Iowa legalized sports betting on May 13, 2019, when Gov. Kim Reynolds signed Senate File 617. Both retail and online sports betting went live on August 21, 2019. Initially, Iowa bettors had to visit a retail sportsbook to register for mobile betting, but since January 1, 2021, you can sign up online from anywhere within the state.
Iowa currently hosts 12 betting sites. My top picks for the best sportsbooks in Iowa are FanDuel, Caesars, and bet365. I also frequently use BetRivers, BetMGM, and Fanatics to shop around for the best lines and take advantage of promotions.
This guide gives an overview of each sportsbook in Iowa, helping you find the best betting options that suit your needs.
List of All Iowa Sportsbooks
Each casino or retail sportsbook in Iowa can partner with up to three online operators, meaning the state could host up to 57 online sportsbooks.
However, the most active sportsbooks Iowa has had at one time is 22. With DRF Sportsbook recently closing, there are 10 online sportsbooks and 3 betting exchanges in Iowa.
Here’s the complete list of online sportsbooks in Iowa, along with their best features:
- FanDuel: Best Overall Sportsbook in Iowa
- Caesars: Best Bettor Incentives Among Iowa Sportsbooks
- bet365: Best Features at Iowa Sportsbooks
- Sporttrade: Best Odds in Iowa
- BetMGM: Best Sportsbook for Golf Betting in Iowa
- DraftKings: Best Iowa Sportsbook for Football Betting
- BetRivers: Best Soccer Odds at Iowa Sportsbooks
- Fanatics: Best IA Sportsbook for Live Streaming
- ProphetX: Best Iowa Sportsbook for Line Shopping
- Novig: Best Iowa Sportsbook for Arbitrage Betting
- theScore Bet: Best Iowa Sportsbook for College Football Betting
- Bally Bet: Iowa Sportsbook With Decent Odds Boosts
- Circa Sports: Iowa Sportsbook Offering Good Odds
- Q Sportsbook: Local Sportsbook In Iowa With a Nice Rewards System
1) FanDuel: Best Overall Sportsbook in Iowa
FanDuel Sportsbook launched in Iowa on August 29, 2020, in partnership with Diamond Jo Casino in Northwood and Dubuque. Both casinos feature FanDuel-branded retail sportsbooks.
FanDuel is the top sportsbook in Iowa because it offers the best overall experience. What matters to me most in a sportsbook are great odds, a wide variety of bets, and a user-friendly app. FanDuel checks all those boxes and then some.
One of the things I like most about FanDuel is their all-around great pricing. Some sportsbooks focus on a few major sports and sneak in less competitive odds on lesser-known ones. FanDuel, on the other hand, offers competitive odds across the board. While it might not be the best at everything, it never falls short either.
That said, I could do without FanDuel’s constant parlay pushing. I understand that parlays are profitable for sportsbooks, but it can be frustrating to scroll through all the parlay options to get to the bets I’m interested in.
FanDuel Sportsbook Quick Facts:
- OA BetReview Rating: 94/100
- Sign-Up Bonus: Get $300 Back in Bonus Bets Every Day For 10 Days
- Best Features: Odds competitiveness, market variety
- Biggest Drawbacks: No sportsbook rewards program, not many daily odds boosts
- Number of Sports: 21+
- Payout Speed: Up to 5 business days (typically faster)
- Rewards Program: DFS & Casino only
Check out my full FanDuel Sportsbook review for a more in-depth look at the platform.
2) Caesars: Best Loyalty Program at Iowa Sportsbooks
Caesars Sportsbook was the first betting site in Iowa, originally debuting as William Hill in August 2019. After Caesars acquired William Hill, they rebranded in 2021, solidifying their presence in the state. They run retail sportsbooks at Isle of Capri Bettendorf and Waterloo, Prairie Meadows near Des Moines, and Harrah’s and Horseshoe Casino in Council Bluffs.
With five Caesars venues in Iowa, the Caesars Rewards loyalty program becomes even more appealing. The rewards program offers plenty of perks even if you stick to online betting. You earn credits with every bet, which can be used for free play or discounts at Caesars properties. I’ve used my Reward Credits for a discount at Keller’s American Grill in Bettendorf—a nice way to turn a bet into a night out.
Caesars also offers plenty of daily odds boosts. When I have a bet in mind, I check Caesars first to see if I can get boosted odds on my wager.
That said, you often need those boosts to make prop bets worthwhile. While there are exceptions, DraftKings or FanDuel usually offer better odds for props. Caesars’ props frequently go off at less favorable odds, so it’s something to keep in mind if you’re focused on making a profit.
