Iowa Sports Betting: Best IA Online Sportsbook Sites Nov. 2024

Iowa betting promos and bonuses

It’s a great time to be a new Iowa online sportsbook bettor. All but two operators are offering welcome bonuses in the form of first bet insurance, bonus bets, and deposit match bonuses. While first-time players are the only ones eligible for the sign-up offers, the novice bettors among them can enjoy a safety net of sorts with first bet insurance or bonus bets at a number of sportsbooks:

• BetMGM: Up to $1,500 in bonus bets
• Caesars: Up to $1,000 first bet on Caesars
• DraftKings: Bet $5, win $150 in bonus bets

Veteran bettors or those who have already signed up at one or more of Iowa’s online sportsbooks can still get in on the action in the form of daily and weekly promotions found after you log into your account. These promos include same-game parlays, boosted odds on select events, reduced juice/vig on some matchups, and loyalty rewards, which can be collected and redeemed for future bets and VIP experiences.

Gambling Problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER.

Top Iowa betting sites

All Iowa betting sites offer similar betting markets, betting types, and betting odds. However, to gain your business, operators of sportsbooks in Iowa need to separate themselves from the rest of a crowded field. This is why each market has unique and generous welcome bonuses for new players and lucrative promotions for those already signed up.

Online sportsbooks in Iowa are always looking for the following product features or gimmicks to gain bettors’ attention. Below are what Iowa’s 15 online sportsbooks are best known for these days.

Why DraftKings is the best sportsbook in Iowa 👑

Before DraftKings was one of the first online sportsbooks to enter the Iowa market, they were ahead of the sports betting curve with their daily fantasy sports offerings. They parlayed that success into an industry-leading sports betting app, which — as you can see below — is beloved by Apple and Android users.

New players can take advantage of a bet $5, win $150 in bonus bets welcome offer — no DraftKings promo code necessary. To earn bonus bets, new users must win their first bet. If they lose, they won't receive any bonus bets. From there, they can enjoy daily promotions like boosted odds, reduced juice on select events, and loyalty rewards.

Best of all, DraftKings is best in class regarding customer service. Should you ever have a question, there are plenty of ways to contact DK support and get answers ASAP.

Where to bet on sports in Iowa: DraftKings review. See how DraftKings compares to another top sportsbook: FanDuel vs. DraftKings.

Other Iowa online sportsbooks and sports betting apps

Caesars Iowa 🏛

Caesars is one of the more aggressive online sportsbook operators when it comes to welcome bonus promotions. Its latest welcome bonus is up to $1,000 in first-bet insurance, unlocked when new users enter Caesars Sportsbook promo code SBRBONUS1000 during registration.

The global betting brand knows they have an advantage over other online sportsbooks in Iowa because of its longevity and name recognition. The cherry on top is that they’ve produced an elite sports betting app that is popular with all their users.

Payouts at Caesars Sportsbook are lightning quick and processed within five business days.

Where to bet on sports in Iowa: Caesars Sportsbook review

FanDuel Iowa 🔵

The app ratings speak for themselves: Sports bettors in Iowa love FanDuel. Apple users rate the product a 4.8, while Android users rate it a 4.7. No other competing operator can match those ratings.

To up the proverbial ante, FanDuel is offering new players a bet $5, get $150 in bonus bets welcome offer on a qualifying first wager win. No FanDuel promo code is required here.

Already have a FanDuel account? No need to worry, as new and existing users will receive a daily boost or bonus throughout the summer.

Where to bet on sports in Iowa: FanDuel review

BetMGM Iowa 🦁

The self-proclaimed "King of Parlays" continues to roll on with its welcome bonus promotion of up to $1,500 in bonus bets.  If your initial bet loses, BetMGM will credit your account with bonus bets equal to the amount of that bet. Just remember to use BetMGM bonus code SBRBONUS during registration.

Initial bets of $49 or less will be awarded as a single bonus bet, whereas bets of $50 or more will be split into five equal pieces. For example, a $250 initial bet that loses will grant five separate $50 bonus bets.  

