Iowa Online Sports Betting Sites

Find the best online sportsbooks in IA and learn about betting laws in The Hawkeye State

Hero image
#1 Best overall
betus_sportsbook
5 stars
125% up to $3,125

5

Overall Rating

19

Top features:

  • One of the biggest sports bonuses
  • 10x bonus wagering requirement
  • Parlay builder for complex bets

What we like:

  • Accepts all major cryptos
  • Online since 1994
  • Teasers and if bets
#1 Best overall
betus_sportsbook
5 stars

Bonus:

125% up to $3,125

Top features:

  • One of the biggest sports bonuses
  • 10x bonus wagering requirement
  • Parlay builder for complex bets

Bonus:

125% up to $3,125

5

5 stars
19

What we like:

  • Accepts all major cryptos
  • Online since 1994
  • Teasers and if bets
#2 Recurring promos
betonline_sportsbook
4.5 stars
50% up to $1,000

4.5

Overall Rating

25

Top features:

  • More than 20 sports to bet on
  • Excellent odds for US bettors
  • Deposit with 16+ cryptocurrencies

What we like:

  • Bitcoin boost and risk-free prop
  • Responsive mobile betting app
  • 22+ years on the market
#2 Recurring promos
betonline_sportsbook
4.5 stars

Bonus:

50% up to $1,000
#2 Recurring promos

Top features:

  • More than 20 sports to bet on
  • Excellent odds for US bettors
  • Deposit with 16+ cryptocurrencies

Bonus:

50% up to $1,000

4.5

4.5 stars
25

What we like:

  • Bitcoin boost and risk-free prop
  • Responsive mobile betting app
  • 22+ years on the market
#3 Best mobile app
bovada_sportsbook
4 stars
50% up to $250

4

Overall Rating

15

Top features:

  • Live sports streams in HD
  • Great in-game betting features
  • Multiple cryptos supported

What we like:

  • Excellent native mobile app
  • 5x bonus playthrough
  • Online since 2011
#3 Best mobile app
bovada_sportsbook
4 stars

Bonus:

50% up to $250
#3 Best mobile app

Top features:

  • Live sports streams in HD
  • Great in-game betting features
  • Multiple cryptos supported

Bonus:

50% up to $250

4

4 stars
15

What we like:

  • Excellent native mobile app
  • 5x bonus playthrough
  • Online since 2011

Key Things You Need to Know

  • Iowa is the first Midwestern State – 11th overall – to launch sports betting.
  • Iowa is one of the few legal sports betting states without a home professional sports team.
  • Nineteen Iowa casinos offer retail and mobile sports betting.
  • Several local Iowa sportsbooks have closed operations within months as leading offshore sites continue to dominate the Iowa market.
  • Offshore sportsbook applications remain the best option for Iowa bettors.

List of the Top Online Sportsbooks in Iowa

  • BetUS – Best overall online sportsbook in Iowa
  • BetOnline – Best for recurring sports promotions
  • Bovada – Best native betting site

Reviews of the Top Three Online Betting Sites in Iowa

Our team of experts has picked the following three top real money betting sites based on best bonuses, comprehensive market coverage, competitive odds, expansive banking methods, and quicker payouts.

BetUS – Iowa Sportsbook with the Largest Market Selection

BetUS has led the Iowa sports betting market for nearly 30 years. This site is licensed by Curacao e-Gaming eGaming Authority to run legal operations in Hawkeye State. No sporting event – in the US or any part of the world – escapes this prestigious platform.

However, this Iowa sports wagering site specializes in the US professional leagues. Whether you are a football, baseball, hockey, or a basketball enthusiast, BetUS has you covered.

BetUS is one of the oldest online sportsbooks in Iowa and the most user-friendly online bookmaker we have ever reviewed. Thanks to its simple betting interface, even the first-time bettor will find everything super-easy. You should also try their Locker Room to learn more about sporting events from their sports experts.

Best Sports Welcome Bonus in Iowa

BetUS bonus

Iowa sports bettors looking for the best sports welcome bonus can grab a 100% sports bonus up to $2500. This bonus requires a minimum deposit of $100; you have 14 days to clear this with a 10x wagering requirement. Use code JOIN125 to claim this bonus.

BetUS allows eight deposit options, including Visa, Mastercard, American Express, and some cryptocurrencies. In addition, they offer six withdrawal methods. Use crypto for deposits and withdrawals as bank transfers, and check withdrawals may take seven to 14 business days.

Bovada – Best Mobile Betting Site in Iowa

Bovada has been the most popular online sportsbook among Iowa mobile bettors since 2011 – the year of its launch. This Curaca-licensed site is 100% mobile-friendly, allowing you to play directly through your mobile web browser.

You will find a list of major sports on the left side of the Bovada page. However, the All Sports (A-Z) icon on the page will take you to a thorough list of available sports in this sportsbook. This includes everything from the Big Four – NFL, NBA, NHL, MLB – to international games like England Premier League.

However, Bovada remains the best option if you’re looking for the major US sports leagues, particularly NFL. Its excellent prop builder tool for the NFL allows Iowa bettors to find excellent prop betting options.

Bovada prop builder

Best E-Wallet Sportsbook in Iowa

Bovada features one of the best crypto sportsbook bonuses in Iowa, thanks to its 75% up to $750 crypto sports welcome bonus. New Iowa bettors can claim this one-time offer by depositing using Bitcoin, Bitcoin Cash, Bitcoin SV Deposit, Litecoin, or USDT. Use bonus code BTCSWB750 and clear the bonus terms with a 5x rollover.

Bovada includes decent banking options – eight deposit and seven withdrawal options – ranging from major credit cards (Visa, Mastercard, American Express) to cryptocurrencies. However, the inclusion of MatchPay is a standout feature at Bovada, making it one of the best e-wallet online sportsbooks. Iowa players must create a MatchPay account to use PayPal or other e-wallet services.

