Best Iowa Sportsbooks: 14 Top IA Betting Sites in May 2025

Michael Hoad
1 May, 2025, 13:38
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The Iowa sports betting market is home to an impressive 14 legal online sportsbooks, including DraftKings, FanDuel, and bet365. We've taken the time to pinpoint, test, and review all of the best Iowa sportsbooks to provide you with this in-depth guide.

Bonus Offer
Up to $1,500 Back In Bonus Bets
Bet Now
EXPERT RATING
4.7/5
PAYOUT SPEED
Currency-dollars
Within 24 hours
Bet Now
Bonus Offer
Bet $5, Get $150 or $1,000 Offer
Bet Now
EXPERT RATING
4.7/5
PAYOUT SPEED
Currency-dollars
Within 24 hours
Bet Now
Bonus Offer
Bet $1, Get 10x 100% Profit Boosts
Bet Now
EXPERT RATING
4.7/5
PAYOUT SPEED
Currency-dollars
Within 24 hours
Bet Now
Bonus Offer
Bet $5, Get $200 in Bonus Bets If Your Bet Wins
Bet Now
EXPERT RATING
4.8/5
PAYOUT SPEED
Currency-dollars
Within 24 hours
Bet Now
Bonus Offer
Up to $1,000 in No Sweat Bets
Bet Now
EXPERT RATING
4.7/5
PAYOUT SPEED
Currency-dollars
Within 24 hours
Bet Now
Bonus Offer
Bet $5, Get $300 in Bonus Bets if Your Bet Wins
Bet Now
EXPERT RATING
4.9/5
PAYOUT SPEED
Currency-dollars
Within 24 hours
Bet Now

21+ and present in IA. Gambling Problem? Call 1-800-BETS-OFF.

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21+ and present in IA. Gambling Problem? Call 1-800-BETS-OFF.

Yes, sports betting in Iowa is legal. The Hawkeye State legitimized the practice on May 13, 2019 — almost one year to the day after the U.S. Supreme Court overturned the Professional and Amateur Sports Protection Act (PASPA) — when Governor Kim Reynolds signed Bill SF-617 into law. Soon after, on Aug. 15, 2019, the market's first retail and online sportsbooks went live.

On Jan. 1, 2021, Iowa removed its in-person sportsbook registration requirement, allowing new bettors to create sportsbook accounts online from anywhere in the state.

Top Iowa sportsbooks

Currently, 14 of the country's best sportsbooks are available in Iowa. We have parsed through every one, spending an exhaustive amount of time analyzing and testing to identify which are the best of the best. The result is the list below, featuring our picks for the top five Iowa sportsbooks.

Sportsbook ⭐ Best for 🏆
DraftKings Leading sports betting app
FanDuel Overall experience
bet365 Live betting & streaming
BetMGM Building parlays
Caesars Sportsbook Rewards program

21+ in IA. Gambling Problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER

1. DraftKings Sportsbook Iowa

Bet $5, Get $200 Instantly!

New customers only. Min. $5 deposit. Min. $5 bet. $200 issued as eight (8) $25 non-withdrawable bonus bets. 21+ and present in most states. Full T&Cs apply.

One half of the ongoing FanDuel vs DraftKings debate, DK is our pick for the best Iowa sportsbook. Its industry-leading mobile app, zippy payment methods, and exclusive Dynasty Rewards Program — where loyal bettors can claim everything from unique promos to real-life prizes — make for a pleasant and seamless wagering experience.

Whether you are a seasoned bettor or a newbie, the DraftKings welcome bonus provides an instant boost to your bankroll. By registering without a DraftKings promo code, you can earn up to $200 in bonus bets.

💰 Welcome bonus Bet $5, get $200 in bonus bets + $1K deposit bonus
🥇 Top feature Excellent mobile experience
📱 App Store rating 4.9/5
📱 Google Play rating 4.6/5
⚡ Payout speed Within 24 hours

To discover more about the top Iowa online sports betting site, check out our in-depth DraftKings review.

2. FanDuel Sportsbook Iowa

Bet $5, Get $200 in Bonus Bets If Your Bet Wins

FanDuel Sportsbook is one of the most prolific betting sites in the U.S. and arguably the most popular Iowa sportsbook. The former DFS-only powerhouse earns its sterling reputation via innovative features — it created same-game parlays — one of the industry's top sports betting apps, and plenty of ongoing rewards for existing customers.

