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Iowa sports betting is still relatively new, but Iowa bettors continue to set records, making it quite successful within the Midwest betting market.
Through 2021 and beyond, Iowa sports bettors can join any legally-licensed online sportsbook from home. With no need to register in-person, you have full access to all the promotions without traveling. And you can easily compare the ten available apps to find the best odds before placing a bet.
Iowa Sports Betting Updates
- theScore Bet Launches Iowa Sportsbook App – On February 16, 2021, theScore Bet officially launched its Iowa sports betting platform, available for iOS and Android, in partnership with Penn National Gaming.
- Iowa Sets Third Consecutive Monthly Record-In November 2020, sports bettors in Iowa wagered $87 million, more than any month prior. It also beats October 2020’s $81.9 million as well as September 2020’s $72.4 million. Before that, the most wagered in one month was in September 2019, and it was under $60 million.
- Iowa Sports Betting Exceeds $100 Million In One Month- Breaking the record for the fourth consecutive month, Iowa sportsbooks handled over $100 million in wagers in December 2020. This is reported as we enter the second week since the in-person registration requirement sunset on January 1, 2020.
- Iowa Sports Betting No Longer Requires In-Person Registration- As of January 1, 2020, you can register at an online sportsbook from anywhere. To place a bet at an Iowa sportsbook, you only need to be physically located within state lines.
- BetRivers Launches In Iowa:On January 1, 2021, the BetRivers Sportsbook Iowa is available in Iowa via Android, iOS, and desktop. They currently offer a 100% first-deposit match up to $250, and the wagering requirement is only 1x.
- BetMGM Launches In Iowa: As of January 4, 2021, BetMGM Iowa Sportsbook is now available to anyone over 21 and located in Iowa. This is a top-rated online sports betting platform, and new members receive a risk-free bet up to $600.
Reviews Of Iowa’s 5 Best Sports Betting Apps & Sites
William Hill Iowa
Visit: William Hill Iowa and Claim a $500 Risk Free Bet
- Welcome Offer: Risk-free bet up to $500
- Available Platforms: iOS App, Android App, Web Browser
- Retail Partner: Isle Bettendorf, Isle Waterloo, Lakeside, Prairie Meadows
- Stable and accessible app
- Strong live betting component
- Accepts PayPal for deposits and withdrawals as well as credit/debit, online bank transfer, and more.
William Hill is one of the olds sports betting companies in the world, with an international footprint. It is also quickly expanding across the US. Part of this expansion involved the launch of William Hill Iowa in 2019. William Hill was the first online sportsbook to launch in Iowa.
William Hill brings its international expertise to its sportsbook app. It has one of the strongest apps on the market when it comes to stability and ease of use. It’s simple to sign, up, deposit, and get betting. William Hill also excels in its regular promotions and live betting options.
BetMGM Sportsbook Iowa (10/10)
Visit: BetMGM Iowa and get up to $600 Risk Free Bet Bonus
- New members receive a risk free bet up to $600 with code SHARP
- Available via iOS app, Android app, and Desktop
- Partnered with Diamond Jo Dubuque
- Highest rated app (tied with DraftKings Sportsbook)
- Best futures market in the US
- Best welcome bonus in Iowa
- Range of promotions and odds boosters
- Great rewards program
- Online bank transfer is the best way to deposit at BetMGM Iowa.
BetMGM is also expanding rapidly across the US, launching sportsbook apps and its online casinos in several states. It’s one of the most popular gambling apps in the country, in part because it is backed by the MGM brand name.
The BetMGM Sportsbook iOS app also has a 4.8 out of 5.0 rating on the App Store, which is tied with DraftKings for the best score of any sports betting app.
BetMGM Iowa also offers great odds compared to the rest of the market, and they consistently boast the best win potential for futures betting.
FanDuel Sportsbook Iowa (9.75/10)
Visit: FanDuel Iowa and Claim a $1,000 Risk Free Bet
- New members receive a risk-free bet up to $1,000
- Available via iOS app, Android app, and Desktop
- Partnered with Diamond Jo Worth
- Tons of daily promotions and tournaments
- Great odds boosters on the hottest events
- Hyper-competitive odds
- Desktop version of sportsbook integrated with FanDuel DFS
- App is stable, powerful, and intuitive
- PayPal is the best way to deposit and withdraw at FanDuel.
FanDuel Sportsbook Iowa has a relatively unexciting welcome bonus. While a risk-free bet up to $1,000 is a good way to acquaint yourself with this high-quality platform, the same or similar is offered by others.
However, FanDuel Iowa offers a remarkable number of promotions on a daily basis that goes far beyond the welcome offer. These are some of the most inventive and enticing offers in sports betting, including odds boosters, cashback offers, free tournaments, and countless more.
That’s on top of some of the best odds in Iowa, consistently beating out its biggest competitors like DraftKings and BetMGM.
DraftKings Sportsbook Iowa (9.75/10)
Visit: DraftKings Iowa and get up to $1,000 Deposit Match Bonus
- New members receive a 20% first-deposit bonus up to $1,000
- Available via iOS app, Android app, and Desktop
- Partnered with Wild Rose Casino locations
- Highest deposit-bonus in Iowa
- Best rated app in the app store
- Huge number of promotions and contests
- Excellent odds and special offers
- PayPal makes depositing and cashing out easy at DraftKings Iowa.
DraftKings Sportsbook Iowa is one of the best options for sports bettors in the state. Few other brands can compete with the sheer number of lines offered here on a daily basis, and the odds are some of the most competitive on the planet.
Alongside FanDuel and BetMGM, DraftKings makes the Iowa sports betting market one of the best in the US.