On top of a tantalizing welcome bonus, Iowa bettors can enjoy a best-in-class user experience on the BetMGM app and take advantage of live in-game betting, same-game parlays and player prop odds. Payouts are processed and transferred within 2-8 business days.

Where to bet on sports in Iowa : BetMGM review

BetRivers Iowa ⚡

BetRivers doesn’t earn as many headlines as DraftKings and FanDuel, but its parent company, Rush Street Interactive, is a perennial award winner at global gaming industry summits. Currently, BetRivers Iowa offers new players a second chance bet of up to $100 without the need for a BetRivers bonus code.

Where to bet on sports in Iowa: BetRivers review

Fanatics Iowa 🧢

Fanatics is an extremely successful sports merchandiser that entered the sports betting industry after acquiring PointsBet's US business. Fanatics Sportsbook is only available on mobile app, which is one of the best in the sports betting space thanks to the operator's customer service experience.

New users can score up to $1,000 in bonuses without entering a Fanatics promo code at sign-up. The relatively new operator doesn't have as much market share as DraftKings or FanDuel, but a $1,000 bonus offer could help change that. 

To take advantage of the full $1,000 offer, new users must sign up, and then place a bet up to $100 each of their first 10 days with the app. If any of their first daily bets lose, users will be awarded bonus bets equal to the amount wagered and lost. Users must opt-in every day after Day One. They don't need to wager on all 10 days to take advantage of part of the promo.

Where to bet on sports in Iowa: Fanatics review

Iowa sportsbooks honorable mentions

While the following online sportsbooks came up a little short in cracking our top six online sportsbooks in Iowa, it’s  worth the time to check out some of them to see if their welcome bonus, user experience and available betting markets suit your needs better than the operators above.

• Bally Bet
• Betfred promo code
• Circa Sports
• DRF Sportsbook
• Elite Sportsbook
• ESPN BET promo code
• Q Sportsbook
• Tipico promo code
• bet365 bonus code

Iowa sports betting key developments and updates

Iowa sports betting summary

How we rate and review Iowa sportsbooks

Sportsbook Review’s team of experienced bettors are from different regions and conduct unbiased evaluations and assessments of the top Iowa online sportsbooks and IA sports betting apps. If you're new to online sports betting, it can be challenging to determine which features are most essential.

Fortunately, SBR aims to simplify the process and clarify our rating and review criteria. We thoroughly analyze the most crucial aspects and only include the best operators in our top sportsbook rankings.

Welcome bonuses and promotions 💰

To create a positive first impression, operators strive to capture the attention of potential players with attractive welcome bonuses and promotions. These promotions include deposit matches, bonus bet bonuses, and first-bet insurance to encourage new players to be bolder in their initial wager.

Once the sign-up offers have ended, players can still benefit from reduced juice, odds boosts, bonus bets, no-risk bets, and loyalty reward programs. These perks offer players points on every bet, which can be redeemed for future bets, entry into tournaments, and exclusive VIP experiences unavailable elsewhere.

User experience 📱

Evaluating user experience can be pretty subjective since everyone has different preferences. Nevertheless, we all recognize a positive experience as a negative one. The app should perform seamlessly without any freezing or crashing issues. The site must be user-friendly and allow for easy navigation. 

The process of creating a betting slip should be straightforward, and banking options should be easily accessible. As more states and operators launch, we have discovered that a seamless process leads to a better user experience. The fewer clicks needed to reach your destination, the smoother the experience will be.

Sports bet variety ⚽

Sportsbooks must go beyond offering odds of just the four major US sports and provide bettors with access to a diverse range of markets. At SBR, we evaluate sportsbooks based on their offerings for European soccer, PGA majors, tennis majors, UFC events, and heavyweight boxing bouts.

It's not just about the variety of sports but also the types of bets available. Novice bettors will appreciate moneyline, point spread, and point totals betting options, but we also look for sportsbooks that offer live in-game betting, player props, parlays, teasers, and futures odds. A wide range of bet types ensures that there's something for everyone, regardless of skill level.