Caesars Quick Facts:
- OA BetReview Rating: 93/100
- Sign-Up Bonus: First Bet Match up to $250
- Best Features: Loyalty program, user-friendly UX
- Biggest Drawbacks: Slower payout speeds, sluggish customer service
- Number of Sports: 23+
- Payout Speed: Up to 72 hours
- Rewards Program: Caesars Rewards
Check out our Caesars Sportsbook review to get more information.
3) bet365: Best Game Props at Iowa Betting Sites
bet365 is a relatively late arrival to the Iowa sportsbook scene, launching on June 5, 2023. They’ve partnered with Casino Queen Marquette, where they operate their only retail sportsbook in the state.
Even though you can’t bet on individual props for Iowa college sports, team props are fair game, and bet365 is a top choice for those. When the Iowa Hawkeyes take the field, I usually head to bet365 to bet on them scoring under their team total (if you’ve watched their offense from 2021-2023, you know why).
On NFL Sundays or MLB game days, you’ll find unique team props, like “Team With the Highest Scoring Quarter” or “Any Batter To Reach First Base in the Top of the First.”
If you don’t see the bet you want, bet365 lets you request it. Just contact them, and they’ll set the odds for you. This option is available across all sports at bet365, making it easy to find or create the bet you want.
However, you might want to look elsewhere regarding NHL prop betting. While bet365 does offer some options, their lines on NHL props aren’t the best. They often go with 40-cent lines instead of the usual 30-cent line, making it harder to find value.
bet365 Quick Facts:
- OA BetReview Rating: 89/100
- Sign-Up Bonus: $1,000 First bet safety net or bet $5, get $200 in bonus bets
- Best Features: Auto Cash Out, insane number of odds boosts, early payout promos
- Biggest Drawbacks: Subpar prop odds, no sportsbook rewards program
- Number of Sports: 26+
- Payout Speed: Up to 24 hours
- Rewards Program: None
Check out our bet365 Sportsbook Review to get more information.
4) Sporttrade: Best Betting Exchange in Iowa
Sporttrade is the newest entry into the Hawkeye State, launching on May 3, 2024. It hasn’t yet partnered with any casino in the state.
What makes Sporttrade unique is how it operates—it's more like a stock exchange for sports bets. Instead of betting against the house, you’re betting against other users. This allows Sporttrade to offer the best odds in Iowa, as they only take a 2% cut of winning bets.
Most odds come out around -105—as opposed to the standard -110 at sportsbooks—which means you get paid out more on winning bets. You can also cash out at any time, so if you feel like there’s no coming back from a wrong spot in the game, you can cut your losses at any point before the game ends.
However, there’s a learning curve here. If you aren’t familiar with stock platforms, you might have a tough adjustment to Sporttrade, though it's easy enough to place bets.
Sporttrade Quick Facts:
- OA BetReview Rating: 87/100
- Sign-Up Bonus: 10% cash back on bets in first week
- Best Features: Odds on straight bets & futures
- Biggest Drawbacks: Limited markets & sports
- Number of Sports: 9
- Payout Speed: Up to 5 business days
- Rewards Program: N/A
Get more information about Sporttrade by reading our complete Sporttrade review.
5) BetMGM: Best Sportsbook for Golf Betting in Iowa
BetMGM entered the Iowa market on January 4, 2021, right after the state removed the requirement to sign up at a retail sportsbook. They don’t run a retail betting shop in Iowa.
Iowa golf fans have flocked to the John Deere Classic every July for years to cheer on local hero Zach Johnson. And whether it’s JDC Week or another PGA tournament, I will always place my golf bets in Iowa at BetMGM.
Here’s why: BetMGM pays out ties in full for golf, something you won’t find at other Iowa sportsbooks. Unlike other sportsbooks, if your golfer ties for 10th place, you get the full payout, not a reduced amount based on the tie. So, if you bet on a golfer at +800 to finish in the top 10, and he ties, you still get the full +800 payout.
BetMGM also knows how to cater to local fans with promotions. If the Iowa State Cyclones play football and basketball on the same day, you’ll likely find a promo featuring both teams.
BetMGM recently inked an exclusive partnership with Marriott Bonvoy, allowing players to redeem rewards points that they earned with their bets online for free nights and other perks at Marriott Bonvoy properties in Iowa. Plus, new users get an extra 3,000 Marriott Bonvoy points when they link their BetMGM and Marriott Bonvoy accounts and place their first bet.
However, you might run into limits if you get too good at betting on golf or any other sport. They’re known for cutting back on sharp bettors so that you might see your betting limits shrink if you win a lot.
