Iowa has been a leader in sports betting since legalizing it in 2019, offering residents a seamless combination of online and in-person wagering options. With 14 active online sportsbooks and a host of retail betting locations, Iowa’s sports betting market is one of the most accessible in the U.S. Bettors can register, deposit, and place wagers from anywhere within the state, ensuring convenience for both new and seasoned players. While Iowa lacks major professional sports teams, its passion for collegiate sports and a thriving gambling infrastructure make it an ideal hub for sports betting enthusiasts.
Our comprehensive Iowa sports betting guide is tailored to help you navigate this well-regulated market with confidence. From top-rated sportsbooks like Bet365 to exclusive promos and bonuses, we’ll show you how to make the most of your wagers. This resource covers everything you need to know, including payment methods, betting markets, and the legal history of sports betting in the Hawkeye State. Whether you’re exploring online apps or visiting retail sportsbooks, our expert insights will help you maximize your experience in Iowa’s dynamic sports betting scene.
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Is sports betting legal in Iowa?
Iowa has established itself as a key player in the U.S. sports betting market, leveraging its robust gambling infrastructure and swift action to legalize sports betting. With more than 20 casinos across the state, Iowa was well-prepared to embrace sports wagering after the Supreme Court overturned the Professional and Amateur Sports Protection Act (PASPA) in 2018. Recognizing the opportunity, Iowa legislators moved quickly to pass legislation in May 2019, and by August of the same year, both online and retail sportsbooks were fully operational. This rapid adoption highlights Iowa’s commitment to providing a modern and accessible betting environment for its residents.
Despite its smaller population of just three million, Iowa boasts a thriving sports betting market fueled by its comprehensive infrastructure and proactive regulatory approach. Bettors in the state can access a variety of sportsbooks, offering everything from online sportsbooks to retail locations at its many casinos. The simultaneous launch of online and retail sports betting in 2019 set a precedent for efficiency and accessibility, making Iowa a model for other states. Today, Iowa’s sports betting landscape continues to grow, providing residents with a secure and dynamic wagering experience.
Iowa Sportsbooks
Iowa doesn’t have any major professional sports teams of its own, but the state is still into sports. Naturally, that also means that there’s a sizable market for sports betting as well. A slew of sportsbooks have planted their flags in the state of Iowa and that gives residents a load of options to choose from.
Thankfully, getting started on sports betting in Iowa is a fairly easy process and ATS.io can help make it even easier. Here is the state of sports betting in Iowa, what sportsbook apps are available in the state, and what sports you can wager on. Here are the Top 5 Iowa sports betting apps:
- Caesars Sportsbook – Best new user welcome bonus, Go Full Caesar
- FanDuel Sportsbook – Best Iowa betting app for prop bets
- BetMGM – Best user rewards program
- DraftKings – Best mobile betting app
- Bet365 – Best daily user promotions, odds boosts and bet & get promos
List of online sportsbooks available in Iowa
FanDuel, DraftKings, and Caesars Sportsbook rank among the best sports betting sites that are available in Iowa. Though Iowa isn’t the biggest state, it has welcomed in a long list of prominent betting apps. Here are some of the heavyweights in the state that you can sign up with today.
Bet365 Sportsbook
Bet365 Sportsbook Iowa has quickly made its mark since launching in the Hawkeye State on June 5, 2023, bringing its globally renowned reputation and innovative features to local bettors. As a pioneer in live betting, live streaming, and early cash-out options, Bet365 offers a cutting-edge sports betting experience. Iowa bettors can enjoy a diverse betting menu covering more than 20 sports, from the NFL and NBA to niche markets and local college teams like the Iowa State Cyclones and the University of Iowa Hawkeyes. The platform’s sleek mobile app stands out for its seamless navigation and user-friendly design, making it one of the top sportsbook apps in the U.S.
