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Legal sports betting in Iowa got off the ground on August 15, 2019, when Gov. Kim Reynolds signed off SF617.
Bettors were initially required to register in person at one of the state’s 19 licensed casinos before being allowed to place wagers via an online app. The rule was lifted on January 1, 2021, opening the door to what seems to have become one of the strongest sports betting markets in the country.
As it stands, anyone 21+ can sign up with an online book remotely. Under the state law, you have to be within Iowa’s borders to be allowed to place real-money wagers (though you don’t have to be a resident of Iowa to place bets).
To help you decide which online sportsbook in Iowa is best for you, we analyzed each in a variety of categories. And as sports betting continues to grow in the Hawkeye State, we will continue to update this guide so you can always find the top options.
Best Online Sportsbooks in Iowa
In total, we've analyzed and reviewed 10 Iowa sportsbooks.
Our ratings are based on 8 categories including odds, intro promo, promotions & odds boosts, sports & bets offered, user interface, deposits & withdrawals, customer reviews, and education & statistics.
After analyzing each IA sportsbook, we narrowed our list down to the top 6 overall. Below you will see those sportsbooks ordered by overall rating. We also found which each sportsbook was “best” at so you can find one that fits your needs.
Best Online Sportsbooks in IA
Best Online Sportsbooks in IA
1) Caesars Sportsbook IA: Best Sign-Up Bonus & Overall
Ratings
- Odds: 5/5
- Intro Promo: 5/5
- Odds Boosts & Promos: 5/5
- Sports & Bets Offered: 5/5
- User Interface: 5/5
Intro Promo
If your opening bet at Caesars loses, you'll receive a Bonus bet of equal value as a refund, up to $1,000. You must use the Bonus Bet within 14 days once it hits your account. Access it with our exclusive link here.
Caesars Sportsbook became one of the best sportsbooks available after acquiring William Hill and integrating its technology into the Caesars platform.
Caesars Sportsbook offers one of the best sign-up for new customers in the industry—a Bonus Bet up to $1,000 as a refund if your first wager loses. To claim the sign up offer, use promo code OA1000. Once you receive your Bonus Bet, you have 14 days to use them.
The perks of the Caesars Sportsbook don't end after you take advantage of the intro bonus, either. They offer some of the most competitive odds in the industry and have attractive ongoing promotions and odds boosts to help you win more.
Caesars also offers all major sports and bet types—including same game parlays that allow you to combine sides, totals, and prop bets from the same game in one parlay.
The Caesars Sportsbook app is also one of the best available in the nation. It's easy to navigate, is very responsive, and rarely crashes or has other issues.
Overall, Caesars Sportsbook is a phenomenal option when it comes to betting. They have the best sign-up bonus, great odds, regular odds boosts, and an awesome user experience.
Pros
- Best sign-up bonus in the nation
- Better odds than most competitors
- Offer same game parlays
- Regularly offer great odds boosts & promotions
- One of the best rewards programs available
- Great customer reviews
Cons
- Only receive bet credit if your first bet loses
2) FanDuel Sportsbook IA: Best Overall (Tied)
Ratings
- Odds: 5/5
- Intro Promo: 4.5/5
- Odds Boosts & Promos: 5/5
- Sports & Bets Offered: 5/5
- User Interface: 5/5
Intro Promo
New customers receive $150 in Bonus Bets after depositing $10+ and placing a $5+ bet. Your bonus bets will be credited within 72 hours of your first wager settling and you have 7 days to use them. No promo code required. Access the promo with our exclusive link here.
FanDuel is tied as our highest-rated sportsbook thanks to the competitive odds, generous promotions and odds boosts, variety of bet types and sports to wager on, and a great user experience on both the website and mobile app.
The Bet $5, Get $150 in Bonus Bets sign-up bonus if one of the best of all legal sportsbooks since it only requires a $10 deposit and $5 bet to receive 30x your initial bet. FanDuel's welcome bonus gives you the opportunity to build a nice bankroll to start off betting with.
