Sport Betting Sites Regulation in Iowa at a Glance
✅ Legal since May 2019
✅ 19 commercial casinos are available across the state
✅ Horse race betting is legal
✅ Promotional offers, including Welcome Bonuses, are allowed
Top Three Iowa Betting Sites for 2023
With 19 online sportsbooks operating in the state of Iowa, there are a few that stand out. We researched and analyzed these sites’ odds, bonuses, stability of apps, payment methods, and many other important features when making this choice. Here are the top three best betting sites in Iowa in 2023:
21+. T&Cs Apply.
- Trustworthy reputation
- Comprehensive coverage of sports and leagues
- User-friendly website and mobile app
Gambling problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER
(CO, DC, IL, IN, LA, MD, MS, NJ, OH, PA, TN, VA, WV, WY)
Call 877-8-HOPENY or text HOPENY (467369) (NY).
21+ to wager. Please Gamble Responsibly. Call 1-800-NEXT-STEP (AZ), 1-800-522-4700 (KS, NV), 1-800-327-5050 (MA), 1-800-BETS-OFF (IA), 1-800-270-7117 for confidential help (MI).
Visit BetMGM for Terms & Conditions. US promotional offers not available in Nevada, New York or Ontario.
21+. T&Cs Apply.
- Square Games
- Considerable daily House Specials odds boosts, and insurance promos
- Frequently lowered juice
Must be 21+ and present in AZ, CO, IA, IL, IN, LA, MD, MI, NJ, NY, OH, PA, VA, or WV. Void Where Prohibited. T&C APPLY. If you or someone you know has a gambling problem, Call 1-800-GAMBLER (CO, IL, OH, MD, NJ, PA, WV). Call 1-877-8HOPE-NY or Text HOPENY (467369) (NY), 1-800-NEXT-STEP (AZ), 1-800-BETS OFF (IA), 1-800-9-WITH-IT (IN), 1-877-770-STOP (LA), 1-800-270-7117 (MI), 1-888-532-3500 (VA), or visit www.mdgamblinghelp.org (MD) and www.1800gambler.net (WV).
21+. T&Cs Apply.
- Placing a bet is straightforward
- The interface on the website and app is intuitive and easy to use
- It is easy to find the odds for the particular bet you want to make
Offer valid and must be physically present in AZ, CO, IL, IN, IA, KS, LA, MA, MD, MI, NJ, NY, OH, PA, TN, VA, WV, or WY. 21+. See Caesars.com/promos for full terms. Know When To Stop Before You Start.® Gambling Problem? IL, MD, NJ, OH, TN, VA, WV, PA: If you or someone you know has a gambling problem, crisis counseling and referral services can be accessed by calling 1-800-GAMBLER (1-800-426-2537) or MD: visit mdgamblinghelp.org or WV: visit 1800gambler.net; AZ: Call 1-800-NEXT-STEP; CO, WY, KS: Call 1-800-522-4700; IN: Call 1-800-9-WITH-IT; IA: Call 1-800-BETSOFF; LA: Call 1-877-770-STOP; MI: Call 1-800-270-7117. GAMBLING PROBLEM? Call 1-800-GAMBLER. MA: CALL 1-800-327-5050 or visit gamblinghelplinema.org. NY: Call 877-8-HOPENY or text HOPENY (467369).
Must be 21+ and present in the state of Iowa. T&C’s apply. If you or someone you know has or may have a gambling problem, please call 1-800-BETS OFF (1.800. 238.7633).
Best Iowa Betting Apps
There are some premium sports betting apps to choose from. However, they all have their own features that make them unique. Here are the best Iowa betting apps that live up to our high standards.
| Rank | Betting Site | Why Play Here? | Go to Site |
| #1 | BetMGM | Great for live betting and streaming | Visit |
| #2 | BetRivers | Over 80% of withdrawals are approved automatically | Visit |
| #3 | Caesars Sportsbook | Large options for players props for every game | Visit |
| #4 | DraftKings | Great rewards program | Visit |
Best Iowa Betting Sites for Beginners
If you’re new to sports betting, choosing the wrong sportsbook could permanently impact your future in gambling. Our experts give you the top five Iowa betting sites for beginners.
