Top Iowa Sports Betting Sites: Best Sportsbooks in Iowa for 2024
Legal Iowa sports betting provides users with seamless access to leading U.S. betting platforms, allowing bettors to maximize their wagers with the top Iowa sportsbook promos and bonuses. Check out our comprehensive Iowa online sports betting guide below for insights into legal wagering in the Hawkeye State.
| Sportsbook | Bonus | Availability | Claim Offer |
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$1,000 First Bet on CaesarsTerms & conditions apply |
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20% Deposit Match up to $1,000New customers only. Deposit min. $5. Place daily first bet of min. $5 and get up to a $100 bonus bet for 10 consecutive days. Daily bonus issued within 72 hours. |
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First Bet Offer up to $1500Bonus bets expire in 7 days. One new customer offer per user. Additional terms apply. 21+. Gambling Problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER. |
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Deposit $50 play with $100Terms & conditions apply |
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Claim Offer
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Iowa Sports Betting Updates
Iowa legalized sports betting when Gov. Kim Reynolds signed Bill SF-617 into law in May 2019. Since then, Iowa has become a competitive sports betting market with numerous operators, offering both retail and mobile betting options. Below is a timeline highlighting significant moments in Iowa's sports betting history:
- Aug. 31, 2024: Australian-based ClutchBet announces it will exit all U.S. markets, including Iowa, effective Sept. 16, 2024.
- Aug. 12, 2024: Despite high viewership for the 2024 Olympic Games, Iowa's sports betting handle sees a drop in July.
- July 22, 2024: SuperBook Sports withdraws from eight post-PASPA states, including Iowa.
- July 11, 2024: Iowa's June sports betting handle experiences a month-over-month decline of $35.8 million.
- June 11, 2024: Iowa sportsbooks report an increase in hold rate, jumping to 10.9% in May.
- May 14, 2024: Iowa sportsbooks collect their lowest handle of 2024 in April, with a 23.1% month-over-month decrease.
- May 2, 2024: Sportstrade launches its iOS betting app in Iowa, offering a real-time buy-and-sell betting feature.
- April 29, 2024: Twenty-six Iowa athletes file lawsuits over the sports betting investigation, claiming violations of their constitutional rights.
- March 1, 2024: Iowa prosecutors drop charges against former Iowa State athletes involved in a sports betting case, citing issues with evidence.
- Feb. 6, 2024: Fanatics Sportsbook becomes the 18th online sportsbook to launch in Iowa.
Other notable events:
- Nov. 14, 2023: ESPN BET launches mobile sports betting in Iowa and 16 other states.
- Jan. 2021: Iowa removes the in-person registration requirement, allowing players to sign up for sportsbooks remotely.
- Aug. 2019: Iowa launches its first retail and online sportsbooks, including William Hill and Elite Sportsbook.
Is sports betting legal in Iowa?
Yes, sports betting in Iowa is legal and regulated. Gov. Kim Reynolds signed Bill SF-617 into law in May 2019, which legalized both land-based and online sports betting. Iowa officially launched its sports betting market on Aug. 15, 2019, allowing players to wager at licensed retail sportsbooks and through online platforms.
Who can bet on sports in Iowa?
Adults 21 and over are permitted to place a sports bet in Iowa. Wagers can be placed via a legal sports betting website, mobile app, or at one of Iowa’s retail sportsbooks.
The following tips will help you get started with legal sports betting in Iowa.
Legal Age
If you are 21 or older, you are allowed to bet on sports in person or on Iowa sports betting sites.
Mobile Betting
Place your Iowa sports bets using a computer or mobile device to access an online sportsbook or sportsbook app. The Iowa Racing and Gaming Commission regulates all sports betting activity in the Hawkeye State.
Remote Registration
Remote registration has been available in Iowa since January 2021. This option allows Iowans to complete the entire sign-up process remotely with a computer or mobile phone. Previously, Iowa gamblers were required to visit a casino to complete their registration before betting with an online sportsbook.
In-State Betting
Legal online sportsbooks use geofencing to ensure all players are physically present in Iowa. Attempts to place bets from out of state will be denied. Therefore, it’s essential for Iowans and those passing through the state to turn on location services when placing online bets.