Bet365 sweetens the deal for new Iowa users with a generous welcome bonus: bet $5 on any market and receive $150 in bonus bets, win or lose. Regular users also benefit from frequent odds boosts and a wealth of betting options with fair terms. The sportsbook’s commitment to providing favorable odds and a robust range of features ensures a well-rounded and enjoyable betting experience. Whether you’re a seasoned bettor or exploring sports betting for the first time, Bet365 Iowa combines reliability, innovation, and value to deliver one of the most compelling sports betting platforms in the state.
DraftKings Sportsbook –
DraftKings Sportsbook Iowa has solidified its reputation as one of the premier sports betting platforms in the state, offering a seamless mobile experience and a host of innovative features. Originally known as a leader in daily fantasy sports, DraftKings has successfully expanded into sports betting, becoming a top choice for Iowans. With its user-friendly app, available on Android and Apple devices, DraftKings caters to both beginners and seasoned bettors. New users can kick-start their betting journey with a generous welcome offer of $150 in bonus bets after depositing and wagering $5. The platform also keeps bettors engaged with evergreen promotions, such as MLB odds boosts and ongoing offers tailored to various sports seasons.
Beyond its strong promotional structure, DraftKings stands out with its unique features and community-driven approach. Bettors can explore DraftKings Pools, which allow users to set up private pools for friendly competition, or interact with other sports enthusiasts on DraftKings Social, the platform’s dedicated hub for networking. While its selection of sports may not be the largest, DraftKings compensates with diverse betting options, including alternate lines, same-game parlays, and player props. With multiple payment methods and reliable 24/7 customer support, DraftKings ensures a smooth and enjoyable experience for Iowa sports bettors, making it a top contender in the Hawkeye State’s competitive betting market.
Caesars Sportsbook
Caesars Sportsbook Iowa brings a trusted name in gambling to the state’s sports betting market, offering a polished app, competitive odds, and a world-class loyalty program. Known for its flexibility, Caesars allows bettors to construct parlays with minimal restrictions while providing instant deposits and relatively fast withdrawals, especially through PayPal. With odds on more than 20 sports, including NFL, NBA, WNBA, and NCAAB, the sportsbook ensures variety and value for all bettors. New users can enjoy a first wager of up to $1,000, providing a safety net to kickstart their betting journey. Additionally, the renowned Caesars Rewards program adds long-term value, letting bettors redeem points for bonuses, travel perks, and more.
While Caesars excels in its betting features and promotions, the sportsbook occasionally falls short in app performance and customer service response times. Despite these minor drawbacks, the app remains highly rated (4.6 on iOS, 4.4 on Android) for its reliable performance and user-friendly interface. Its average betting margins below 5% highlight its commitment to providing better-than-average odds compared to many competitors. Live betting and deep prop markets further enhance the wagering experience. With a strong reputation and responsive customer support available via live chat, email, and phone, Caesars Sportsbook Iowa offers a dependable and feature-rich platform for sports bettors in the Hawkeye State.
BetMGM Sportsbook
BetMGM Iowa delivers a luxury sports betting experience backed by the trusted BetMGM brand and a sleek platform that combines functionality with style. The sportsbook’s user-friendly mobile app and desktop site provide access to competitive odds, exciting parlays, and a variety of betting markets, from popular U.S. leagues like football and hockey to niche options like snooker and biathlon. The intuitive interface, highlighted by its gold and black aesthetic, makes navigating BetMGM a pleasure. Bettors can enjoy competitive game lines, robust futures markets often published earlier than competitors, and a cutting-edge live betting section featuring real-time odds updates with color-coded changes.
Beyond its aesthetic appeal, BetMGM Iowa stands out for its innovative features and rewarding promotions. The Bet Builder function allows bettors to create custom parlays or choose pre-made options for convenience, while the Cash Out feature provides the flexibility to secure winnings before an event concludes. With a highly-rated app (4.7 stars on the App Store), the platform ensures accessibility and performance, although occasional loading delays could be improved. Payment methods include a range of cards, e-wallets, and bank transfers, and bettors can rest assured that BetMGM doesn’t take a cut from winnings. Combined with one of the nation’s best sportsbook rewards programs, BetMGM Iowa is a top-tier choice for bettors seeking a premium wagering experience.