BetMGM Quick Facts:
- OA BetReview Rating: 84/100
- Sign-Up Bonus: Up to $1,500 in bonus bets
- Best Features: Edit My Bet, NFL rewards
- Biggest Drawbacks: Quickly limits sharps, UX can be a bit buggy
- Number of Sports: 19+
- Payout Speed: Up to 24 hours
- Rewards Program: MGM Rewards
For more insights, check out my full BetMGM Sportsbook review.
6) DraftKings: Best Iowa Sportsbook for Football Betting
DraftKings launched in Iowa on February 19, 2020, at Wild Rose Casino’s three locations across the state. They still have retail sportsbooks at all three spots, even though in-person sign-ups aren’t required. DraftKings is also the official sportsbook partner of the Chicago Cubs, a team with strong ties to Iowa, especially since the Iowa Cubs, their Triple-A affiliate, are based in Des Moines.
While DraftKings has a solid connection to Iowa through baseball, football is where it shines the most. Teasers are a key part of my NFL betting strategy, and DraftKings offers -120 odds on 2-team, 6-point teasers. When I feel good but not great about a couple of NFL plays, I turn to DraftKings to see what I can do with an extra six points.
DraftKings is also one of my go-tos for prop bets. They offer a wide range of football prop bets at competitive odds, with only FanDuel coming close in selection and pricing.
On the downside, DraftKings' odds aren't as good as those of many competitors, on average. When we analyzed 1,000+ recent games across multiple sports, we found DK to charge a higher vig than FanDuel, Caesars, BetMGM, bet365, and most other Iowa sportsbooks.
DraftKings Sportsbook Quick Facts:
- OA BetReview Rating: 84/100
- Sign-Up Bonus: Bet $5, get $300 in bonus bets + $200 off NFL Sunday Ticket
- Best Features: Market depth, profit boost tokens
- Biggest Drawbacks: Odds not always competitive, quickly limit winners
- Number of Sports: 25+
- Payout Speed: Up to 5 business days
- Rewards Program: Dynasty Rewards
Check out my full DraftKings Sportsbook review for a more in-depth look at the platform.
7) BetRivers: Best Iowa Sportsbook for Football Betting
BetRivers Sportsbook was the first fully mobile betting option in Iowa, launching on January 1, 2021—the same day Iowa bettors could sign up without needing to visit a retail sportsbook.
BetRivers stands out in soccer betting. It’s hands down the best sportsbook in Iowa for soccer, offering top-tier odds and live betting options on almost any soccer league around the globe. Whether you’re into the Kansas City Current, Minnesota United, or lesser-known leagues in Europe and South America, BetRivers has you covered.
BetRivers also does a great job covering niche sports. If you got into volleyball during the Olympics and want to bet on it, BetRivers is the place to go.
One feature I’m not a fan of is the newsfeed that shows other bettors’ activity. While some might find it interesting, I find it more distracting than helpful when focusing on my bets.
BetRivers Quick Facts:
- OA BetReview Rating: 82/100
- Sign-Up Bonus: Second chance bet up to $500 depending on state
- Best Features: Fast payouts, competitive teaser and soccer odds
- Biggest Drawbacks: Functionality issues, limits successful bettors quickly
- Number of Sports: 29+
- Payout Speed: Up to 5 business days (usually within a day)
- Rewards Program: iRush Rewards
Read our full BetRivers Sportsbook review to learn more about this sportsbook.
8) Fanatics Sportsbook: Best IA Sportsbook for Live Streaming
Fanatics relaunched in Iowa on February 6, 2024, after launching as PointsBet Sportsbook on January 1, 2021. Its partner is Catfish Bend Casino.
One of the best features they kept from PointsBet is live streaming. Bet just $1 on any game that offers live streaming, and you can watch the rest from the app. This is especially handy if you’re on the go and away from your usual streaming service.
Fanatics took a big gamble by going all-in on the mobile app, but they’ve nailed it. The app loads quickly and rarely has issues, so as long as you’ve got a solid internet connection, you’re good to go.
The downside? There’s no desktop option at all. For those of us who like having a lot of information at our fingertips when placing bets, the lack of a desktop site is a bit of a letdown.
Even though I use mobile apps for most of my bets, I still like having the option to switch to a desktop when needed.
Fanatics Sportsbook Quick Facts:
- OA BetReview Rating: 81/100
- Sign-Up Bonus: Bet$5, Get $200 in FanCash
- Best Features: Valuable sign-up bonus, competitive prop odds
- Biggest Drawbacks: Confusing interface, no desktop site, quick to limit winners
- Number of Sports: 15
- Payout Speed: Up to 3 business days
- Rewards Program: FanCash Rewards
Check out our Fanatics Sportsbook review to learn more.