New members at DraftKings Iowa can receive a 20% welcome bonus up to $1,000. If you opt in, you’ll receive $1 in bonus cash for every $5 in real-money bets placed. You must deposit $5,000 to receive the maximum, but a deposit of just $5 qualifies for the promotion.
PointsBet Sportsbook Iowa (9/10)
Visit: PointsBet Iowa and get $2,000 in Risk-Free Bets
- New members receive 2 risk-free bets up to $2,000 with code BIGBONUS
- Available via iOS app, Android app, and Desktop
- Partnered with Catfish Bend Casino
- “No Juice” events with +100 odds on select spread bets
- Great daily odds boosters
- Huge selection of international events
- Sports coverage partnership with NBC Sports
- The easiest way to deposit
PointsBet is a new sports betting brand in the US, but it’s already becoming a highly regarded choice where it’s licensed. For sports bettors in Iowa, it’s one of the best choices for its great odds, including the “no juice” promo on select points spread events, such as the NFL playoffs.
PointsBet also offers PointsBetting, where you place an over/under totals bet, and the amount you win or lose is determined by the exact score. The more correct you were, the higher your win. The more incorrect, the higher your losses.
The PointsBet Iowa welcome bonus is a risk-free bet up to $500 on fixed-odds events, and a $1,500 risk-free bet on a PointsBetting wager. Make sure to use the code BIGBONUS.
BetRivers Sportsbook Iowa (8/10)
- New members receive a 100% deposit bonus up to $250.
- Available via iOS app, Android app, and Desktop
- Partnered with Wild Rose casino locations.
- Best deposit bonus terms in the US (1x wagering requirement)
- Daily bonus offers and odds boosters
- Competitive odds that sometimes beat out competitors
- The easiest way to deposit is with a debit card, but PayPal is also available.
BetRivers Sportsbook Iowa works great via desktop. However, it has the worst app in the state, so if you exclusively wager via mobile app, bet somewhere else.
But if you’re willing to play using your web browser, then you should join BetRivers Iowa for the welcome bonus alone. They offer new members a 100% deposit bonus up to $250. That essentially doubles your first deposit up to a total of $500.
The wagering requirement is also only 1x. That means you just need to bet the full amount a single time to withdraw any winnings. You can also use it for any combination of bets with odds of -200 or longer.
For a betting app in so many states across the US, you’d think they’d have a better app. But if it’s any consolation, BetRivers Indiana doesn’t even offer an iOS app at all.
All Iowa Sportsbook Sites
Sportsbook | Bonus Offer | Retail Partner(s) | Launch Date |
---|---|---|---|
William Hill | Risk-free bet up to $500 | Isle Bettendorf, Isle Waterloo, Lakeside, Prairie Meadows | Aug. 15, 2019 |
Elite Sportsbook | Risk-free bet up to $500 | Grand Falls, Rhythm City, Riverside | Aug. 27, 2019 |
Q Sportsbook | N/A | Q Casino | Nov. 12, 2019 |
PointsBet | Two risk-free bets up to $2,000 with code BIGBONUS | Catfish Bend | Nov. 26, 2019 |
Hard Rock Sportsbook | Risk-free bet up to $100 | Hard Rock Sioux City | Dec. 16, 2019 |
DraftKings | 20% deposit match up to $1,000 | Wild Rose | Feb. 19, 2020 |
FanDuel | Risk-free bet up to $1,000 | Diamond Jo Worth | Sept. 9, 2020 |
Betfred | 100% wager match up to $1,000 | Grand Falls | Sept. 11, 2020 |
BetRivers | 100% deposit match up to $250 | Wild Rose | Jan. 1, 2021 |
BetMGM | Risk Free Bet up to $600 | Diamond Jo Dubuque | Jan. 4, 2021 |
How To Place A Bet In Iowa
Step 1: Find The Right Online Sportsbook
You can safely join and bet at any legally-licensed online sportsbook in the state. You can find a complete list of available sites and apps in the list table, including the welcome bonus offer for each option.
Step 2: Register Remotely
As of January 1, 2021, you can register at any of Iowa’s online sportsbooks from anywhere. That includes outside of the state, but you must be physically inside the State of Iowa to wager.
Registration is similar to opening a bank account in terms of the information you need to provide. This includes your name, DOB, address, and phone number as well as a unique password for your account.
Step 3: Make A Deposit
You may need to provide a promo code during the signup process or while you make a deposit, so make sure you have SHARP copied for the BetMGM Iowa deposit bonus or BIGBONUS for the exclusive risk-free bet up to $1,500 from PointsBet Iowa.
In accordance with state law, Iowa sportsbooks cannot accept credit cards as a deposit method. That means a more limited number of options in the state, but most accept PayPal for deposits and withdrawals as well as online banking. BetRivers also accepts debit cards, while BetMGM does not accept PayPal or debit cards, making online bank transfer the best option.
Step 4: Place A Bet
Once you have money in your account, you can place any bet offered by the sportsbook. You can find a diverse selection of odds for the same event across the different sportsbooks, so it’s a good idea to compare beforehand.
IMPORTANT: Risk-free bets usually apply to the first wager only. It’s also important to read all terms and conditions before participating in any promotion.
Iowa Legal Sportsbooks
Betting at illegal sportsbooks adds unnecessary risk to your personal information and finances. These sites routinely sell their users’ information, refuse to pay winnings, or disappear (with your money) altogether.
Thanks to oversight by the Iowa Racing and Gaming Commission (IRGC), your personal information and finances are protected when you play at legally-licensed sportsbooks.
The Iowa.gov website also offers a great tax resource for bettors, including their policies on automatically withholding winnings of $600 or more (the same for a lottery win). All net winnings from gambling are subject to the 5% state income tax rate as well as the 24% federal income tax rate for a total of 29%.