FanDuel Sportsbook
FanDuel Sportsbook Iowa stands out as a premier choice for bettors, combining its legacy as a daily fantasy sports leader with a robust and user-friendly sports betting platform. With its intuitive design, FanDuel ensures a seamless experience on both desktop and mobile, laying out betting options clearly and continually improving features like prop betting for ease of use. New users are welcomed with a competitive “Bet $5, Get $150” bonus, making it an attractive entry point for first-time bettors. With access to over 17 sports and a focus on popular options like football and basketball, FanDuel offers quality odds and unique features, including Same Game Parlays, which add excitement and value to wagers.
What sets FanDuel Iowa apart are its exclusive features and emphasis on accessibility for bettors of all levels. Tools like Super Boost bets, which enhance odds on select games, and helpful betting guides for newcomers, make it a user-friendly platform. While its selection of sports is slightly smaller than some competitors, FanDuel compensates with competitive odds and special promotions. The site also supports convenient payment methods like Visa and PayPal, and its responsive customer support team is available via live chat or email. With its engaging platform, competitive offers, and a rewarding VIP program, FanDuel Sportsbook Iowa continues to deliver a premium betting experience in the state.
Elite Sportsbook
Elite Sportsbook is the in-house sports betting brand for the Elite Hospitality Group that runs Riverside Casino & Golf Resort, Rhythm City Casino Resort, and Grand Falls Casino & Golf Resort in Iowa. The end result is the DBA Elite Sportsbook partnered with Bet. Elite Sportsbook is not what the name would suggest, as there is nothing elite about the website or the sports betting app, but it could certainly have its uses for contrarian bettors looking to pick against local teams.
Small, regional casinos certainly have the chance to be influenced by the fandom of a bunch of biased bettors in a given area. Otherwise, Elite Sportsbook has limited deposit and withdrawal methods and a very basic interface that leaves something to be desired with pregame betting and also in-game wagering.
QSportsbook
The Q Sportsbook is the retail sports betting location for the Q Casino, which is owned by the city of Dubuque, Iowa. The Q Sportsbook App lacks the character and excitement of the retail sportsbook, which is arguably the best in the state. The app is forgettable at best and not even worth downloading at worst. Betting odds are mostly reasonable, but sports betting options and niche markets are virtually non-existent.
Q Sportsbook does allow Iowa sports bettors to sign up and deposit via PayPal, which is about the best we can say about the sign-up process. The app is basic and functional and the technological support of IGT makes it usable, but that is where the positives end. Save yourself the time downloading the app and just go to the retail sportsbook for a nice time on an NFL Sunday or for a big college football Saturday.
Additional Iowa Sportsbooks
- BetRivers
- Fanatics Sportsbook
- Bally Bet
- Espn Bet
- Hard Rock Bet
- Betfred Sportsbook
- Circa Sportsbook
- ClutchBet Sportsbook
How to sign up at an online sportsbook in Iowa
Time needed: 3 minutes
Are you ready to get started? Just follow the steps provided below!
- Choose Your Iowa Sportsbook
Choose one of the Iowa sportsbooks discussed above. Pick a platform that aligns with your personal preferences and individual betting needs.
- Register for an Account
Click on one of the links above and hit “Join” or “Register” to begin the sign-up process.
Signing up with a sports betting app is quite easy, and it’s not much different from creating an account with a digital retailer. Enter a valid email address and submit some personal information. From there, validate everything and the account will be created. - Make Your First Deposit
From there, the next step is to make a deposit. This is the process of adding money into your account that is used on wagers. Different sportsbooks have a variety of accepted payment methods. Credit and debit cards are accepted by most sportsbooks, but may require an intermediary service. Other payment services such as PayPal and Venmo may be supported. Make sure to consult our sportsbook reviews to see if your preferred payment method is accepted.