FanDuel's welcome bonus is one of the more straightforward options among its peers. To snag it, simply deposit $5+ and make a $5 bet on any market. You'll get $200 in bonus bets if your wager wins. No FanDuel promo code is required, either.

💰 Welcome bonus Bet $5, win $200 in bonus bets
🥇 Top feature Unique promotions
📱 App Store rating 4.9/5
📱 Google Play rating 4.6/5
⚡ Payout speed Within 24 hours

For more on one of the premier sportsbooks Iowa has to offer, read our complete FanDuel review.

3. bet365 Sportsbook Iowa

Bet $5, Get $150 or $1,000 Offer

New customers only. 21+ (18+ in KY). Full T&Cs apply. GAMBLING PROBLEM? CALL 1-800-GAMBLER (AZ, CO, IL, IN, KY, LA, NC, NJ, PA, OH, TN, VA) or 1-800-BETS OFF (IA). Registration required.

Few Iowa betting apps are more experienced than bet365. The UK-based sportsbook boasts over 20 years of operating in the industry, and it shows via the best soccer markets available, unparalleled live betting and streaming features, and myriad ongoing offers for active customers.

If you opt to sign up with bet365 Iowa, you can garner one of two quality sportsbook promos for new users — either a bet $5, get $150 reward, or a $1,000 First Bet Safety Net. Regardless of which offer you choose, you'll need to input bet365 bonus code ODDSBONUS during registration. This offer is valid only to those who register on the mobile app. Terms and conditions apply.

💰 Welcome bonus Bet $5, get $150 in bonus bets or $1,000 First Bet Safety Net
🥇 Top feature Live betting & streaming
📱 App Store rating 4.5/5
📱 Google Play rating 4.5/5
⚡ Payout speed Within 24 hours

Dig into our bet365 review to uncover more about one of the premier Iowa sportsbooks.

4. BetMGM Sportsbook Iowa

Up to $1,500 Back In Bonus Bets

One new customer offer only. 21+. Place your first wager and receive up to $1,500 back in bonus bets if it loses. Bonus bets expire in 7 days. Add’l terms apply. Gambling Problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER

BetMGM Sportsbook isn’t just one of the most popular sportsbooks in Iowa; it’s one of the biggest names in North American gambling. With the full backing of Entain and MGM Resorts, decades of experience have translated into a stellar sports betting product. Whether it's market coverage, banking options, a top-tier sportsbook referral bonus, or a robust loyalty program — BetMGM Rewards Points and MGM Rewards Tier Credits can earn you exclusive benefits and real-world perks — BetMGM has it all.

To top it off, BetMGM Iowa delivers the most lucrative welcome offer in the state — up to $1,500 back in bonus bets. By using BetMGM bonus code ODDSBONUS, you can ensure a refund in bet credits should your initial wager with the sportsbook go awry.

💰 Welcome bonus Up to $1,500 back in bonus bets
🥇 Top feature Parlay builder
📱 App Store rating 4.8/5
📱 Google Play rating 4.5/5
⚡ Payout speed Within 24 hours

Rifle through our BetMGM review to learn more about the Iowa sports betting site.

5. Caesars Sportsbook Iowa

Bet $1, Get 10x 100% Profit Boosts

New users only. Max bet of $25 per token. Max winnings of $2,500 per token. Gambling Problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER

Only BetMGM can match the historic prowess of Caesars Sportsbook. The famous brand brings an element of pomp and flair to the Iowa online sports betting market, delivering highly competitive odds, live streaming of select NFL games, and an incomparable loyalty program that, like BetMGM's, allows you to earn points to unlock numerous perks, such as hotel stays, dinners, and more.

Additionally, Caesars' new-user promo balances simplicity with high value. After registering with Caesars Sportsbook promo code OPBONUSDYW, new users can unlock 10 100% profit boost tokens, giving you a chance to double your winnings. This promo is best suited to high-rollers and users who are comfortable taking on a sizeable amount of risk.

💰 Welcome bonus Bet $1, get 10x 100% profit boosts
🥇 Top feature Rewards program
📱 App Store rating 4.7/5
📱 Google Play rating 4.3/5
⚡ Payout speed Within 24 hours

To glean more about the Iowa sportsbook, sift through our exhaustive Caesars review.