9) ProphetX: Best Iowa Sportsbook for Line Shopping
ProphetX showed up in Iowa in September 2024, giving local bettors a fresh way to turn their reads into action. It’s an exchange like Sporttrade, but it uses the sweepstakes model, with in-house coins replacing real cash.
Where ProphetX really pops is the pricing. The odds can be legitimately player-friendly because you’re not dealing with the standard sportsbook vig baked into every line. Instead, you pay a 1% commission on winning straight bets, and even after that cut, you’ll often end up with a better price than what you’re seeing at traditional books.
Another thing I’m into is the low cashout minimum. You can withdraw as little as $1. I haven’t personally cashed out that small, but I know a few casual bettors from Iowa who’d appreciate not having to hit a $10 or $20 minimum just to pull money off the site.
The biggest issue is prop liquidity. Since it’s all peer-to-peer, prop markets can be thin, and that can block you from getting down when there isn’t enough interest on the other side to match your bet.
ProphetX Quick Facts:
- OA Rating: 89/100
- Sign-Up Bonus: 20% Deposit Match Up to $100
- Fees: 1% Commission on winning moneyline, total, and spread bets
- Sports Markets: NFL, NBA, MLB, NHL, F1, golf, UFC + 6 more
- Other Markets: Politics, pop culture
- Payment Methods: Online banking, debit card, PayNearMe
- Payout Speed: 48-72 hours
Read through the full ProphetX review to learn more about what it now offers customers.
10) Novig: Best Iowa Sportsbook for Arbitrage Betting
Novig is arguably one of the most generous betting apps in Iowa. You get a $5 no-deposit coin drop on signup, and then you can keep stacking free coins through daily bonuses and mail-in entries.
Novig is a peer-to-peer exchange with no vig baked into the odds, which is the whole point of the brand. That makes it a useful spot for arbs in Iowa if you’re already shopping lines. Say FanDuel has the Cyclones at +120, and Novig is hanging +110 on the other side. With the right staking, you can lock a small guaranteed profit, regardless of who wins.
I also keep checking Novig because I’m a big DOTA2 guy, and Novig posts esports lines.
Where Novig trails other Iowa betting options is banking. The list of deposit and cashout methods is shorter, and you won’t see basics like PayPal or Venmo that many other apps offer.
Novig Quick Facts:
- OA Rating: 84/100
- Sign-Up Bonus: Spend $5, Get $50 in Novig Cash
- Fees: None
- Sports Markets: NFL, NBA, MLB, NHL, UFC + 5 more
- Other Markets: None
- Payment Methods: Online banking, credit, and debit cards
- Payout Speed: Up to 48 hours
Read through the full Novig review to learn more about what it now offers customers.
11) theScore Bet: Best Iowa Sportsbook for College Football Betting
theScore Bet entered the Iowa sports betting scene as Barstool Sportsbook on November 2, 2021. On November 14, 2023, Penn National Gaming rebranded it as theScore Bet and relaunched in the state. Even though they’ve partnered with Ameristar Casino, they haven’t rebranded Ameristar’s sportsbook.
theScore Bet has long been big on college football, and now they’re your best bet for wagering on college games. They offer some of the most competitive pre-game college sports odds and generous odds boosts. If a game’s airing on an theScore Bet channel, it’s always worth checking for a boost that might push your bet into plus money.
They also cover a lot of niche sports, which is a pleasant surprise given theScore Bet’s reputation for focusing on the big names. You’ll find many options for individual sports and lesser-known games like lacrosse.
On the downside, theScore Bet is quick to limit sharp bettors, which can take the fun out of exploring new sports to wager on. Their limits come down fast, sometimes even faster than BetMGM.
theScore Bet Quick Facts:
- OA BetReview Rating: 73/100
- Sign-Up Bonus: Bet $10, get $100 in bonus bets if you win
- Best Features: Sports variety, competitive pre-game odds
- Biggest Drawbacks: Subpar user experience, not many features
- Number of Sports: 20+
- Payout Speed: 1 to 5 banking days
- Rewards Program: PENN Play Program
Read through the full theScore Bet Sportsbook review to learn more about what it now offers customers.
12) Bally Bet: Iowa Sportsbook With Decent Odds Boosts
Bally Bet hit the Iowa market on June 30, 2021, partnering with Grand Falls Casino and Golf Resort. It usually offers good daily odds boosts on selected games.