- Start Placing Bets
After you make a deposit you’ll be able to opt into promos and start wagering on all your favorite sports and leagues. Have fun and good luck!
List of in-person sportsbooks in Indiana
Retail sports betting is live in Iowa and a number of top sportsbooks have established a presence in the state. Both nationwide chain casinos and local tribal casinos are home to sportsbooks in Iowa, offering residents of the state ample opportunity to wager on their favorite teams. Here are some of the best retail sportsbook options in Iowa and which sportsbooks operate them.
FanDuel Sportsbook at Diamond Jo Worth Casino
- Bally’s Location: 301 Bell St, Dubuque, IA 52001
- Retail Sportsbook: FanDuel Sportsbook
- Other Features: Slots, table games
Diamond Jo Worth Casino serves as the partner for multiple online sportsbook, but the casino itself has a partnership with FanDuel. The result is a FanDuel sportsbook and lounge on-site at the casino.
While this isn’t an unusual arrangement, Diamond Jo Worth Casino kicks things up a notch. Bets made at the on-site FanDuel Sportsbook count towards both FanDuel’s rewards program, as well as the Boyd Rewards program used at the casino.
PointBet at Catfish Bend Casino
- Location: 3001 Winegard Dr, Burlington, IA 52601
- Retail Sportsbook: PointsBet
- Other Features: Slots, poker, table games
PointsBet also enjoys a retail presence in the state of Iowa. It has one location in the Catfish Bend Casino where it can offer up its unique style of wagering. That’s not all that can be found in the Burlington casino, though.
Catfish Bend Casino and FunCity Resort have a variety of slots on hand and table games including craps, blackjack, and Pai Gow. Those who visit Thursday through Saturday can be treated to the casino’s poker room.
Caesars Sportsbook at Harrah’s, Horseshoe, and more
- Harrah’s Council Bluffs Location: 1 Harrah’s Blvd, Council Bluffs, IA 51501
- Horseshoe Casino Location: 2701 23rd Ave, Council Bluffs, IA 51501
- Isle Casino Bettendorf Location: 1777 Isle Pkwy, Bettendorf, IA 52722
- Isle Casino Waterloo Location:777 Isle of Capri Blvd, Waterloo, IA 50701
- Prairie Meadows Casino, Racetrack, and Hotel Location: 1 Prairie Meadows Dr, Altoona, IA 50009
- Retail Sportsbook: Caesars Sportsbook
- Other Features: Slots, table games, poker, thoroughbred racing
The sportsbook with the biggest footprint in Iowa, at least when it comes to retail sportsbooks, is Caesars Sportsbook. Caesars was one of two sportsbooks that were available in Iowa from day one, with everyone else having to play catch-up.
Caesars Sportsbooks are attached to some of the largest casinos in Iowa. The Prairie Meadows Casino, Racetrack, and Hotel is the largest casino in Iowa with nearly 2,000 gaming terminals on its 85,000-square-foot gaming floor. The Horseshoe Casino in Council Bluffs is the second-largest, with 1,700 terminals. Each of these locations has something different, with the Prairie Meadows Casino also having thoroughbred racing.
DraftKings Sportsbook at Wild Rose Casinos
- Wild Rose Clinton Location: 777 Wild Rose Dr, Clinton, IA 52732
- Wild Rose Jefferson Location: 777 Wild Rose Dr, Jefferson, IA 50129
- Wild Rose Emmetsburg Location: 777 Wild Rose Dr, Jefferson, IA 50129
- Retail Sportsbook: DraftKings Sportsbook
- Other Features: Slots, table games, off-track betting
DraftKings is available in Iowa through its partnership with the Wild Rose Casinos and that sees DraftKings Sportsbooks available at their establishments. This allows guests to take in a game in between trips to the tables.