| Rank | Betting Site | Why Play Here? | Go to Site |
| #1 | BetRivers | Bet insurances allows for second chance bet or minimal loss | Visit |
| #2 | BetMGM | Weekly bonus bets | Visit |
| #3 | Caesars Sportsbook | Large options for players props for every game | Visit |
| #4 | Hard Rock Bet | Flexible Parlay feature | Visit |
| #5 | DraftKings | Just a $5 minimum deposit | Visit |
All Betting Sites Available in Iowa
Here’s a full list of sports betting sites currently available in Iowa:
- Bally Bet
- BetMGM
- BetRivers
- Caesars Sportsbook
- DraftKings
- FanDuel
- PointsBet
- ClutchBet
- Bet365
- Betfred Sports
- Betway
- Barstool Sportsbook
- Hard Rock Bet
- Tipico
- Elite Sportsbook
- Q Sportsbook
- DRF Sportsbook
- Circa Sportsbook
- Unibet
Best Iowa Betting Sites Bonuses and Promotions
There are no legal restrictions in terms of the size and type of bonuses Iowa betting sites can offer bettors, which works in your favor. There are opportunities for boosted odds and even free bets to enhance your experience.
Ongoing Bonuses and Promotions
There are a lot of mainstay bonuses and promotions on Iowa betting sites. These include bonus bets, deposit match deals, and much more. They all have their own unique way of helping you profit.
Must be 21+ and present in the state of Iowa. T&C’s apply. If you or someone you know has or may have a gambling problem, please call 1-800-BETS OFF (1.800. 238.7633).
Types of Bonuses and Promotions Available in Iowa
There are lots of choices for different types of bonuses and promotions for you to lock in on. They can help you boost your bankroll early in your betting career.
- Deposit match bonus: Sportsbooks can match a part or even the full amount of your initial deposit. These bonus funds are usually provided as site credit or a bonus bet. However, there are sometimes conditions on the types of bets and the minimum amount you must wager. Any winnings obtained from the bonus bets can be withdrawn.
- First bet bonus: When you sign up, make your first deposit, and place a bet on the site, the sportsbook will match that initial wager with either credit or a bonus bet. Any winnings earned from these bonus bets can be withdrawn.
- Odds boost: Many platforms offer a daily odds boost for specific games or props. This feature increases the odds of a particular bet, providing bettors with a chance to win more money when they cash out.
- VIP/Loyalty program: Most sportsbooks have programs designed for their frequent users. These programs reward players with tier credits and loyalty rewards every time they place a wager. Players can exchange these credits for free bets, bonus cash, and other special perks.
- Free Bet: Occasionally, a sportsbook will give the user a free bet without requiring any deposit or specific wagering conditions.
- Matched bet: Some sportsbooks will have a promotion where they match a bet on a particular game or event with credits, essentially doubling the value of the bet.
- Insurance bets: This promotion is ideal for users who like to take big risks with their wagers, especially with parlays. If certain bets result in a loss, the site will refund a portion or the entire wager in the form of a bonus.
- Refer a friend: If a friend is looking to join the sports betting world, this is a great way for both of you to benefit. If a person signs up with a site through your referral code, you and they will receive a bonus bet.
Types of Bets Available in Iowa
When it comes to sports betting platforms in Iowa, you have a large array of options for the types of bets you can place. Here are some of the most unique offers from Iowa betting sites.
- Moneyline: The simplest bet, where you predict the team to win the game.
- Point spreads: This involves betting if a team will cover a specific margin set for them. A “-” next to the point spread means the team must win by more than that number to win the bet, but if it has a “+” that team must not lose by more than that number.
- Totals: This is when you bet on whether the number of total points scored in the game will be over or under the number set by the sportsbook.
- Props: Also known as proposition wagers, these bets involve predicting specific outcomes of a game. Some examples are the total number of points scored by a team, the number of points scored in a quarter, or if a player achieves a certain benchmark.
- Futures: These are long-term bets usually placed at the beginning of the season. They can focus on which team wins the championship or on a player winning a certain award.
- Parlays: Sets of multiple wagers that can result in higher payouts but are more challenging to win. A parlay must include at least two wagers, and all the bets within the parlay (legs) must win for you to collect.
- Same Game Parlays: Similar to ordinary parlays, but all the legs are placed on a single game. Most sportsbooks offer custom betting options for these types of wagers.
- Teasers: Teasers allow you to adjust the game lines to your advantage for a better chance to win, but a smaller payout.
Popular Sports and Leagues to Bet on in Iowa
Iowa does not have any professional sports team. So they tend to root for the teams located closest to them. Here are the teams with the most sold tickets according to Vivid Seats
- MLB: The Cubs haven’t seen much success since their 2016 World Championship and have finished under .500 the last two seasons. They’re much better this year and are in the race for the National League Central title.