12) Circa Sports: Iowa Sportsbook Offering Good Odds
Circa Sports initially launched on October 7, 2021, in partnership with the three Wild Rose Casinos in Clinton, Emmettsburg, and Jefferson. It has since partnered with Diamond Jo Casino in Dubuque. It offers competitive odds and high betting limits.
13) Q Sportsbook: Local Iowa Sportsbook With a Nice Rewards System
Q Sportsbook launched in November 2019 and is the exclusive sportsbook of Dubuque’s Q Casino. It’s a local favorite, available only in Iowa, and is known for its strong rewards system that gives loyal customers some nice perks.
Iowa Sports Betting Quick Facts
Online sportsbooks | 13 |
Max number of betting apps per law | 57 |
Retail sports betting | Yes |
Legalization date | May 13, 2019 |
Market launch date | August 21, 2019 |
State regulator for betting | |
College betting | Allowed, but no individual prop bets on in-state college teams |
Esports betting | Allowed on professional esports |
Min age for registration | 21 |
Payment method exclusions | Credit cards are not accepted |
Tax rate on operators | 6.75% |
Online registration allowed | Yes |
Online casinos | No |
List of Retail Sportsbooks In Iowa
Iowa has 26 retail sportsbooks located in various casinos across the state. Here are their addresses:
Retail Sportsbook | Address |
Isle of Capri Bettendorf | 1777 Isle Parkway, Bettendorf, IA 52722 |
Isle of Capri Waterloo | 777 Isle of Capri Boulevard, Waterloo, IA 50701 |
Prairie Meadows | 1 Prairie Meadows Drive, Altoona, IA 50009 |
Harrah’s Council Bluffs | 1 Harrah’s Boulevard, Council Bluffs, IA 51501 |
Horseshoe Casino | 2701 23rd Avenue, Council Bluffs, IA 51501 |
Grand Falls | 1415 Grand Falls Boulevard, Larchwood, IA 51241 |
Rhythm City | 7077 Elmore Avenue, Davenport, IA 52807 |
Riverside | 3184 IA-22, Riverside, IA 52327 |
Q Casino | 1855 Greyhound Park Road, Dubuque, IA 52001 |
Hard Rock Sioux City | 111 Third Street, Sioux City, IA 51101 |
Wild Rose Clinton | 777 Wild Rose Drive, Clinton, IA 52732 |
Wild Rose Jefferson | 777 Wild Rose Drive, Jefferson, IA 50129 |
Wild Rose Emmetsburg | 777 Main Street, Emmetsburg, IA 50536 |
Diamond Jo | 777 Diamond Jo Lane, Northwood, IA 50459 |
Diamond Jo | 301 Bell Street, Dubuque, IA 52001 |
Lakeside Casino | 777 Casino Drive, Osceola, IA 50213 |
Casino Queen Marquette | 100 Anti Monopoly Street, Marquette, IA 52158 |
Catfish Bend | 3001 Winegard Drive, Burlington, IA 52601 |
Ameristar | 2200 River Road, Council Bluffs, IA 51501 |
Iowa Sports Betting FAQ
Is sports betting legal in Iowa?
Yes. Governor Kim Reynolds signed legislation approving sports betting and fantasy sports in Iowa on May 13, 2019. Initially, bettors had to visit an Iowa casino in person to prove eligibility, but mobile sign-ups have been permitted since 2021.
What is the best online sportsbook in Iowa?
According to my OddsAssist ratings, the top sportsbooks in Iowa are FanDuel, Caesars, Bet365, BetMGM, and BetRivers.
Which sportsbook in Iowa has the best odds?
FanDuel Sportsbook offers the best odds in Iowa based on our ratings.
How old do I have to be to bet at Iowa sportsbooks?
You must be at least 21 to place bets at any Iowa sportsbook.
Do I have to be a resident of Iowa to bet?
No, you don’t need to be a resident, but you must be physically located in Iowa and at least 21 years old.
When did Iowa online sportsbooks launch?
Online sportsbooks in Iowa launched on August 21, 2019.
Is e-sports betting legal in Iowa?
Yes, although only bets on professional e-sports events are accepted.
Is college sports betting legal in Iowa?
Yes, college sports betting is legal. Individual prop bets are not allowed on in-state college athletes.
Are there physical sportsbooks in Iowa?
Yes, there are 26 retail sportsbooks in Iowa. Casinos are located throughout the state, and all 19 casinos in Iowa operate a physical sportsbook.
Do I have to pay taxes if I win a sports bet in Iowa?
Yes, gambling winnings are taxed at a standard rate of 5% in Iowa.
Are offshore sportsbooks legal in Iowa?
No, offshore sportsbooks like Bovada are not legal in Iowa.