Iowa Sports Betting Revenue
In October 2020, the IRGC reported that Iowa sportsbooks handled a record-breaking $81.9 million in wagering. The month before, the previous record of $59.34 million placed in September 2019 was topped in September 2020, with $72.4 million in wagers placed at sportsbooks across the state.
Iowa’s sports wagering has continued to grow, with $100 million bet among a population of 3.2 million.
Iowa’s sports betting revenue is on par with Indiana and Illinois relative to its population. In October 2020, Illinois saw over $400 million wagered among a population of 12.7 million. In November 2020, Indiana saw over $250 million wagered among a population of 6.7 million.
Bottom line: the Midwest is becoming an online sports betting haven in its own right.
How Iowa Compares To Other States
Compared to its Midwest neighbors Illinois and Indiana, Iowa offers a great sports betting market with a few shortcomings:
- You can’t use a credit card to make a deposit
- You can’t place prop bets on in-state college teams
- You can’t bet on TV competitions like the Oscars
Iowa Versus Indiana
Indiana has the most liberal sports betting laws in the country, even more so than New Jersey or Nevada. For example, Indiana sportsbooks can offer prop bets on in-state college schools. It’s also one of only two states (along with New Jersey) that allows bets on the Oscars and other TV competitions.
However, Indiana expressly prohibits esports betting. Iowa does not, but it is not currently an approved category for betting in the state.
Illinois Versus Iowa
Illinois still technically requires in-person registration for online sportsbooks, but the Governor suspended that requirement via executive order going into 2021.
That means Iowa beats Illinois in two key categories: the ability to bet on in-state college schools, and the pure number of options. While Iowa sports bettors can join at least ten sports betting apps, Illinois only had five at the time of writing this guide.
In Illinois, you can’t bet on in-state college teams, but you can use a credit card to deposit at a sportsbook.
Iowa Betting Successes And Failures
Iowa Sports Betting Success
When the in-person registration requirement expired on January 1, 2021, The Des Moines Register quoted Johnny Avello, the director of sportsbook operations at DraftKings, as saying, “I’d actually call it a first launch, because this is the correct way to do it. This gets everybody who wants to be involved to be involved.”
While online sports betting officially launched in Iowa in August 2019, the in-person registration requirement made the state an unviable market for many operators. With that requirement gone and each land-based casino able to open three online sportsbooks each, the Iowa market can finally grow to its true potential.
In the last few months of 2020, sportsbooks handled over $80 million in wagers, and that’s only expected to increase throughout 2021 due to the more viable market.
Where Could Iowa Improve Online Gambling
It’s highly unlikely that Iowa will change the law and allow prop bets on in-state college sports or credit card deposits. And the in-person registration requirement is behind us.
However, Iowa could improve its online gambling position by allowing esports bets and TV competitions like the Academy Awards, which could attract bettors from Illinois and elsewhere where those wagers aren’t offered.
Legalization Effort In Iowa
Less than one year after the US Supreme Court struck down the Professional and Amateur Sports Protection Act (PASPA) in May 2018, Iowa was one of the first states with legal sports betting.
In April 2019, the Iowa Senate voted in favor of legalized sports betting by wide margins. Support also came from both sides of the aisle, with the majority of democrat and republican lawmakers agreeing to the legality.
Just a few days later, the bill passed the Iowa House, and it received Governor Kim Reynolds’s signature on May 13, 2019. It was officially legal to bet on sports in Iowa.
However, the Iowa Racing and Gaming Commission (IRGC) had to formulate all the rules and regulations, receive applications, and approve licenses. In other states, such as Michigan, that process took a year or more.
Amazingly, the IRGC had everything in place in time for William Hill to launch on August 15, 2019, the state’s first legal online sportsbook.
That means sports betting went from passing the Iowa Senate to a legal online sportsbook in about four months.
The biggest downside was the requirement to register at online sportsbooks in-person at their partnering land-based casino. Thankfully, that requirement sunset on January 1, 2021.
Timeline For Iowa Sports Betting
- May 13, 2018: The US Supreme Court strikes down the Professional and Amateur Sports Protection Act (PASPA), which opened the doors to sports betting across the country.
- May 14, 2018: The day after the overturn of PASPA, TheDes Moines Registerreports that Iowa lawmakers will consider legalizing sports betting in the state.
- February 7, 2019: Iowa lawmakers reject four sports betting bills in favor of planning a new one from scratch.
- March 21, 2019: Iowa sports betting bill will restrict prop bets on in-state college sports.
- April 17, 2019: Senate File 617, an Act legalizing sports betting, passes the Iowa Senate by a margin of 31 to 18.
- May 6, 2019: Senate File 617 is finalized and sent to the Governor.
- May 13, 2019:Governor Kim Reynolds approves Senate File 617, effectively legalizing sports betting in Iowa with the stroke of her pen.
- August 15, 2019: William Hill opens the first four retail sportsbooks in the state at Prairie Meadows, Lakeside Casino, Isle Casino Bettendorf, and Isle Casino Waterloo. William Hill also becomes the first online sportsbook available in the state.
- January 1, 2021: Iowa’s in-person registration requirement expires, allowing remote registration on any legally-licensed online sportsbook in the state.
Iowa Teams
Iowa Professional Sports Teams
Iowa does not have any major league sports teams. But betting on major league sports—particularly on teams located in nearby states—is highly popular in Iowa, particularly betting on the Super Bowl.
Iowa’s Favorite NFL Teams
It’s safe to say that these are the four most popular NFL teams in Iowa:
- Green Bay Packers
- Kansas City Chiefs
- Chicago Bears
- Minnesota Vikings
All four of these teams inspire tons of wagers from Iowans, and the variety of fans makes for an interesting layout of odds, which are dramatically affected by how many bets are placed.