All Iowa sportsbook promos and bonuses

Each of the 14 active Iowa sportsbooks is vying for your attention and your dollar, so they must provide worthwhile bonuses and promotions for both new and returning players.

Below, we've listed all the best Iowa sportsbook promos available, as well as their respective promo codes:

Sportsbook ⭐ Promo code ✅ Welcome bonus 💰
DraftKings No code required Bet $5, get $200 in bonus bets + $1K deposit bonus
FanDuel No code required Bet $5, win $200 in bonus bets 
bet365 ODDSBONUS Bet $5, get $150 in bonus bets or $1,000 First Bet Safety Net
BetMGM ODDSBONUS Up to $1,500 back in bonus bets
Caesars Sportsbook OPBONUSDYW Bet $1, get 10x 100% profit boosts
BetRivers No code required Up to a $100 Second Chance Bet
Fanatics Sportsbook No code required Up to $1,000 in No Sweat Bets
ESPN BET No code required Up to $600 in bonuses + 30 Days of ESPN+
Betfred No code required $105 no-sweat bet
Circa Sports No code required N/A
Q Sportsbook No code required $300 deposit match
Bally Bet No code required Bet $25+, get $150 in bonus bets
DRF Sportsbook No code required $500 bonus bet
Tipico No code required N/A

🔥 DraftKings Iowa promo — DraftKings delivers a newbie-friendly welcome bonus for Iowa sports bettors. You can claim up to $200 in bet credits by merely wagering $5+ on any sports market. You can also grab a deposit bonus worth up to $1,000.

🔥 FanDuel Iowa promo — Joining FanDuel Sportsbook in Iowa allows you to get $200 in bonus bets if you win. Simply create your account, deposit $5 or more, and place a winning $5 bet. You must claim this offer by using the FanDuel mobile app.

🔥 bet365 Iowa promo — Like DraftKings, bet365 offers you the chance to choose your welcome bonus. You can either claim a bet $5, get $150 promo, or a $1,000 First Bet Safety Net. To claim the former, you only need to place a $5 bet. Win or lose, you’ll get $150 in bonus bets once your wager settles. If you prefer the latter, just place your first bet. If it loses, you’ll get it back, up to $1,000, as bonus bets. Both bonuses require you to enter code ODDSBONUS when signing up. This offer is valid only to those who register on the mobile app. Terms and conditions apply.

🔥 BetMGM Iowa promo — Should you opt to join BetMGM IA, you'll immediately become eligible to garner up to $1,500 back in bonus bets. By registering with code ODDSBONUS, you can deposit $10 or more and place your first wager. If it loses, you'll get your money back, up to $1,500, as bonus bets. If your initial bet was under $50, you'll get one bonus bet equal to your stake. If it was over $50, you'll be reimbursed with five bonus bets, each worth 20% of your initial stake. For example, if your first bet was $1,000, you'll receive five $200 bonus bets.

🔥 Caesars Sportsbook Iowa promo — By joining this Iowa online sportsbook, you can get 10 profit boosts of 100%. Sign up with promo code OPBONUSDYW, make your initial deposit, and new users can unlock 10 100% profit boost tokens, giving you a chance to double your winnings.

There are 19 casinos/racinos currently operational in the Hawkeye State. Each is permitted three online skins, meaning up to 57 betting sites could eventually become available. For now, as long as you're 21 or older and within the region's borders, you can sign up with 14 Iowa online sportsbooks.

Check out the table below for a list of all Iowa sportsbooks, both online and retail:

Iowa online and mobile sportsbooks

Sportsbook ⭐ Partner 🤝
Bally Bet Elite Casino Resorts
bet365 Casino Queen Marquette
Betfred Grand Falls
BetMGM Diamond Jo Casino
BetRivers Wild Rose
Caesars Sportsbook Isle Bettendorf, Isle Waterloo, Prairie Meadows, Horseshoe, Harrah's
Circa Sports Diamond Jo Casino
DraftKings Wild Rose 
DRF Sportsbook Lakeside Casino
ESPN BET N/A
Fanatics Sportsbook N/A
FanDuel Diamond Jo Casino
Q Sportsbook Q Casino
Tipico Isle Casino Hotel Bettendorf