FanDuel pioneered the “Same Game Parlay” and offers the smoothest and most complete process for betting them. With these, you can combine prop bets, totals, and sides from the same game in a single parlay. If you've ever seen screenshots of ridiculous parlays from a single game online, it was likely a Same Game Parlay from FanDuel.
Whether you are looking for a single sportsbook to use or want to add another book to your lineup of options, FanDuel Sportsbook is one of the best options currently available. There's a reason FanDuel dominates market share in the U.S. and we think you'll be very satisfied if you decide to go with them.
Pros
- Competitive intro bonus for new customers
- Better odds than most competitors
- Pioneered Same Game Parlays
- Regularly offer great odds boosts & promotions
- Top notch user experience in app & site
- Great customer reviews
Cons
- App sometimes crashes during peak hours
- Some customers periodically have trouble logging in
3) BetMGM Sportsbook IA: Best Overall (Tied)
*Bonus Bets Expire in 7 Days. One New Customer Offer Only. Add’l terms.
Ratings
- Odds: 5/5
- Intro Promo: 4.5/5
- Odds Boosts & Promos: 5/5
- Sports & Bets Offered: 5/5
- User Interface: 5/5
Intro Promo
If your first bet loses, receive a refund in bonus bets up to $1,500. You must use the Bonus Bets within 7 days of them being credited to your account but there is only a 1x rollover requirement. Access it with our exclusive link here.
BetMGM Sportsbook is another one of our highest-rated online sportsbooks—scoring well in all categories we analyze.
To start, all new BetMGM customers are eligible for a Second Chance Up to $1,500. If your first bet loses, receive a refund in bonus bets up to the limit. There is no BetMGM bonus code required to receive this promo—it's automatically applied to your account after you register and make your first bet.
BetMGM also offers a wide variety of sports and bet types, generous promotions and odds boosts, competitive odds, and a good user experience.
Another thing that sets BetMGM apart is that it offers true same game parlays (called “One Game Parlays”). Like with FanDuel's Same Game Parlays, you can combine prop bets, totals, and/or sides from the same game in one parlay.
Of all the sportsbooks we've analyzed, BetMGM has the best customer reviews. On the Apple App Store, BetMGM has an average of 4.8 stars from over 87 thousand reviews.
On the downside, BetMGM doesn't have player statistics available in the app and it can be difficult to get ahold of customer support.
Overall, BetMGM is one of best sportsbooks currently available, offering one of the best intro promos in the nation, competitive odds boosts and ongoing promotions, a great user experience, and everything else you may want in a book.
Pros
- Competitive intro bonus for new customers
- Offers same game parlays
- Great customer reviews
- More odds boosts & promotions than other books
- Offers all major sports & bet types
Cons
- Can be difficult to get customer support
- No player statistics
4) bet365 Sportsbook IA: Best Odds
Ratings
- Odds: 5/5
- Intro Promo: 5/5
- Odds Boosts & Promos: 5/5
- Sports & Bets Offered: 5/5
- User Interface: 4/5
Intro Promo
You can pick from two sign-up offers at bet365. (1) Bet $5+ within 30 days to get $150 in Bonus Bets. (2) If your first bet loses, you get a refund of up to $1,000 in Bonus Bets. Access the bet365 bonus here.
bet365 is one of the most well-known sportsbooks in the world and has expanded into the U.S. since sports betting was legalized there.
To start, bet365 has two welcome bonuses for you to pick from. With the first one, just bet $5 or more at odds of -500 or longer within 30 days of signing up, and you'll get $150 in bonus bets. The second deal is a safety net for your first bet. If it doesn’t win, you’ll get your stake back, up to $1,000 in bonus bets.
Other great things about bet365 include the very competitive odds that are often better than competitors and the numerous odds boosts and promotions they run.
While the bet365 user interface on the website and mobile apps isn't anything to run home about, the platform is very stable and rarely runs into crashes or other frustrating bugs like many other online sportsbooks.