Each Wild Rose Casino has 500 gaming terminals apiece, with a roundup of the most popular table games. This includes blackjack, Pai Gow, craps, and more. The DraftKings Sportsbooks are open during select days and hours, but there are also self-serve kiosks on the gaming floor that are operational whenever the casino is open.
Barstool Sportsbook at Ameristar Casino
- Location: 2200 River Rd, Council Bluffs, IA 51501
- Retail Sportsbook: Barstool Sportsbook
- Other Features: Slots, table games
Penn National operates a slew of casinos and resorts across the United States and Barstool Sportsbook is basically a staple part of them at this point. The sportsbook branded after the popular sports blog has homes in a slew of Hollywood Casinos and other locations.
In Iowa, Ameristar Casino is the landing spot for Barstool Sportsbook. The casino and hotel has over 1,300 slot machines and 20 table games across 38,500 of gaming space.
BetFred at Grand Falls Casino and Golf Resort
- Location: 1415 Grand Falls Blvd, Larchwood, IA 51241
- Retail Sportsbook: BetFred
- Other Features: Slots, table games, poker, golf
BetFred is a staple sportsbook in Europe, and Iowa residents are lucky enough to be able to enjoy it both online and in person. That’s thanks to the Grand Falls Casino and Golf Resort, which boasts a BetFred retail sportsbook that accepts wagers on all your favorite sports.
The Grand Falls Casino’s primary offering is its traditional casino which includes slots, table games, and poker. On top of this is the stay-and-play opportunity associated with its scenic golf course.
What Sports Can I Bet on in Iowa?
Iowa sports bettors are lucky enough to be able to bet on both professional and college sports. The only serious caveat is that sports bettors are not able to wager on prop bets related to college sports. This affords bettors the ability to bet on all their favorite teams, regardless of what level they play at.
Though esports betting was banned for a time in Iowa, that changed in 2022. House File 2497 legalized esports betting in the state, opening the door for betting on professional gaming events.
Here are some of the best sports you can bet on in Iowa:
- NFL
- NCAA Football
- NCAA Basketball
- NHL
- MMA
- Boxing
- NBA
- MLB
- Tennis
- Soccer
- PGA
- Racing
- Darts
- Lacrosse
- Esports
Popular Iowa sports teams to bet on
Iowa Hawkeyes
The Iowa Hawkeyes, playing out of the University of Iowa, are an institution across many NCAA sports. The school has arguably the best wrestling pedigree in the country, and was long helmed by the legendary Olympian Dan Gable. Iowa won 23 national championships from 1975 to 2010, and scored its 24th in 2021.
Despite that success, the school’s primarily known for its strong football and basketball programs. The Hawkeyes’ women’s basketball team has been very strong at the conference level and in recent years, has been able to make runs in the NCAA Tournament as deep as the Elite Eight. Its football team posts winning records much more often than not, and can be expected to play in a bowl game each year.
Iowa State Cyclones
The Iowa Hawkeyes’ chief rival in many ways is Iowa State University. The schools have a rivalry that dates back to the 1800s, with the schools facing off annually for the Cy-Hawk trophy. Iowa Universty has gotten the better of the rivalry over time, but Iowa State finds ways to keep things competitive more often than not and has taken its share of wins.
Outside of football, Iowa State is strong in a number of sports, most notably basketball. Its men’s basketball team has won a number of Big 12 Championships, and has made multiple deep runs in the NCAA Tournament.
Chicago Bulls, Blackhawks, and Cubs
Iowa doesn’t have any pro sports teams in the four largest American sports leagues, with most of its sports appetite being dedicated to its local NCAA favorites. When it comes to pro sports, most of its love is directed toward its neighbors in Illinois.
The Chicago Bulls, Blackhawks, and Cubs are Iowa’s most popular NBA, NHL, and MLB teams, respectively. Each of these teams are long on history, but up-and-down when it comes to recent results. Despite that, Iowa has stuck by these Chicago teams and they are likely to be a go-to when it comes to betting.