Iowa’s Favorite MLB Teams
In 2019, SeatGeek released a map that showed the most popular sports teams by county in Iowa. The calculations were based on ticket sales, so they don’t perfectly represent the state’s fandom. But it’s a good indicator nonetheless.
The most popular team was the Kansas City Royals, followed by the Chicago Cubs, Minnesota Twins, and St. Louis Cardinals, respectively.
Iowa sportsbooks will have plenty of action, including tons of prop bets, on every MLB game, especially the ones that feature these teams.
Iowa’s Favorite NBA Teams
Outside of NCAAB D1’s March Madness tournament, basketball doesn’t inspire as many bets as football or baseball. However, it remains the third most popular sport in the country, and Iowa’s favorite teams include:
- Chicago Bulls
- Minnesota Timberwolves
- Milwaukee Bucks
Iowa College Sports Teams
Iowa boasts four college teams that play at the D1 level in football and basketball, the two most popular college sports by far.
However, you can only bet moneyline, points spread, or totals for in-state college sports. Prop bets are only allowed for out-of-state college teams and professional sports.
Iowa Hawkeyes
The University of Iowa has the most successful D1 athletic program in the state, and they’re often one of the better teams in the country.
In basketball, the Hawkeyes appeared in the NCAA Tournament 26 times, and they made it to the Final Four for the third time in 1980.
In football, the Hawkeyes consistently rank in the AP Top 25, and they sat at number 17 at the time of writing this guide.
Iowa State Cyclones
Iowa State football currently sits at number 12 of the AP Top 25 College Football Teams. But even if they dropped since then, they’re almost always a team strong enough to beat any other D1 program. The Cyclones can also hoop it with the best of them, boasting 20 NCAA Tournament appearances, and making it to the Sweet 16 twice within the past decade.
Northern Iowa Panthers
While the Hawkeyes and the Cyclones reign supreme for most popular college teams, the Northern Iowa Panthers basketball program has been making a name for itself at the national level. Seven of eight total March Madness appearances have occurred since 2000, and they made it to the Sweet 16 in 2010.
Drake Bulldogs
Drake Bulldogs basketball team has only made it to the NCAA Tournament four times (most recently in 2008). But they’re a strong member of the Missouri Valley Conference, making for some exciting betting action, particularly for points spreads.
Other Sports To Bet On In Iowa
Iowa allows sportsbooks to list a range of sports. You can find bets on auto racing, golf, European soccer, Rugby, and beyond. In fact, you could attend a NASCAR race at Iowa Speedway while betting on the event with your mobile device.
However, some sportsbooks offer more sports than others. For example, BetMGM Iowa offers cycling and table tennis. William Hill Iowa does not.
If you’re betting on sports beyond popular college teams or major leagues in the US and Europe, make sure to explore the options before joining a sportsbook. You don’t want to be an MMA-specific bettor only to find out the sportsbook doesn’t offer lines on the fights.
Also, sportsbooks will take bet requests. If you don’t see something listed at your app of choice, consider reaching out to see if they’ll offer the bet. At worst, it might put it on their radar to add in the future.
Iowa Sports Betting FAQs
21. You must be at least 21 years old to bet at an online sportsbook in Iowa. The gambling age for all casinos and sportsbooks in Iowa is 21 except for at Meskwaki Casino in Tama, where the gambling age is 18. However, they do not offer a sportsbook.
It is legal to bet on college sports in Iowa. However, you cannot place prop bets on in-state college teams. All other forms of betting on in-state schools are allowed, including moneyline, points spread, parlays, futures, and totals. You can also place prop bets on out-of-state college teams.
Yes. Online sports betting in Iowa is safe as long as you join legally-licensed online sportsbooks. You can find links to all Iowa sports betting apps and sites at Gaming Today as well as exclusive welcome bonuses and detailed reviews. You can also verify legal sportsbooks on the Iowa Racing and Gaming Commission website.
Yes. Most sportsbooks in Iowa offer an iOS app. However, some are better than others. DraftKings, BetMGM, FanDuel, and PointsBet offer the best iOS apps in Iowa according to their App Store ratings. The odds at the specific sportsbook are the same whether you use the iOS app, Android app, or desktop version.
Yes. DraftKings Sportsbook Iowa launched on February 19, 2020. This is a top-rated sportsbook app with competitive odds, daily promotions, and convenient banking methods, including PayPal. New members at DraftKings Sportsbook Iowa can receive a 20% first-deposit match up to $1,000. If you opt in, they’ll match every $5 wagered with $1 in bonus cash.
Yes. FanDuel Sportsbook Iowa is available for remote registration, which means you can join and wager from anywhere within state lines. This is among the best online sportsbooks in Iowa in terms of odds, promotions, banking options, and app quality. Right now, FanDuel Iowa offers new members a risk-free bet up to $1,000.
More Resources On Iowa Sports Betting
- Iowa Racing and Gaming Commission (IRGC), in charge of gambling regulations in the state, offers a robust resource for sports bettors and gambling operators alike.
- Monthly Gaming Revenue reports from the IRGC.
- Senate File 617, the legislation that legalized sports betting.
- Iowa sports betting rules and regulations that are enforced by the IRGC.
- A historical snapshot of Iowa sports betting talks immediately after the US Supreme Court struck down PASPA, courtesy of The Des Moines Register.
- Des Moines Register Sports offers the latest news on Iowa college and high school sports as well as coverage on other sports.
- Sports news from The Gazette offers insights that extend beyond Cedar Rapids.
- Hawkeye Sports is a University of Iowa publication with up-to-the-minute coverage on all programs.
- Fight for Iowa is the official podcast of University of Iowa athletics.