If you're looking for a no-frills sportsbook with great odds, a sign-up bonus with a low commitment (but high value), and a number of other benefits, bet365 is a great option to consider.
Pros
- Sign-up bonus only requires $5 deposit to get $150 in bonus bets
- Regularly offers the best odds
- Offer same game parlays
- Wide range of sports & markets
Cons
- Somewhat dull interface
5) BetRivers Sportsbook IA: Best Odds
Ratings
- Odds: 5/5
- Intro Promo: 4/5
- Odds Boosts & Promos: 5/5
- Sports & Bets Offered: 5/5
- User Interface: 4.5/5
Intro Promo
BetRivers offers a second chance bet up to the following limits: $500 (IL, IN, LA, MD, MI, NY, PA, VA), $250 (CO, NJ), $100 (NY). You have 30 days to use the bonus bet if you receive it. Access it with our exclusive link here.
BetRivers Sportsbook checks in next on our list of the top sports betting sites/apps. It ranks as “best” or “above average” in every category we score.
The BetRivers intro promo is competitive with other sportsbooks. If your first bet loses, BetRivers will refund it with a bonus bet up of either $500, $250, or $100 depending on your state.
To make things even better, BetRivers regularly offers better odds than every other sportsbook—especially when it comes to the NFL. While other books have standard -110 odds, BetRivers often offers -109 or -108, meaning you have to win fewer bets to be profitable.
Aside from odds, you'll find everything bettors come to expect in online sportsbooks these days with BetRivers, including same game parlays, a variety of markets to choose from, a smooth user experience, and ongoing odds boosts and promotions.
On the downside, some customers have complained of bets taking a long time to settle. In addition, BetRivers doesn't offer team or player stats in the app/on the site—though you can usually find this info on other sites.
If you are looking for a longterm betting app, BetRivers is a great option thanks to the industry-leading odds and well-founded betting experience.
Pros
- Industry-leading odds
- Easy deposit & withdrawals
- Great customer reviews
- Good ongoing promotions & odds boosts
- Just started offering same game parlays
Cons
- No team or player stats
- Some customers reported bets take a long time to settle
6) DraftKings Sportsbook IA: Best Variety of Sports
Ratings
- Odds: 5/5
- Intro Promo: 4.5/5
- Odds Boosts & Promos: 4.5/5
- Sports & Bets Offered: 5/5
- User Interface: 4.5/5
Intro Promo
DraftKings will match 20% of your first deposit of up to $5,000 ($1,000 max match in site credit). You must bet the bonus 25x before you are able to withdraw it and you have 90 days to do so.
DraftKings Sportsbook is another amazing option when it comes to sports betting sites.
DraftKings offers competitive odds, generous promotions and odds boosts, a variety of sports to wager on and bet types (including Same Game Parlays), and great user experience on both the website and mobile app.
The intro promo provides good value ($1,000 if maxed out), but the 25x rollover requirement is a lot especially considering you only have 90 days to bet it. In order to take advantage of the full welcome bonus, you would need to deposit $5,000 then bet $25,000 over the first 90 days.
Like most other competitive online sportsbooks, DraftKings regularly offers odds boosts and ongoing promotions—such as parlay insurance, ways to earn bonus bets, and more. Taking advantage of these is a great way to maximize your winnings.
Though it isn't quite our highest-rated sportsbook, DraftKings in undoubtedly one of the best options currently available and we think you'll be very satisfied if you go with them. Just be sure to read the fine print on the intro promo and bet the deposit match in time.
Pros
- Have better odds than almost every other sportsbook
- More odds boosts & promotions than other books
- Offers same game parlays
- Great user experience on the site & app
- Provide player & team stats for most games
- Great customer reviews
Cons
- 25x rollover requirement on intro promo
- Relatively long withdrawal wait times
How We Rate Online Sportsbooks in Iowa
Here at Odds Assist, we are committed to creating objective, transparent ratings to help you make the best decisions when it comes to which sportsbooks to use. We will continually update our Editorial Ratings over time as sportsbooks introduce new features, change promotions, etc.