Retail Iowa sportsbooks

Retail sportsbook ⭐ Venue 🏢
Betfred Sportsbook Grand Falls
Caesars Sportsbook Harrah's Council Bluffs
Caesars Sportsbook Horseshoe Casino
Caesars Sportsbook Isle Casino Bettendorf
Caesars Sportsbook Isle Casino Waterloo
Caesars Sportsbook Prairie Meadows
Draft Day Sports Lounge Rhythm City
Draft Day Sports Lounge Riverside Casino
DraftKings Sportsbook Wild Rose Casino & Hotel Clinton
DraftKings Sportsbook Wild Rose Casino & Hotel Emmetsburg
DraftKings Sportsbook Wild Rose Casino & Hotel Jefferson
DRF Sportsbook Lakeside Hotel & Casino
Fanatics Sportsbook Catfish Bend
Fanatics Sportsbook Diamond Jo Dubuque 
FanDuel Sportsbook Diamond Jo Worth
Hard Rock Sportsbook Hard Rock Sioux City
Q Sportsbook Q Casino

Latest Iowa sports betting news

Iowa was one of the first states to usher in legal sports betting following the repeal of PASPA in 2018, opening its market to the betting public on Aug. 15, 2019. Below is a timeline of the Hawkeye State's sports wagering history:

April 18, 2025: The Iowa Gaming and Racing Commission reports that sportsbooks took in $287.8 million in wagers in March, $71 million more and 33% higher than February.

March 12, 2025: Iowa's February sports betting handle dipped 25% compared to January's figure.

Feb. 12, 2025:  The Iowa Gaming and Racing Commission reports a $289.7 million handle in January, an 11% year-over-year rise.

Nov. 18, 2024: Sportsbooks in Iowa continue to see rises in revenue, with a 15.5% YoY jump in October.

Oct. 16, 2024: Iowa's September sports betting handle rises 62% month-over-month.

Sept. 16, 2024: ClutchBet shutters operations in the U.S.

Sept. 12, 2024: Iowa experiences month-over-month handle growth in the month of August, marking the first time that had happened since March.

Aug. 12, 2024: Iowa's monthly sports betting handle drops 6% in July.

June 27, 2024: The Iowa Racing and Gaming Commission prepares for a wave of new casino license applications after the two-year licensing moratorium is lifted.

May 31, 2024: The Iowa-USC championship game in women's college basketball sets more betting and viewership records, producing the most tickets and highest handle for any women’s sports event ever. 

April 29, 2024: A sports betting investigation causes 26 Iowa athletes to sue, claiming that their constitutional rights were violated. 

April 3, 2024: A series of Iowa sports betting rule changes are on hold until 2025 after a hearing resulting in their delay.

Feb. 7, 2024: Fanatics Sportsbook goes live in Iowa.

Nov. 14, 2023: ESPN BET officially launches in Iowa and 16 other states. 

Jan. 1, 2021: Iowa removes its in-person sports betting registration requirement, allowing bettors to create sportsbook accounts from anywhere in the state.

Aug. 15, 2019: The Iowa sports betting market officially opens its doors.

May 13, 2019: Governor Kim Reynolds signs Bill SF-617 into law, legalizing sports betting in Iowa.

How to choose the best Iowa sportsbook

There are 14 legal Iowa sports betting sites. With so many great sportsbooks to pick from, choosing the best of the bunch can be pretty tricky. To help you make the right choice, we’ve prepared a list of eight criteria you should keep in mind when deciding where to play. 

Sportsbook bonuses

All Iowa sportsbooks offer you the chance to claim a welcome bonus upon creating your account. A lot of these bonuses are similar, but that doesn’t mean one isn’t better for you than another. You should look at the bonus itself and then dig into the terms and conditions to ensure it's right for you.

Mobile compatibility

If you’re thinking about sports betting, you’re probably thinking about betting on your mobile device. Before you commit to a new sportsbook, download the app and see how you like it. If you’d prefer not to install anything on your smartphone or tablet, all our recommended Iowa sportsbooks offer HTML5-optimized mobile browser sites, too.

User interface

Besides winning and losing, a sportsbook’s user interface has probably the biggest impact on whether you actually enjoy a sportsbook or not. Finding the bets you want and the markets of your choice, actually placing your wagers, and claiming promo offers should be quick and easy. Overall, navigating the sportsbook should leave more answers than questions.