Iowajoined the US sports betting market, with Governor Kim Reynolds’s signature on asports betting bill. The measure addedsports bettingto the list of legal gambling options in Iowa, which hosts more than 20 commercial and tribal casinos.
Both retail andonlinesports betting became legal in Iowa with the passage of the legislation. Iowa’s sports betting laws allow the state’s commercial casinos to offer online sports betting. It also permits those casinos to form partnerships with existing gaming companies for their sports betting platforms.
Iowa’s sportsbooks fall under the regulation of the Iowa Racing and Gaming Commission. The first of the state’s legal mobile sports betting products began to launch in August 2019. By 2020, Iowa’s sportsbooks were starting to see a lot of success. Iowa online sportsbooks recorded $6.37 million in revenue in October 2020, followed by $5.3 million in November.
All Iowa’s Online Sports Betting Apps
- FanDuel Sportsbook
- BetMGM Sportsbook
- PointsBet Iowa
- BetRivers Iowa
- DraftKings Sportsbook
- William Hill Iowa
- BetFred
- Elite Sportsbook
- Hard Rock Sportsbook
- Q Sportsbook
Iowa’s Legal Online Sportsbooks
FanDuel Sportsbook
FanDuel Sportsbook started by launching a retail sportsbook Diamond Jo Casino in Dubuque. The casino dedicated over 2000 square feet of space to the FanDuel Sportsbook with 34 screens, self-serve betting kiosks, betting windows, and 3 sports tickers.
FanDuel also launched its online sportsbook in Iowa through its partnership with Diamond Jo. One of the top names in sports betting in the US, FanDuel is offering new Iowa bettors up to $1,000 in risk free bets.
Visit:FanDuel Iowa to claim $1,000 risk free bet bonus offer
BetMGM Sportsbook
In January 2021, BetMGM added Iowa to its growing list of sports betting markets in the US. The Iowa launch came just weeks before the app’s launch in both Michigan and Virginia. BetMGM partnered with Diamond Joe Casino to launch its online betting app in Iowa. The app is available for download to both Android and Apple iOS devices.
New Iowa bettors can claim a risk free bet offer up to $600.
Visit: BetMGM Iowa and claim up to $600 in a risk free bet offer
PointsBet Iowa
PointsBet brought its sportsbook, as well as its trademark “PointsBetting” wagering style, to Iowa in partnership with Catfish Bend Casino. That property, located in Burlington, plays home to PointsBet Sportsbook at Catfish Bend Casino.
A mobile version of PointsBet sportsbook launched in November 2019. “PointsBetting” allows bettors to win (or lose) more money on a bet based on the final score margin of a chosen game. In addition, PointsBet offers new players a variety of sportsbook bonus offers, the best of which offers bettors up to $1,500 in risk free bets.
Visit: PointsBet Iowa to claim up to $2,000 in risk free bets (use bonus code BIGBONUS)
DraftKings Sportsbook
One of the biggest names in the legal US sports betting market, DraftKings Sportsbook entered the Iowa market in February 2020 as a license partner of Wild Rose Resorts.
Iowa hosts three Wild Rose Casino locations, with properties in Clinton, Emmetsburg, and Jefferson. All three casinos host a live sportsbook, branded as DraftKings Sportsbook at Wild Rose.
DraftKings Sportsbook also offers its services on an online platform, available as a desktop-based client, or as a downloadable mobile app.
Visit:DraftKings Indiana here for the latest bonus offers
BetRivers Iowa
BetRivers is one of the newest online sportsbooks to debut in Iowa. BetRivers is making a name for itself in sports betting by launching in several states. They were the first to launch inIllinoisand will be one of the first to launch inMichiganin 2021.
BetRivers stands out by offering a competitive bonus for new bettors. They are currently offering a 100% deposit match bonus offer up to $250. With only a 1x playthrough, this sportsbook bonus is quite attractive for new bettors who can’t meet playthrough requirements for other bonus offers.
William Hill Sportsbook
William Hill stands as the gaming technology brand powering four different sportsbooks in Iowa. Visitors to either of the state’s Isle Casino locations (Waterloo and Bettendorf), as well as Prairie Meadows Casino or Lakeside Hotel Casino, will find an on-property William Hill Sportsbook.
The William Hill Iowa online sports betting app offers another way to wager with the William Hill brand. The app is accessible to Iowa bettors from anywhere in the state.
New players can open a William Hill account by visiting any of the four properties partnered with the William Hill brand.
Elite Sportsbook
Elite Sportsbook functions as the in-house live and online sportsbook for the trio of Iowa properties owned by Elite Casino Resorts.
Elite Casino Resorts’ in-state properties include Grand Falls Casino, Riverside Casino, and Rhythm City Casino Resort. Elite Casinos teamed up with technology company Bet. Works to launch retail and mobile sports betting in Iowa.
Iowa’s in-person registration rules require new players to visit one of the three retail properties to sign up for the Elite Sportsbook app.
Hard Rock Sportsbook
Hard Rock Sioux City offers a self-branded retail sportsbook on property, as well as a mobile sports betting app available anywhere within Iowa borders.
The online version of Hard Rock Sportsbook joined the Iowa market in December 2019. Hard Rock Sportsbook’s online platform can be accessed as a browser-based desktop client, or downloaded as an app for iOS and Android mobile devices.
Q Sportsbook
Located in Dubuque, Q Casino runs both a live and online version of its self-branded sportsbook. The online version of Q Sportsbook launched in Iowa in December 2019.
Q Sportsbook partnered with IGT, one of the most respected brands in gaming technology, to bring its sports betting services to the Iowa market.