Each sportsbook we review goes through our extensive rating process that evaluates thousands of data points in eight categories, including the following:
| Category | Weight | Description |
|---|---|---|
|
Odds |
25% |
How competitive the odds offered are across all major sports |
|
Intro Promo |
15% |
How competitive the intro promo for new customers is |
|
Promos & Odds Boosts |
15% |
How many & how generous ongoing odds boosts & promotions are |
|
Sports & Bets Offered |
10% |
Which sports & types of wagers are offered by the sportsbook |
|
User Interface |
10% |
How user friendly the website & mobile app(s) are |
|
Deposits & Withdrawals |
10% |
Which deposit & withdrawal methods are available as well as payout speed |
|
Customer Reviews |
10% |
How positive customer reviews across other platforms are |
|
Education & Statistics |
5% |
The availability of educational & responsible gaming resources as well as team & player statistics |
We rate each sportsbook relative to other sportsbooks in each category. Each is scored from 1 to 5 with each representing the following:
- 5 Stars: Best in category
- 4 Stars: Above-average
- 3 Stars: Average
- 2 Stars: Below-average
- 1 Star: Worst in category
Data for all sportsbooks were collected simultaneously to ensure fairness. For example, we only compared odds for the same games at the same times across all sportsbooks reviewed.
To learn more, check out our full Ratings Methodology page.
All Online Sportsbooks in Iowa
Online sports betting in Iowa kicked off in August 2019. Since then, the casinos from this state have signed partnerships with numerous sports betting brands, so the bettors from Iowa have plenty of opportunities at their disposal.
Here’s the full overview of the betting sites that currently operate in Iowa:
Sportsbook | Affiliated With | Launch Date | Intro Promo |
|---|---|---|---|
| Prairie Meadows Casino | August 2019 | $1,000 First Bet on Caesars | |
| Elite | Riverside Casino | August 2019 | $500 Bonus Bet |
| Hard Rock Casino | December 2019 | $100 Bonus Bet | |
| Q Sportsbook | Q Casino | December 2019 | N/A |
Diamond Jo Casinos | September 2020 | Bet $5, Get $150 in Bonus Bets | |
Wild Rose Casinos | February 2020 | $1,000 deposit match | |
| Grand Falls Casino | September 2020 | 100% wager match on first bet up to $500 | |
| Diamond Jo Casino Dubuque | January 2021 | Up to $1,500 Back If Your First Bet Loses | |
Wild Rose Casinos | January 2021 | $100 second chance bet | |
| theScore Bet | Ameristar Casino | February 2021 | Up to $1,000 Deposit Match |
Wild Rose Casino | October 2021 | N/A | |
Casino Queen Marquette | June 2023 | Bet $5 & Get $150 in Bonus Bets | |
Ameristar Casino Hotel Council Bluffs | November 2023 | $100 in Bonus Bets After Making Any Bet |
Other sportsbooks that are expected to enter the Iowa sports betting market include Bet365, FOXBet, and FuboTV Sportsbook.
