns from its customers. Net revenue, conversely, is the amount of money a sportsbook earns after deducting all its operating expenses. This includes things like salaries, rent, marketing expenses, and other costs associated with running the sportsbook. Net revenue is the profit a sportsbook makes from its operations.
What impact do major sports events like the Super Bowl have on sports betting revenue?
Major sports events including the Super Bowl and World Cup have a significant impact on sports betting revenue. These events garner a lot of attention from fans, which leads to increased betting activity and higher revenue for sportsbooks. The Super Bowl alone is the largest single-day betting event on the sporting calendar, which generates millions of dollars in revenue for sportsbooks.