BetFred Iowa
BetFred launched in both Iowa andColoradoin 2020. The BetFred app is easy to access but doesn’t offer the same kinds of bells and whistles as other Iowa sportsbooks. Because it isn’t as widely available as other sportsbooks in the US, it also means it hasn’t had time to develop and we anticipate we will see a lot of improvements to the app in 2021. BetFred is partnered with Grand Falls Casino & Golf Resort in Iowa.
What Other Legal Sportsbooks Are Coming To Iowa?
Unibet Sportsbook
International online gaming brand Unibet already offers online sports betting in New Jersey and Pennsylvania. An Iowa version of Unibet’s online sportsbook is approved and will operate as a licensed partner of Harrah’s Council Bluffs.
What Online Sportsbook Bonuses Are Available In Iowa?
Risk-Free Bet
Many US-facing legal online sportsbooks offer risk-free bet promotions for new players. A risk-free bet acts as a rebate on your first wager made at an online sportsbook if that bet results in a loss.
Most risk-free bet bonuses sit in the $500 range. FanDuel Sportsbook offers a risk-free bet, up to $1000, for new Iowa bettors.
The rebate only applies to losing wagers. For example, if your first bet atFanDuel Sportsbook Iowais a $1000 bet on the Iowa Hawkeyes, and the Hawkeyes lose, FanDuel refunds the $1000.
If the Hawkeyes win, however, you just win the amount dictated by the odds of the bet.
Deposit Match Bonuses
Legal online sportsbooks, casinos, and poker rooms often offer deposit match bonuses to new players. This kind of offer usually applies to the first deposit made at an online gambling site after signing up.
Elite Sportsbook offers one of the most generous deposit match bonuses among Iowa’s online sportsbooks. Upon registering a new account, bettors can enjoy a 50% deposit match bonus up to $200.
What makes this offer so appealing is the absence of a playthrough requirement. The Elite Sportsbook deposit match bonus offer instantly puts the bonus free betting credits in your account after you deposit. Once the credits appear in your account, you must use them within seven days or the offer expires.
Now that BetRivers entered Iowa, they offer an even more competitive 100% deposit match bonus up to $250. The BetRivers deposit match bonus only requires a 1x playthrough.
Deposit Match Playthrough Requirements
Deposit match bonuses at other online sportsbooks often require playthrough, which means you must bet a certain multiple of your initial deposit to unlock the bonus.
DraftKings Sportsbook, for instance, offers a 20% deposit match up to $1000. The bonus comes with a 25x playthrough requirement, meaning for every $25 wagered, $1 of bonus money is unlocked.
Different sportsbooks run deposit match promotions with different playthrough requirements, so be sure to check terms and conditions carefully to understand how playthrough works at a given sportsbook.
What Sports Can You Bet On In Iowa?
Betting On US Pro Sports In Iowa
Iowa’s legal online sportsbooks offer the full range of betting options across virtually all major domestic sports leagues. This includes NFL, MLB, NBA, and NHL betting.
Betting options for all four major team sports include moneyline, point spread, and totals (over/under) betting on virtually every regular and postseason game. Championship games and series, like the Super Bowl, Stanley Cup Finals, NBA Finals, and World Series, offer Iowa bettors the opportunity to wager on some of the most anticipated events of the year.
Other ways to bet on domestic sports leagues include parlays, teasers, futures, and in-game betting. Some online sportsbooks offer in-play betting, a version of in-game betting in which lines change every few seconds as a game plays on.
NASCAR, PGA, UFC And Other Ways To Bet On US Sports
Many other US sports leagues await on the betting menus at Iowa’s legal online sportsbooks. NASCAR, UFC, WNBA, PGA, tennis, and MLS add to the list of opportunities to bet on US sports.
The number of leagues available for betting on the US sports calendar offers Iowa bettors the chance to get in the action at virtually any time of the year.
College Sports Betting In Iowa
Some states with legal sports betting pass legislature that restricts betting on in-state college sports teams and events. In New Jersey, for example, bettors can’t bet on the Rutgers Scarlet Knights, or on any college contest that takes place within New Jersey.
Iowa sports betting laws dictate only one restriction on college sports betting. In-game prop betting on Iowa-based college athletes isn’t allowed. All other types of wagering are on the table, however.
Betting On The Iowa Hawkeyes
The University of Iowa Hawkeyes stand as the state’s most high-profile college sports program. The Hawkeyes compete in the Big Ten Conference, which is one of the nation’s most competitive conferences in both college football and college basketball.
Under current football head coach Kirk Ferentz, the Hawkeyes have maintained a tradition of excellence. In Ferentz’ two-decade tenure, Iowa has played in 17 bowl games and won the Big Ten Championship twice.
The college basketball side of the Big Ten plays equally as fierce as its football counterpart. Iowa faces the challenge of an annual conference schedule that includes powerhouse programs like the Michigan State Spartans, Michigan Wolverines, Maryland Terrapins, and several other perennial contenders.
The Hawkeyes have advanced to the NCAA Division I Men’s Basketball Tournament, aka March Madness, in five of the past seven seasons.
Aside from the ban on in-game prop betting, Iowa’s legal online sportsbooks present myriad ways to wager on the Hawkeyes.
Betting On The Iowa State Cyclones
The Iowa State University Cyclones compete in the Big 12 Conference, another major and influential conference in both NCAA FBS Division I football and NCAA college basketball.
The Big 12 football schedule pits Iowa State against national top 10 regulars like the Oklahoma Sooners, Baylor Bears, and TCU Horned Frogs every year.
Current head coach Matt Campbell has steered the program in a winning direction in his four-year tenure. In three of Campell’s four seasons, the Cyclones have finished the year with an appearance in a bowl game.