Banking options 💳

Before legal sports betting came to Iowa, potential players' banking options were a primary concern. However, this is no longer an issue, as most online sportsbooks in the state now accept major credit and debit cards, PayPal, bank wire transfers, and other e-wallet options.

Payout speed 💸

SBR's editorial team evaluates the withdrawal process for each of the 15 online sportsbooks in Iowa. Most sportsbooks take five business days to process payout requests, although requesting a physical check may take up to 15 business days. A faster payout speed results in a higher rating from SBR.

Security and customer service 📞

Ensuring the security of personal and financial information is paramount regarding online sports betting in Iowa. That's why Iowa sportsbooks use the latest encryption software and prioritize data security to safeguard bettors' information. It's crucial to avoid bad actors accessing your data by having proper firewall protections in place.

In case you encounter any problems, Iowa sportsbooks need to have easily accessible customer service reps available at all times. Most sites and apps now offer live chat functions, which provide quick responses to your queries rather than waiting on hold via phone or waiting for an emailed response. The customer service team available through live chat can answer all your questions on demand and provide the assistance you need.

How to start betting in Iowa

Suppose you're looking to get in on the action of Iowa sports betting, whether it's putting money on the Hawkeyes to win the Big Ten or backing the Chicago Cubs to win the World Series. In that case, there are a few things to remember before placing your first bet with an online sportsbook in the Hawkeye State. Here's a quick and easy guide on how to get started betting with Iowa online sportsbooks.

Select a Sportsbook Licensed in Iowa

The first step is to research by reviewing some or all of the online sportsbooks available in Iowa. With more than a dozen operators to choose from, it's important to choose a sportsbook that is licensed and regulated by the state to ensure that your funds are safe and secure. Take some time to read reviews and compare odds and promotions before deciding which sportsbook to register.

Register Online

Once you've found a sportsbook that suits your needs, it's time to register your account. The registration process is quick and easy, taking less than five minutes to complete. You'll need to provide some basic personal information like your full name, home address, email address, phone number, date of birth, and social security number. This information is used to verify your identity and prevent fraud.

The operator will likely send a verification email to authorize and activate your account. After that’s done, you’ll create a unique password. The strongest sportsbook passwords are a combination of uppercase and lowercase letters, numbers and special character at least eight characters.

Deposit and Claim a Bonus

After you've completed the registration process, it's time to fund your account. Most sportsbooks offer various deposit options, including credit cards, debit cards, bank transfers, and popular e-wallets like PayPal and Skrill. Make sure to check for any welcome bonuses or promo codes that you can use to boost your bankroll. Just read the terms and conditions carefully to ensure you understand any wagering requirements or restrictions that may apply.

Select and Finalize Your Bet

Now that you have a funded account, it's time to start betting. Iowa sportsbooks offer a wide range of betting markets, including popular sports like football, basketball, baseball, and hockey, as well as niche sports like MMA, boxing, and golf. Use the sportsbook's user-friendly interface to browse the available betting options and add your selections to your bet slip. Once you're satisfied with your picks, finalize the wagers by submitting your bet slip.

Win and Withdraw Your Payout

If your bets are successful, you'll want to withdraw your winnings as soon as possible. Most sportsbooks offer several payout options, including bank transfers, e-wallets, and physical checks. Be aware that some payout methods may take longer than others, so check the processing times before making a request.

Remember to always gamble responsibly and within your means.

Iowa sports betting handle

Iowa sportsbooks raked in a betting handle of $2.34 billion in 2022, up from $2 billion in 2021. Operators enjoyed a record $165.5 million in revenue, nearly double that of the 2021 fiscal calendar. All the action generated $11.9 million in Iowa tax revenue.

As the Iowa sports betting industry continues to thrive, the projected betting handle for 2023 was expected to exceed $3 billion. In the end, they fell a bit short of this number, bringing in $2.42 billion for the year. 