Retail Sportsbooks
Iowa is home to 17 retail sportsbooks found at one of the state’s 19 licensed casinos.
Taxable Winnings
Like nearly all other states, gambling winnings are taxable at both the federal and state levels in Iowa.
Iowans must report all winnings on federal tax returns, as this money is subject to the standard 24% tax. Winnings that exceed $600 must be reported to the state and taxed at 5%.
The pros and cons of Iowa sports betting
A major shift in Iowa sports betting took place when remote registration was introduced in 2021. Iowans can now place their first sports bets from the comfort of their own home.
Like many other states with legal sports betting, Iowa does not allow college player proposition betting, nor has it yet to legalize action on the NFL Draft.
Remote registration makes Iowa sports betting easy- A myriad of sports betting opportunities
- Low taxes for operators means more favorable lines for bettors
Remote registration makes Iowa sports betting easy- No college player props
- NFL Draft betting not legalized yet
How to start betting in Iowa
Now that Iowans can complete the registration process remotely, placing a legal sports bet has never been easier in the Hawkeye State. Casinos are also an option for those who prefer the atmosphere a retail sportsbook provides.
Select a sportsbook
There are many Iowa sportsbooks to choose from, making research an integral part of the process. Conduct research to identify the options that provide the best sign-up bonuses, lines, and customer support.
Check out some betting site reviews and take a look at the terms and conditions of the Iowa sportsbooks you’re considering before getting started.
Register online
Once you’ve picked out the Iowa betting site that you trust to satisfy your gambling needs, go ahead and fill in your information on their website or mobile app. Be prepared to provide the last four digits of your SSN.
Claim a bonus
The amount of competition in Iowa certainly has its benefits for new users, as Iowa sports betting sites routinely offer some excellent promotions to entice potential customers to try out their platforms.
- Risk-free bets: If your first bet with a sportsbook is unsuccessful, they may offer to refund the lost amount to your account.
- Deposit match: Some Iowa sports betting sites may top up your account with the same amount after you add funds. Playthrough requirements usually apply.
- No-deposit bonus: Upon sign-up, you’ll be given a small amount of cash to place your first bet, with playthrough requirements typically attached.
Choose your bet
Iowa sports bettors have access to nearly every type of bet imaginable, including moneyline, Over/Unders (totals), and point spreads. These options provide plenty of variety for both new and seasoned bettors.
Deposit
Iowans have several sportsbook deposit and withdrawal methods available when it comes to adding funds to an account. Keep a watchful eye on transaction fees, however, as these can vary depending on your chosen payment method.
Start betting
Compare sportsbooks’ betting lines before placing your first bet to ensure you’re getting the most favorable odds.
Withdraw
Withdrawal methods vary among Iowa sportsbooks. Keep an eye on bank and transaction fees to maximize your payout.
Odds explained
Iowa sportsbooks use American Odds — aka moneyline odds — to display favorites and underdogs. A minus sign (-) indicates the favorite, and the number tells you how much you must wager to win $100. A plus sign (+) indicates the underdog, and the number shows how much you’ll win with a $100 bet.
What you can't bet on in Iowa
While Iowans are able to place a wager on nearly any sporting event — locally and internationally — there are a few no-gos in the Hawkeye State.
Politics
Iowa law forbids political betting of any kind. Discussing Iowa caucus betting odds around the water cooler is fine, but that’s as far as you can take things. You won't find any politics when browsing new markets at Iowa sports betting sites.
NFL Draft
The NFL Draft is the league's signature offseason event, but Iowa is one of a handful of U.S. states to outlaw NFL Draft wagering.
esports
Esports betting has not yet been legalized in Iowa, though there does seem to be some momentum building here. Rep. Bobby Kaufmann has sponsored a bill that would regulate esports betting, along with pro sports drafts, and player awards.
Awards shows
Much-hyped celebrity and pop-culture events, such as the Academy Awards, are off-limits at Iowa sportsbooks.
Other types of gambling
Iowa is home to 23 licensed casinos and four tribal casinos. Two of the state’s casinos offer live racing.