Physical Sportsbooks in Iowa
You can also place in-person bets at the following retail sportsbooks in Iowa:
- Ameristar Casino – 2200 River Road, Council Bluffs, IA 51501
- Prairie Meadows – One Prairie Meadows Drive, Altoona, IA 50009
- Isle Casino Hotel Waterloo – 777 Isle of Capri Blvd, Waterloo, IA 50701
- Diamond Jo Worth – 777 Diamond Jo Lane, Northwood, IA 50459
- Riverside Casino and Golf Resort – 3184 Highway 22, Riverside, IA 52327
- Horseshoe Casino Council Bluffs – 2701 23rd Avenue, Council Bluffs, IA 51501
- Rhythm City Casino – 7077 Elmore Avenue, Davenport, IA 52807
- Grand Falls Casino Resort – 1415 Grand Falls Blvd., Larchwood, IA 51241
- Isle Casino Bettendorf – 1800 Isle Parkway, Bettendorf, IA 52722
- Diamond Jo Dubuque – 301 Bell Street, Dubuque, IA 52001
- Hard Rock Casino – 1111 3rd St., Sioux City, IA 51101
- Harrah’s Council Bluffs – 1 Harrah’s Boulevard, Council Bluffs, IA 51501
- Q Casino – 1855 Greyhound Park Rd, Dubuque, IA 52001
- Lakeside Casino – 777 Casino Drive, Osceola, IA 50213
- Wild Rose Clinton – 777 Wild Rose Drive, Clinton, IA 52732
- Catfish Bend Casino – 3001 Winegard Dr., Burlington, IA 52601
- Wild Rose Jefferson – 777 Wild Rose Drive, Jefferson, IA 50129
- Wild Rose Emmetsburg – 777 Main St., Emmetsburg, IA 50536
- Casino Queen Marquette – 100 Anti-Monopoly Street, Marquette, IA 52158
Team Partnerships with Iowa Sportsbooks
Iowa doesn’t have any professional major league sports teams. Still, it is home to minor league teams in basketball, baseball, hockey, and other sports. With no Big Four franchises to root for in the state, the sports landscape is dominated by college teams—namely, the University of Iowa Hawkeyes and the Iowa State Cyclones.
In addition, there aren’t any partnerships between Iowa-based sportsbooks and major sports media networks. Still, this doesn’t seem to have slowed down the progress of the sports betting market in this state. Quite the contrary—ever since the in-person requirement was removed on New Year’s Day in 2021, it has been on an upward trajectory, setting monthly sports betting revenue and handle records month in and month out.
Iowa Sports Betting Timeline
Up until a few years ago, Iowa didn’t show much inclination to legalize sports betting. That changed when the Professional and Amateur Sports Protection Act (PASPA) was overturned in 2018, allowing each state to decide whether to legalize it or not.
While it took most states a year or so to work out an appropriate regulatory and tax framework, Iowa broke the mold and rolled out its own model in only three and a half months when Gov. Kim Reynolds signed the sports betting bill into law.
Such efficiency can be attributed to the fact that the Iowa Racing and Gaming Commission (IRGC) was already prepared for a potential launch of legal sports betting in 2018, when the U.S Supreme Court lifted the PASPA ban. Also, the IRGC collaborated with regulators and other jurisdictions to understand how things work.
Here are the key dates in Iowa’s legal sports betting timeline:
- 2018: Rep. Jake Highfill introduced House File 2448 and House Study Bill 592, a package of bills that would legalize land-based and online sports betting in Iowa. The proposal was rejected, but it created the foundation for 2019 legislation.
- April 8, 2019: SF 617 was introduced to the Senate and approved several days later with a 31 to 18 vote. The bill was sent to the House of Representatives, where it passed with a 67 to 31 majority, before it was shipped over to Gov. Reynolds’ desk.
- May 13, 2019: The bill was signed into law by Gov. Kim Reynolds, allowing Iowans to place bets on professional and college sports legally. Horse racing betting, fantasy sports contests, and internet fantasy sports contests were also permitted. The Iowa Racing and Gaming Commission was put in charge of regulatory oversight.
- August 15, 2019: Iowa retail and online sportsbooks began accepting bets. The in-person registration rule required players to visit one of the 18 licensed casino properties to sign up for an account with online sportsbooks. This provision was set to expire by 2021.
- January 1, 2021: After nearly two years, the in-person registration requirement was lifted. Anyone within the state lines (and 21+) was allowed to sign up, deposit, and bet online.
Iowa Sports Betting Rules & Regulations
On August 15, 2019, Iowa became the 11th state to offer legal sports betting. Each of its 19 state-licensed casinos was allowed to operate up to three skins (sports betting apps/websites). This allows for up to 57 different online betting options.
Here are the key specifics on Iowa sports betting laws and regulations that readers should know about:
Who Can Register With Online Sportsbooks in Iowa?