Easing sports betting limitations like new legislation allowing bets to be placed on the NFL Draft will go a long way to increasing the monthly handle when NFL and college football are out of season. Iowa sports betting is off to a hot start in 2024, as evidenced by the numbers below.

Iowa sports leagues and teams to bet on

Although Iowa isn’t home to any professional sports teams, bettors who grew up in the region share their allegiance with a wide swath of “local” teams from Chicago, up to Minnesota and even Kansas City and St. Louis.

While it’s always fun to root, root, root for the “home” team, the practice makes for a shaky sports betting strategy. It’s always better to wager with your brain rather than your heart. Do your homework before any bet and don’t blindly wager on the team or teams you like the most.

Check on weather reports, injury updates, suspensions and keep up-to-date on breaking news that may impact the outcome of the event. This will allow you to wager with peace of mind and keep your bankroll in better shape than risking too much on the hometown squad.

Outside of the Big Four North American pro leagues, there are plenty of other options. Sporting Kansas City of MLS plays just a few hours South of the Iowa state line, and there are four NCAA Division I athletic programs in the state, including the Iowa State Cyclones and the University of Iowa Hawkeyes

Iowa’s best online sportsbooks are not limited to just the big four sports leagues, those being the NFL, NBA, MLB and NHL. Sports betting markets can be found around the globe including European pro soccer, PGA tour events, international tennis tournaments like Wimbledon and the Australian Open, UFC bout cards and heavyweight boxing matches, just to name a few. Don’t settle for a sportsbook that only offers odds from the four major sports and look to expand your horizons.

Sports bettors can check out the top sportsbooks for specific sports, leagues, playoffs, and categories:

Legal sports betting and regulations in Iowa

Of Iowa’s 15 active online sportsbooks, three joined the party since the start of 2022: DRF, Tipico, and, most recently, Fanatics. What’s crazy is how much larger the Iowa sports betting landscape can grow in the years to come because the current law states that up to 57 online sportsbook licenses can be issued. That’s more than three times the number of online sportsbooks and sports betting apps Iowans have to choose from today!

Additionally, bettors can play Daily Fantasy Sports (DFS) at any of the legalized sportsbooks that offer it. Check out our list of the best DFS sites to learn more. 

Iowa’s Online and Mobile Sportsbooks

Land-Based VA Sportsbooks

There are 17 retail sportsbooks found in Iowa’s 19 land-based casinos. Part of the sports betting law required online sportsbook operators to partner with at least one retail location. Caesars Sportsbooks went above and beyond and can be found inside five different Iowa sportsbooks including Harrah’s Council Bluffs and Isle Casinos in Bettendorf and Waterloo.

Who Can Bet on Sports in Iowa?

Legal Age 🎂

You must be at least 21 years old to wager on sports in the state of Iowa.

Mobile Betting 📱

Mobile betting has been legal in the Hawkeye State since August 2019. You can wager via online sportsbooks, while at a local coffee shop or download a sports betting app to your Apple or Android smart device.

Remote Registration 💻

After online sports betting went live in August of 2019, Iowa was a little bit behind on the remote registration process. For more than a year, bettors had to visit a physical brick and mortar sportsbook to complete their registration. However, as of January 2021, remote registration became the new normal and mobile sports betting sign-up can take place anywhere. It will take less than five minutes to complete.

Within State Borders 🌎

You do NOT need to be a full-time resident of Iowa to wager at online sportsbooks, sports betting apps or retail sportsbooks. However, for those interested in mobile betting, you must be located within state borders when you log into your preferred sports betting site and/or app. Operators are now using geofencing software to determine your location. If you’re outside Iowa state lines, the software will not let you place a wager.

Retail Sportsbooks 🏢

Iowa residents and visitors to the state can find 17 retail, land-based sportsbooks. Caesars has the most visibility inside five different retail sportsbooks in the state.