Sportsbook features

Live betting, early cash-out, boosted bets, bet builders, and other sportsbook features are great ways to maximize your sports betting experience. Promos for existing customers create a gap between sportsbooks. Make sure you find one with a great loyalty program and daily offers. 

Betting markets

A sportsbook is worthless to you if it doesn’t have the sports you want to bet on. Be sure to browse the available betting markets to make sure the betting site has what you’re looking for. This is especially important if you’re a fan of sports outside the U.S.

Betting odds

Like with markets, betting odds vary from sportsbook to sportsbook. Some sites have low margins overall, which means better lines for all sports. Other sportsbooks have great odds for some sports and not for others. Remember, this can add up throughout the season. Make sure to find a sportsbook that offers competitive prices and frequent odds boosts.

Banking options

Most Iowa online sportsbooks accept all the popular U.S. payment methods, including credit cards, e-wallets, and prepaid options. Some are more limited, though. It’s important to check the available banking options before getting started with a new sportsbook. You should also look into minimum/maximum deposit and withdrawal limits, transaction fees, and other payment T&Cs.

Payout speeds

Withdrawal speeds are something most players don’t think about until it’s too late. If you value fast payouts, you should look into how quickly a sportsbook processes withdrawal requests. Most take less than 48 hours. Others are as quick as under 24 hours. Some take 3-5 business days.

How to sign up with Iowa sportsbooks

If you’ve never created a sportsbook account before, don’t worry. It’s actually a straightforward process. To make it as simple as possible for you, we’ve put together the step-by-step guide below: 

1. Choose an Iowa sportsbook 

Review the criteria explained in the last section, determine what factors are most important to you, do your research, and pick which sportsbook you want to play with. 

2. Create your account

Go to your sportsbook’s website or download the app, click “Sign Up” or “Join Now,” and fill out the sign-up form to create your account. This is also where you’ll enter any Iowa sportsbook promo codes if necessary. 

3. Verify your identity

Sportsbooks in Iowa are required by law to verify the identity of their players. Most will do this automatically with your name, date of birth, address, and Social Security Number. However, before withdrawing for the first time, you’ll need to provide further proof, like a selfie or a copy of an official ID (driver’s license, passport, etc.).

4. Deposit funds

Before you can start betting, you need to make a real money deposit. Go to the cashier section of your new account and follow the steps to make your first deposit. Make sure you put down enough to claim your welcome bonus. 

5. Make your first wager

Once you’ve made your first deposit, the only thing left to do is place your initial bet. Remember to gamble responsibly and use the helpful guides on how to do so at each Iowa sportsbook. 

How we rate Iowa sportsbooks

At Oddspedia, we pride ourselves on providing accurate and unbiased sportsbook reviews. We are sports bettors just like you, so we would never recommend a site we wouldn’t use ourselves. This means we don’t suggest unsafe and unlicensed sports betting apps.

Beyond reviewing safety, we also closely examine every site’s terms and conditions, bonus offers, betting markets, odds, and sportsbook features. Together, we use this information to present our expert recommendations and tips for you to use when picking where to play. 

When it comes to state-specific betting guides, we also take into account how well sportsbooks cater to bettors in the state. A sportsbook with special promo offers for local sports teams, state-specific customer support, and in-person options will get a higher rating from us.

Why sign up with more than one Iowa sportsbook?

Most Iowa sports bettors will sign up for one sportsbook and never think twice about trying out another one. However, in a state like Iowa, where you have so many sports betting options, settling for just one sportsbook is a mistake. Here’s why:

Get more bonuses

Sportsbook welcome bonuses are the best way to get bet credits with little investment. If you want to maximize your deposits, create multiple sportsbook accounts to claim multiple welcome bonuses.

Find new betting markets

All Iowa sportsbooks have a good amount of bets available for the big four U.S. sports. However, not all will have the same amount of bets for each sport. If you’re a fan of more niche sports, you’ll have to be even more careful, as some sportsbooks won’t have any bets available for your favorite sport.

Get the best odds

Like with betting markets, some sportsbooks have better betting odds than others. When you sign up for multiple sportsbooks, you get to shop around and find the betting site with the best odds. Remember to read our guide on the best betting odds in 2025 to find which sportsbooks are offering the best prices, from single-game events to futures.