The Big 12 also features a fierce lineup of championship contenders in men’s basketball. Iowa State plays a conference schedule that includes the Kansas Jayhawks, Baylor Bears, Oklahoma Sooners, and West Virginia Mountaineers every year.
All of those teams present a threat to win a national championship in any given season. Facing that top-level competition, the Cyclones have advanced to March Madness three times in the five-year tenure of current head coach Steve Prohm.
In both basketball and football, Iowa bettors can wager on the Cyclones throughout regular and postseason play.
What International Sports Can I Bet On In Iowa?
US-based sports leagues and events provide only a part of the overall menu of betting markets at Iowa’s legal online sportsbooks.
International soccer stands as the world’s most popular sport, and many overseas soccer leagues present wagering opportunities. Major leagues like the English Premier League, German Bundesliga, and Spanish La Liga offer betting throughout the entire season in each league.
International baseball, basketball, motorsports, and MMA events expand the betting menu even further for Iowa bettors. Iowa’s online sportsbooks offer betting on Aussie Rules Football, Cricket, and rugby as well.
Can You Bet On Esports In Iowa?
Betting on esports at Iowa’s online sportsbooks isn’t currently permitted. The Iowa Racing and Gaming Commission voted in June 2020 to allow daily fantasy sports (DFS) platforms to include esports contests.
That June 2020 meeting also included a request from the Iowa Gaming Association to include esports betting at the state’s legal sportsbooks. No progress was made on that request, however, and for now, esports betting remains illegal in Iowa.
What Else Can I Bet On In Iowa?
Niche sports push the boundaries of legal sports wagering even further at Iowa’s legal online sportsbooks. Table tennis, darts, chess, and even hot dog eating contests appear on sports betting menus throughout the year.
Popular Ways To Deposit At Iowa’s Legal Online Sports Betting Sites
ACH/eCheck
The ACH/eCheck deposit method stands as the most widely accepted way to put funds into your account at Iowa’s legal online sportsbooks.
ACH stands for Automatic Clearing House, and an eCheck deposit drafts an electronic check from your bank account and sends it through ACH for processing. This approval process happens instantaneously, and the funds become available on your sports betting account right away.
Virtually all legal online sportsbooks in the US accept ACH/eCheck deposits, but this method does occasionally get rejected by the issuing bank. ACH/eCheck deposits go through about 80 percent of the time.
Debit and Credit Cards
Like ACH/eCheck, most major debit and credit cards can be used to make deposits at many of Iowa’s online sportsbooks. Credit and debit card deposits do get denied by the issuing bank at a higher rate than ACH/eCheck, however.
When this method is approved, the funds become instantly available on your legal sportsbook account. One thing to watch for when using a credit card is the application of cash advance fees. These can be avoided by using a debit card instead of a credit card.
PayPal
PayPal offers one of the most secure and reliable methods for depositing at Iowa’s legal online sportsbooks. PayPal deposits take a bit longer to complete versus some of the other methods, requiring a few extra security steps.
PayPal deposits go through nearly 100 percent of the time, however. Not all online sportsbooks accept PayPal, but it represents one of the best ways to deposit at sportsbooks that do accept this method.
Casino Cage Deposit
Iowa law requires players to register for online sports betting accounts in person, at the casino licensing a chosen online sportsbook. This requirement lasts through the beginning of 2021.
Iowa bettors can also deposit and withdraw funds from the casino cage of the property licensing an online sportsbook. To deposit at DraftKings Sportsbook, for example, you could visit the casino cage at any of Iowa’s three Wild Rose Casino locations.
What Is The Biggest Online Sportsbook In Iowa By Revenue?
William Hill Sportsbook reigns supreme as the top-earning legal online sportsbook brand on the Iowa landscape. William Hill offers online sports betting with three different licensed casino partners.
The William Hill Sportsbook at Prairie Meadows online sports betting platform takes the spot as the top-earning mobile sportsbook in the state. Prairie Meadows operates as a county-owned horse racetrack and casino in Polk County, Iowa.
Other William Hill online sports betting partners include Isle Casino. The Isle Casino brand hosts two Iowa locations, both owned by Eldorado Resorts. The online version of William Hill Sportsbook at Isle Casino comes in as the second-highest earning mobile sports betting platform in Iowa since products started launching in August 2019.
DraftKings Sportsbookwent live in Iowa in February 2020, as a licensed partner of the Wild Rose Casino brand. In June 2020, the fourth full month of operations in the state, DraftKings Sportsbook realized its best performance so far, coming in second in monthly revenue behind William Hill Sportsbook at Prairie Meadows.
The Iowa online sports betting market remains competitive, with Elite Sportsbook also in the discussion of the most popular mobile sports betting platforms in the state.
What Do I Need To Create An Online Sportsbook Account In Iowa?
Iowa bettors must register in person for an online sportsbook account. Iowa’s sports betting laws mandate this in-person requirement until January 1, 2021.
After that date, registering for a mobile sportsbook account can be accomplished from the convenience of anywhere within Iowa borders, directly from the chosen sports betting app. For now, however, you must visit the casino licensing a given online sportsbook, and find the physical sportsbook inside the casino.
From there, the sportsbook staff will likely ask for:
- A valid ID, verifying that you’re at least 21 years old.
- Valid email address.
- Username and password of your choice.
After the sportsbook verifies those details, you should be able to deposit funds using any method accepted at your sportsbook of choice. From there, the online sportsbook is accessible from anywhere in Iowa.
Iowa’s Legal Online Sports Betting Market
Iowa offers both retail sportsbook locations and online sports betting. Like in Nevada, you need to visit a brick-and-mortar casino in Iowa to register at a sportsbook app. Meanwhile, states like Pennsylvania and New Jersey allow remote registration.