To place online sports bets legally in Iowa, you have to be 21 years or older and not on a self-exclusion list. You don’t have to be a permanent resident of the state to play, but you need to be physically present when placing a wager.
Once you’ve picked your desired sportsbook, the registration process should be quite straightforward. Here’s the rundown, step by step:
- Choose a sports betting site from our list and click on the link to get instantly redirected to its homepage.
- Find the registration buttons (Sign Up, Join Now, Register)—they are usually located in the top-right corner of the site.
- Fill out the application form by providing details about your identity, whereabouts, and login credentials. Note that you’ll be asked to submit the last four digits of your Social Security number.
- Accept the T&Cs and go to the cashier to make the initial deposit.
- With your account funded, you can start placing bets on your favorite sports teams. Good luck, and remember to always gamble responsibly!
On the off chance the operator fails to validate your personal details, you might have to provide additional proof of identity—a driver’s license, passport, and/or digital copy of your ID card.
You should also read through the fine print of the intro promo for new customers if you plan to take advantage of it as there are often time restrictions and other important details.
Is Geolocation Required?
Yes, all Iowa sportsbook apps are geofenced, which means they operate only within state borders. You must enable geolocation on your device before placing a bet so that the operators can verify that you’re located in Iowa.
If you’re betting on your computer, you’ll likely have to download an app that can validate your location. If you’re using the sportsbook’s mobile app, on the other hand, your phone’s built-in location tracking should be able to verify your location.
What Types of Markets Can I Bet On?
There is a wide range of sporting events you can bet on with Iowa sportsbooks, including the NBA, NFL, NHL, MLB, NCAA basketball and football, golf, soccer, tennis, boxing, MMA/UFC, and much more.
Betting on high school, minor league, and amateur competitions is off-limits. Also, bettors can place wagers only on traditional sports—you are not allowed to bet on esports, the Oscars, presidential elections, singing competitions, and so forth.
When it comes to the types of bets, you’ll only find restrictions only on in-game props on collegiate events. Some of the types of sports bets available for Iowa sports bettors include:
- Spread bets
- Moneylines
- Totals (Over/Under)
- Futures
- Prop bets
- Live betting
- Parlays
- Teasers
- Round Robins
>> Read More: Best NFL Betting Sites
Licensing Details & Tax Rates
Iowa sports betting taxes are among the lowest in the country, which has resulted in great market diversity. The Iowa Racing and Gaming Commission sets rules, approves licenses, and oversees the betting sector in general.
Here are the key details:
- Operators have to pay $45,000 for an initial license, plus a $10,000 renewal fee.
- Sports wagering revenue is taxed at 6.75%.
- Up to three skins per license are allowed.
- Sportsbooks are not required to pay the integrity fees.
- There are no stipulations regarding the use of official league data.
Iowa Sports Betting FAQ
Is sports betting legal in Iowa?
Yes. Gov Kim Reynolds signed SF617 into law on May 13, 2019. Online sportsbooks went live on August 15, 2019.
Who can bet on sports in Iowa?
Anyone who is of legal gambling age (21+) and located within the state borders can place bets in Iowa. You don’t have to be a resident of Iowa to place bets.
Are online casinos legal in Iowa?
Not at the moment. The current gambling legislation doesn’t cover online casino gaming and online poker, and there are no indications as to when these verticals may get legalized.
Do I have to go to a physical sportsbook or casino to set up an account with an online book?
No, as the in-person registration rule was lifted on January 1, 2021.
Do I have to pay taxes on my sports betting winnings?
Yes, profits made via sports betting are taxable in Iowa and on the federal level. You must pay a 5% to Iowa and 24% on the federal level.
Are offshore sportsbooks like Bovada legal in Iowa?
Offshore sportsbooks like Bovada are technically not legal in the United States—including Iowa they aren’t licensed and regulated by states’ gaming commissions.
Can I bet on college teams in Iowa?
Yes, you can, although you won’t be able to place in-play props bets on collegiate events.