Bet types available at Iowa sportsbooks

All Iowa betting sites have different markets. You’ll only find out what others have by signing up for multiple sportsbooks. Wherever you go, though, you’ll find these popular bet types:

Moneyline 

Wagers on who will win a game, match, fight, etc., are moneyline wagers — for example, betting on the Hawkeyes to win. Moneyline bets are simple and popular because of it. 

Spreads

Spread betting is wagering on the margin of victory. A sportsbook will set a point spread, and you simply bet whether the winning team will win by more than the spread or if the losing team will lose by less than the spread.

Futures

Any wager on anything more than a single event is a futures bet. For example, a wager on the Packers to win the Super Bowl is a futures bet. These bets are sometimes called outright wagers.

Props

Prop bets are wagers on anything in a match not related to the outcome of the match. For example, a bet on Caitlin Clark to score more than 20 points in a WNBA game. 

Totals (Over/Under)

Totals bets are wagers on the total number of points, goals, runs, etc., scored in a match. They are also called Over/Under bets since you place a wager on whether you think the total will be Over or Under the line set by the sportsbook.

Who can bet with Iowa sportsbooks?

Iowa sports betting laws require all sports bettors in the state to be at least 21 years old. This is a standard requirement that you’ll find in most states. Here are a few other considerations to keep in mind before attempting to place your first wager: 

🔞 Legal betting age — To wager with Iowa online sportsbooks, you must be at least 21 years old.

🌎 Bet within state borders — Although you don't have to live in Iowa to wager on sports online, you must be within the region's borders.

📱 Mobile and online betting — You can sign up with online betting apps anywhere in the state after lawmakers removed the in-person sportsbook registration requirement in 2021. Currently, there are 14 options to pick from.

🏢 Retail sportsbooks — For those looking to bet on sports in person, Iowa offers 17 locales where you can do just that.

What sports can I bet on in Iowa?

Iowa sportsbooks allow you to bet on dozens of sports. Whether you prefer the popular North American leagues — the top sportsbooks will always offer quality NFL odds, NBA odds, NHL odds, and MLB odds — or niche sports, like F1 or darts, you will have options aplenty.

We also have NASCAR betting sites and F1 betting sites available for motorsport fans.

Here are some of the sports you can expect to see when registering with the premier sportsbooks in Iowa:

  • Baseball
  • Basketball
  • Boxing
  • Cricket
  • Cycling
  • Darts
  • Football
  • Golf
  • Hockey
  • Lacrosse
  • MMA
  • Motorsports
  • Rugby
  • Snooker
  • Soccer
  • Table tennis
  • Tennis

Can you bet on the NFL Draft in Iowa?

Yes, Iowa sportsbooks will take wagers on the NFL Draft. However, according to the Iowa Racing and Gaming Commission, all draft markets must end before the event begins and cannot reopen while it occurs.

What Iowa teams can I bet on?

There are no major professional sports teams in Iowa, but that doesn’t mean that the Hawkeye State isn’t home to legions of passionate sports fans. Here are some of the most popular teams in the state that you can bet on now:

Iowa Hawkeyes 🏀

Whether it’s football, men’s basketball, or women’s basketball, the Iowa Hawkeyes are the most popular team in the state. Basketball phenom Caitlin Clark is the latest star player to come out of this prestigious program. For more on the best college basketball betting sites, be sure to check out our guide on the subject.

Iowa State Cyclones 🏀

The Iowa State Cyclones are definitely Iowa’s second team, but not by much. The Cyclones men’s basketball team has one Final Four appearance in its history and two Sweet Sixteen appearances in the last three years. The women’s team made it to the Elite Eight in 2009 and recently appeared in the Sweet Sixteen in 2022.

Drake Bulldogs 🏀

The Drake Bulldogs men’s basketball team made it to the Final Four in the 1969 NCAA tournament during the program’s first golden era of the late 1960s and early 1970s. The Bulldogs are in the middle of a second golden era, having won the Missouri Valley Conference in 2023 and 2024.

What can’t I bet on in Iowa?

Compared to other legal sports betting markets, Iowa contains few restrictions. Still, there are some types of bets you cannot make. Here's what you must stay away from:

🗳️ Politics — Since betting on politics is forbidden at the federal level, you cannot wager on things like campaign races.