Luckily, Iowa casinos are spread across the state in such a way that most won’t have to travel too far to register. Since the casinos are also hotels, you could make it a day trip or stay the weekend.
Why Register At An Iowa Online Sportsbook?
Once registered, you’re a lifetime member at that sportsbook app, so you don’t need to worry about going back. From then on, you can bet from anywhere in the state, any time, directly from your mobile device. That includes making deposits and cashing out.
Iowa Sportsbooks By Location
Sportsbooks in Iowa may or may not offer a sports betting app.
If you find a specific online sportsbook that you prefer, you have to be physically located inside the casino to register. That may require significant travel.
However, if you’re just looking for the closest sportsbook app, this table should serve as especially helpful:
Land-Based Sportsbook | City in Iowa | Sportsbook | Offers Online Sports Betting? |
---|---|---|---|
Ameristar | Council Bluffs | Ameristar Bar | No |
Harrah’s | Council Bluffs | The Book | No |
Horseshoe | Council Bluffs | The Book | No |
Diamond Jo | Worth County | FanDuel | No |
Catfish Bend | Burlington | PointsBet | Yes |
Hard Rock | Sioux City | Hard Rock | Yes |
Isle Casino Hotel | Waterloo | William Hill | Yes |
Isle Casino Hotel | Bettendorf | William Hill | Yes |
Lakeside | Osceola | William Hill | Yes |
Prairie Meadows | Altoona | William Hill | Yes |
Q Casino | Dubuque | Q Sportsbook | Yes |
Grand Falls | Larchwood | ELITE | Yes |
Rhythm City | Davenport | ELITE | Yes |
Riverside | Riverside | ELITE | Yes |
Wild Rose | Clinton | DraftKings | Yes |
Wild Rose | Emmetsburg | DraftKings | Yes |
Wild Rose | Jefferson | DraftKings | Yes |
Legal Online Sportsbooks Versus Illegal Online Sportsbooks
Iowa sports betting laws mandate that all legal online sportsbooks must operate in partnership with land-based casinos. Some of Iowa’s retail casinos, like the trio of properties owned by Elite Casinos, operate their own mobile sports betting brands, such as Elite Sportsbook.
Other properties choose to form partnerships with existing gaming brands to offer their mobile sports betting services. The Wild Rose Casino brand, for example, uses DraftKings Sportsbook as a licensed partner to offer online sports betting in Iowa.
All legal sportsbooks in Iowa operate as extensions of legal retail casinos. With that being the case, all online sportsbooks fall under the regulation of the Iowa Racing and Gaming Commission (IRGC), which oversees Iowa’s casino industry.
The oversight of the Iowa Racing and Gaming Commission ensures transparency, fair practices, and accountability in all facets of operations from Iowa’s casinos. Iowa bettors can enjoy the state’s legal mobile sportsbooks with the assurance that these products are tightly regulated and audited by the IRGC.
Your money is safe at a legal online sportsbook in Iowa. Offshore gambling sites and unregulated bookmakers cannot offer that same level of security with your funds. Depositing and betting in Iowa outside of the state’s regulated platforms presents a risky proposition.
Iowa Online Sportsbook FAQs
21 or older. The minimum age to legally bet at an online sportsbook in Iowa is 21. This minimum age applies to any kind of casino gambling in the Hawkeye State.
To register for an online sports betting account, you must visit the casino licensing an online sportsbook, and provide ID verification certifying your age.
Yes. DraftKings Sportsbook offers an online platform to Iowa bettors. The brand operates in Iowa as a licensed partner of Wild Rose Casino, and debuted the online version of DraftKings Sportsbook in the state in February 2020.
Iowa is one of seven states in which DraftKings Sportsbook legally operates. When logging into the DraftKings Sportsbook online client, navigate to the bottom of the homepage and click on “Casino Partners” to find the list of states and license partners offering DraftKings Sportsbook.
Not yet. FanDuel Sportsbook has a partnership in place with Diamond Jo Casino, and that property hosts a FanDuel-branded live sportsbook.
That partnership will almost certainly yield an online FanDuel Sportsbook platform in Iowa at some point, but the launch of such a product is TBA for now.
No. Online sportsbooks in general don’t offer players the ability to play on credit. That policy could vary across different casinos in Iowa when it comes to other casino games, but to wager at online sportsbooks you must make a real-money deposit.
Yes, with one restriction – in-game prop bets on athletes playing for Iowa-based schools is not allowed. For example, a prop bet on the number of points an Iowa Hawkeyes player will score in a college basketball game isn’t permitted under Iowa sports betting law.
Aside from that restriction, all college sports, including those involving Iowa’s college programs, are open for wagering at legal sportsbooks.
Yes, until January 1, 2021. Iowa sports betting law mandates that registration for an online sports betting account must be done in person, at the casino licensing a given online sportsbook.
This in-person registration requirement expires at the end of 2020, and after that remote registration will become available.
To collect your winnings at an online sportsbook in Iowa, you need to request a withdrawal through the platform. You can also visit the casino cage at a partnering land-based casino to retrieve your winnings in cash.
Rivers Casino Sportsbook
The most common cashout options at sports betting apps in Iowa include:
- PayPal
- Direct bank transfer
- Check by mail
- Prepaid card
No. Anyone over the age of 21 can join a sportsbook app. That includes folks visiting from other countries as well as states.
However, you must be within Iowa state lines to place real-money bets. That’s why you need to have location tracking turned on before you can start playing.
Iowa Casino Sportsbook
Yes. In the sense that they’re fair and safe, Iowa sportsbook apps are legit. This state’s market also has some of the biggest names in sports betting, including DraftKings and William Hill. Both offer hyper-competitive odds and lucrative promotions that make them world leaders, and both earn their international reputation for excellence.