Minnesota Vikings
While one might expect the Chicago Bears to be the top NFL team in Iowa given the popularity of the Bulls, Blackhawks, and Cubs, that’s not actually the case. Iowa’s most popular NFL team is actually the Bears’ divisional archrivals, the Minnesota Vikings.
The Vikings have a solid history, but have been up and down in recent years. The Purple People Eaters of the 1970s helped the team enjoy juggernaut status but things haven’t been as rosy since. Still, the team was a fringe playoff contender throughout the 2010s and saw a huge resurgence in 2022.
Alongside the NCAA favorites and adopted major league teams, Iowa has some minor league and semi-pro teams that are active and can be wagered on. Here’s a list of some of Iowa’s true hometown teams that can be wagered on:
- Burlington Bees
- Cedar Rapids Kernels
- Clintin LumberKings
- Iowa Cubs
- Sioux City Explorers
- Quad City River Bandits
Types of bets players can make in Iowa
Moneyline
Moneylines are what most people imagine when it comes to sports betting, offering the most straightforward experience possible. Pick which team you think will win and receive a reward based on how the team was expected to perform.
Spread
Spreads are moneylines, but with the favorite to win being handicapped. This means that the favored team will need to win by a certain number of points in order to have a bet on them hit. While this might sound annoying, it can offer considerably better lines on heavily favored teams and can make a bet on a big underdog a viable option.
Live betting
Live betting kicks off as soon as the kickoff. Even when a game is underway, sports betting apps will offer wagering on a game. The lines will shift based on how the game pans out, making for some juicy opportunities.
Over/Unders
Over/unders hone in on one specific stat. The bookmaker will set a line and bettors need to guess whether the final result will be over or under that mark. The standard for this style of wager is on the points scored by a team during a game, but there are often markets for individual players’ stats like the number of passing yards thrown by a quarterback.
Totals
Totals are over/unders that include both teams’ tallies. Totals are one of the most common and most heavily promoted types of wagers, often being placed right alongside moneylines and spreads. They’re a great way to bet without relying on the team of one performance.
Prop bets
Prop bets are bets attached to specific events within or around a contest occurring, or not occurring. Will the coin toss before a football game be heads or tails? Will a player hit a grand slam during a baseball game?
Parlays
Parlays are a key method for getting large payouts in sports betting. These combine multiple bets into one, with the prizes escalating with each additional facet, called a leg. Every leg ups the potential payout but the each leg needs to succeed in order to get it, making bettors weigh risk and reward.
Iowa Sports Betting FAQ
Anyone who is located within Iowa and is 21 or over can place sports bets. Sports Bettors on Iowa’s self-exclusion lists will not be permitted to enter state casinos, and therefore will be unable to place bets.
Betting on sports is safe in Iowa if you are betting at a licensed Iowa sportsbook, if you find a sportsbook that you are unsure of you can check with the Iowa Racing and Gaming Commission to verify its licensing.
As Iowa sports betting continues to grow, online casinos and poker could be coming as well, but for now, the only thing permitted outside of the brick-and-mortar casinos is sports betting.
Currently Iowa does not offer prop bets, live or in-play betting on Iowa collegiate games. Everything else is on the Iowa sports betting table including: MLB, NFL, NHL, NBA, NCAA football, basketball, Boxing, UFC, CFL, Soccer, Auto racing, Golf, Tennis
Yes sports bettors must enable geo-location services before placing a sports wager. However you can withdrawal or deposit from anywhere. ***You do not need to be a resident of Iowa to place wagers, only within state borders when making bets.
Regulations also state that players who win in excess of $1,200 provide their social security number when cashing out.
Yes you can use bet via your phone, mobile app or via the sportsbooks website once registered and verified in Iowa.
Betting on college sports is legal in Iowa, however wagering on prop bets for in-state colleges is not allowed. For example you can not place a prop bet on the Iowa Hawkeyes