🏆 Award ceremonies and entertainment — Award shows such as the Oscars, Tonys, and Grammys are off limits for wagering in Iowa.

⛹️ College player props — While you can wager on NCAA team props, betting on individual players is prohibited.

Iowa sports betting resources

If you would like to learn more about Iowa sports betting and what responsible gambling resources are available, please consult the list below:

  • National gambling hotline — 1-800-GAMBLER
State 🌎 Online 💻 Retail 🏛️
Arizona Sportsbooks Yes Yes
Arkansas Sportsbooks No Yes
Colorado Sportsbooks Yes Yes
Connecticut Sportsbooks Yes Yes
Delaware Sportsbooks No Yes
Florida Sportsbooks No No
Illinois Sportsbooks Yes Yes
Indiana Sportsbooks Yes Yes
Iowa Sportsbooks Yes Yes
Kentucky Sportsbooks Yes Yes
Louisiana Sportsbooks Yes Yes
Maryland Sportsbooks Yes Yes
Massachusetts Sportsbooks Yes Yes
Michigan Sportsbooks Yes Yes
Mississippi Sportsbooks No Yes
Missouri Sportsbooks Pending Pending
Montana Sportsbooks On-premises only Yes
Nevada Sportsbooks Yes Yes
New Hampshire Sportsbooks Yes Yes
NJ Sportsbooks Yes Yes
New Mexico Sportsbooks No Yes
New York Sportsbooks Yes Yes
North Carolina Sportsbooks Yes Yes
Ohio Sportsbooks Yes Yes
Oregon Sportsbooks Yes Yes
Pennsylvania Sportsbooks Yes Yes
Rhode Island Sportsbooks Yes Yes
Texas Sportsbooks No No
Vermont Sportsbooks Yes Yes
Virginia Sportsbooks Yes Yes
West Virginia Sportsbooks Yes Yes
Washington, DC Sportsbooks Yes Yes
Wisconsin Sportsbooks No No
Wyoming Sportsbooks Yes No

Upcoming sports betting launches

Thirty-eight states have legalized sports betting since the U.S. Supreme Court’s monumental decision to strike down the Professional and Amateur Sports Protection Act in 2018. 

Currently, just one state — Oklahoma — has pending legislation to legalize sports betting. Missouri's sports betting ballot was approved by voters during the 2024 U.S. Election. The state is expected to launch its legal market in 2025.

Texas and California are the biggest states in the union that have yet to legalize sports betting. 

Iowa sportsbooks FAQs

Is it legal to bet on sports in Iowa?

Sports betting has been legal in the Hawkeye State since May 13, 2019, when Governor Kim Reynolds signed Bill SF-617 into law. The Iowa sports betting market officially went live just a few months later, on Aug. 15, 2019, with several retail sportsbooks opening in the state.

How old do you have to be to bet on sports in Iowa?

You must be 21 years or older to bet on sports in Iowa. This is the same minimum age requirement for playing casino games in the state. However, it is three years over the federal minimum gambling age and three years above the Iowa State Lottery’s minimum gambling age.

What are the best sportsbooks in Iowa?

The best Iowa sportsbooks will depend on personal preference. That said, we consider DraftKings, FanDuel, bet365, BetMGM, and Caesars to be the top five.

Are Iowa sportsbooks trustworthy?

Yes, Iowa sportsbooks are trustworthy. All 14 betting sites mentioned in this guide are legal with licenses from the Iowa Racing and Gaming Commission. The IRGC governs all gambling in the state and ensures that sportsbooks are following the law and not ripping off their players. 

What sportsbook promos can I claim in Iowa?

Sportsbooks in Iowa offer you the chance to claim a wide variety of sportsbook promos, including welcome bonuses, boosted bets, and first-bet insurance offers. BetMGM Iowa gives you the biggest welcome promo with up to $1,500 in bonus bets available. FanDuel and DraftKings have the most existing customer promos for you to claim once you sign up and start betting regularly.

Can I bet on sports on my mobile phone in Iowa?

Yes, mobile sports betting is available at all 14 legal Iowa sportsbooks. In fact, sports betting apps are the most popular way to bet in Iowa. Many of the top Iowa betting sites are designed with their sportsbook apps in mind first, meaning you will get the best experience when you wager via your mobile device.