Taxable Winnings 💸

While online sportsbook operators are taxed on 6.75% of their annual revenues, individual bettors who make more than $600 must report their winnings and are taxed at 5%. This is separate from the 24% federal tax rate. Remember, sports betting losses can offset winnings. Be sure to keep accurate records of your wins and losses throughout the year to help reduce your tax burden.

What you can and can't bet on in Iowa

The Hawkeye State is pretty relaxed in their sports betting markets. With 15 online sportsbooks to keep happy, the more options for players, the better. However, there are a few categories that are still prohibited. So, you won’t be able to find betting odds at legal Iowa online sportsbooks.

Politics ❌

You know it’s primary season when presidential hopefuls start showing up in Iowa. Unfortunately for those “in the know,” betting on politics is illegal in the United States. So, you won’t find any odds to win the 2024 presidential election at any Iowa online sportsbook, sports betting app or retail, land-based sportsbook.

Entertainment Award Ceremonies ❌

Unfortunately, you can’t wager on popular award shows like the Grammys, Emmys or Oscars. Since some states around the country do allow online sportsbooks to post these odds, Iowa may update their legislation to allow for these wagers in the future.

A recent update to Iowa law now allows for sportsbook operators to list betting odds on the annual NFL Draft and individual player awards handed out at season’s end like Most Valuable Player and Coach of the Year.

Esports ❌

Betting on sanctioned eSports events is currently prohibited in the Hawkeye State. However, that may soon change as legislation and efforts by various operators are working towards a solution to make betting on sanctioned video game tournaments legal in Iowa down the road.

What about Iowa College Sports? 🎓

It is legal to bet on college sporting events no matter if the matchup features an Iowa school. This is great come the Big Ten / Big 12 Tournaments and March Madness when Iowa and Iowa State are in the mix. You can not wager on college player prop odds, however.

Responsible sports betting in Iowa

The Iowa Racing and Gaming Commission (IRGC) is the governing body in charge of legal sports betting oversight. The IRGC reviews applications, issues licenses, performs regular audits, enforces laws and, when necessary, issues fines. Their mission states that they are responsible to ensure the integrity of licensees and the sports betting public.

The IRGC makes sure that each online sportsbook partners with at least one land-based, retail sportsbook during the licensing process. The license fee is $45,000 and sports betting revenue is taxed at 6.75%, which is quite low compared to other states around the country.

The IRGC also helps fund and lead initiatives to address, prevent and treat problem gambling. Portions of tax revenues garnered from sports betting are applied to these programs and resources. Individuals interested in learning more are encouraged to call 1-800-BETS OFF.

National U.S. gambling helpline: 1-800-GAMBLER

Sportsbooks to avoid in Iowa

Prior to legal sports betting coming to Iowa in 2019, players were limited in their access to safe sportsbooks. Aside from a trip to Las Vegas, many would take the chance on offshore sportsbooks and sports betting apps. These illegal sites are not regulated by state or federal entities, which could put your personal and financial information at risk. This can lead to things like bank fraud and identity theft. Additionally, many offshore sportsbook operators have been shut down over the years for not fulfilling payout requests and scamming players out of their own money.

This is why it is better to avoid offshore and illegal sportsbooks and stick with legal Iowa online sportsbooks and sports betting apps.

Growth of sports betting 📈

When the U.S. Supreme Court repealed PASPA in 2018, the growth of legal sports betting in the United States skyrocketed. Close to three dozen states have since legalized some form of sports betting, with the most common legislation including the licensing of online sportsbooks and mobile betting apps. Check our legal sports betting tracker to find out more about any state you're interested in. 

Over the past few years, large states like Ohio and Massachusetts have enjoyed massively successful online betting launches. Sports fans get an extra way to engage with their favorite teams, and the states earn plenty of much-needed revenue from licensing fees and taxes.

More recently, legal North Carolina sports betting arrived on March 11, 2024, bringing eight of the best sportsbooks in the country to the Tar Heel state. And with events like the Copa America and Euro 2024 soccer tournaments happening all Summer long, the excitement and opportunities for sports betting enthusiasts continue to grow.