- NFL: The Minnesota Vikings are coming off an NFC North championship, but their season ended with an upset loss at home in the Divisional Round against the Giants. They have one of the best wide receivers in Justin Jefferson, along with quarterback Kirk Cousins, they are poised for another competitive season.
- NBA: The Chicago Bulls were eliminated in the play-in tournament last season. In an Eastern Conference that is picking up steam, they aren’t in the upper tier that can compete.
- NHL: The Chicago Blackhawks finished with one of the worse records in the league last year, and as a result, received the No. 1 overall pick. They used it to draft Connor Bedard who is considered one of the best prospects to come into the NHL.
Features Available on an Iowa Sports Betting Site
- A variety of sports: The premier Iowa betting sites offer MLB, NFL, NBA, NHL, golf, tennis, and even more niche sports such as combat sports and Esports.
- In-play betting: Many betting sites in Iowa offer real-time betting options on many different sports and a large choice of different bets.
- Live streaming: You can see if your bet wins in real-time, as some sites allow you to stream the game from their platform.
- Reliable payment methods: No matter how you want to pay, there is an option for you. You can go with traditional credit cards like Visa and Mastercard. E-wallets such as PayPal and PayNearMe are also popular choices. Lastly, if you like to pay traditional checks, online banking, or physically go to a casino, although the process is slower, but they are options.
- Live customer support: Customers can chat with a customer support representative through instant messaging on betting sites in Indiana.
How to Create an Account on an Iowa Betting Site
Registering for an account is very simple, and within no time, you’ll be placing your first wager. Here is what you need to do in order to start up your sports betting account:
- Choose a site from our list and click the corresponding link to get to its official page.
- Click on the “Join Now/Register” button.
- Fill out the registration form by providing personal information, including name, email, address, date of birth, phone number, and the last four digits of your social security number.
- If available, insert a promo code in the designated field to activate the bonus.
- Hit the “Submit” button to finalize the process.
The information you provided will allow the sportsbook to verify your account. Should an error occur, you’ll have to provide a form of ID, such as a passport or driver’s license, along with proof of funds and address to complete the necessary KYC.
How to Deposit on an Iowa Betting Site
Depositing funds into an Iowa betting site is another easy process. Let’s show you how it’s done:
- Log in to your account.
- Go to the Cashier/Banking page of your account.
- Choose the deposit method.
- Enter the amount you wish to deposit.
- Confirm the transaction.
With most payment methods, the money should be in your account instantly. Some payment methods do charge a processing fee, but Iowa does not do that.
Most Popular Deposit Methods on Iowa Betting Sites
Most Iowa betting apps offer the same deposit and withdrawal methods. Here are the most popular forms of payment methods:
| Deposit method | Best for |
| PayPal | Fast processing times |
| Visa | One of the more widely accepted forms of payment |
| Mastercard | Great for deposits and withdrawals |
| Discover | Wide accepted form of payment |
| ACH | Bank-grade security |
| Online banking | Convenience and wide acceptance |
| Cash at cage | Instant withdrawals |
Sports Betting Law and Regulations in Iowa
Sports betting became legal in Iowa in May 2019, and opened both in the casinos and online that August. The 19 licensed casinos in Iowa are allowed to operate a sportsbook both on their property and online.
Iowa Sports Betting History
Iowa Governor Kim Reynold signed into legislation the legalization of sports gambling in May 2019. It would be a short transition as the Iowa Racing and Gaming Commission expedited and approved the preliminary rules and regulations, and as a result, sports gambling was launched both in casinos and online in August 2019. Initially, in order to gamble online, you had to register an account at the land-based sportsbook, but that rule expired in January 2021.
Current Situation in Iowa for Sports Betting
19 casinos are allowed to operate a sportsbook in the state of Iowa. In order for a sports betting platform to operate online in Iowa, it also must have a land-based sportsbook in a casino.
Responsible Gambling in Iowa
Iowa sports betting operators are obligated to offer deposit, spending, session, and other types of limits to their users. Time-outs and self-exclusion programs are also mandatory, as well as partnerships with independent, helpful organizations such as the National Council on Problem Gambling, all in order to help players bet responsibly.
Iowa Sports Betting Tax Rate
Iowa residents are required to pay between 6.75% depending on their Iowa taxable income.