MyBookie – Top Iowa Sportsbook for Live Betting

Since its online debut in 2014, MyBookie has been highly popular among Iowa bettors for its sports coverage, competitive odds, and welcome bonuses. This Curacao-licensed site is a subsidiary of Duranbah Ltd – an international company that runs US-facing online betting operations.

You can bet on popular US leagues like professional football and basketball, as well as esports and horse racing events like the Kentucky Derby. MyBookie is also known for offering fair and competitive lines, ensuring access to attractive betting opportunities and a higher potential for returns on your wagers.

For those who enjoy live betting, MyBookie is one of the best sportsbooks in Iowa. The platform offers live in-play betting, allowing you to place bets during a game or event.

Mybookie sportsbook lobby

Best Sports Betting Contests in Iowa

In addition to offering an impressive 50% sports welcome bonus of up to $1,000, one of the main reasons we rank MyBookie among the top IA sportsbooks is their ongoing contests.

MyBookie offers one of the best contests for Iowa players – ‘Squares.’ In this contest, you select your NFL or NCAAF squares to win frequent cash prizes.

You can choose from 13 diverse methods to deposit into your account. These methods range from credit cards to ten cryptocurrencies. Deposit $20 using Bitcoin, Litecoin, or other supported cryptos on this site.

Welcome Promotions Compared

SportsbookWelcome bonusPlaythroughValid forMin. deposit
BetUS100% Up to $250010x14 days$100
Bovada75% up to $7505xdoesn’t expire$20
Ignition200% Up to $200025x30 days$20
XBet50% Up to $5007x15 days$45

Is Betting with Offshore Sportsbooks Safe?

It depends on your choice. Many new online sports bettors randomly pick an online operator without doing any research. Some shady sites are always there to prey on these enthusiastic fellows with little knowledge about online gambling.

LetsGambleUSA has done all the legwork to ensure you pick the best Iowa online sportsbooks in the first go. Our recommended sites have been in the online gambling business for decades. You can’t go wrong with BetUS and BetOnline – the pioneers of online sports gambling in the US. All these top Iowa sites offer the best bonuses, offer competitive odds, and ensure quicker payouts.

Iowa Online Sports Betting Laws

Iowa sports betting law allows residents aged 21 or above to bet on professional and college sports. You don’t have to be a resident, but you must be within the state lines for placing mobile bets in Iowa. However, betting on high school sports or entertainment-related events is not legal. In addition, those with a close affiliation with teams or leagues are banned from wagering on their own sports.

Is Online Sports Betting Legal in Iowa?

Yes, Iowa allows sports betting applications to run statewide operations as a mobile skin of one of the state’s land-based casinos. Here are some key points of legal online sports betting regulations in Iowa:

  • The license fee is $45,000.
  • Iowa sports betting is taxed at a rate of 6.75%.
  • Each of the 19 casinos can have up to three mobile skins per casino.
  • Remote registration is now available.

Iowa Sports Betting History

Efforts to legalize Iowa sports betting began in 2018, soon after the US Supreme Court struck down the Professional and Amateur Sports Protection Act (PASPA). Eventually, less than one year after the annulment of the PASPA, Hawkeye State joined the league of the first 11 legal sports betting states in the nation. It happened with Gov. Kim Reynolds signing a sports betting measure into law in May 2019.

Iowa was the first Midwestern State to launch sports betting and also the first to launch online and retail sports betting on the same day.

One of the Quickest Legal-to-Launch States

Sports betting in Iowa witnessed one of the quickest legal-to-launch in the nation. It took three and a half months between legalizing wagering to taking the first sports wagers.

The state legislature passed a sports betting bill in April 2019, and the governor signed the measure within two weeks. By mid-August 2019, Iowa sports bettors were ready to place legal wagers – in-person and online – on the season kick-off between the Iowa Hawkeyes and Miami (Ohio) Redhawks.

For comparison, Tennessee and Illinois legalized sports wagering around the same time, but both took a longer legal-to-launch route. For instance, Tennessee sports betting went live in November 2020, nearly 17 months after legalizing the industry in May 2019.

Most other states, before and after Iowa’s eventful launch, have usually launched retail wagering first, with online betting following at a later date. Iowa became the first state to launch retail sportsbooks and Iowa sports betting applications simultaneously on Aug. 15, 2019.

Iowa has 19 casinos, and 18 were initially licensed for sports betting.

Iowa Becomes 11th State to Legalize Sports Betting

On May 13, 2019, Iowa became the 11th state after Gov. Kim Reynolds signed a sports betting bill a week after it was delivered to her desk. The law authorized sports wagering for the state’s 19 casinos to offer retail and online sports betting. However, residents were initially required to have in-person registration in order to place online sports bets. That requirement remained in place until Jan. 1. 2021.

On Aug. 15, 2019, Iowa began legal sports betting operations on more than half a dozen state casinos. Caesars sportsbook was the first legal sports betting application in Iowa.

Initially, there were considerations to regulate the industry via the lottery, but the lawmakers eventually went with its Racing and Gaming Commission (IRGC).

Iowa Legislature Approves Sports Betting

In late April 2019, the Iowa legislature sent a sports betting measure to the governor for her consideration. The Iowa House cleared SF 617 – which legalizes sports betting and fantasy sports – with a 67-31 vote majority. It came a week after the state Senate approved the measure by a 31-18 vote.

House lawmakers were expected to be on the same page with their version, HF 748, to make Iowa sports betting possible in 2019. Their vote came two weeks before the legislative session was to end on May 3.

Iowa Sports Wagering Bill Details

The bill authorizes the Iowa Racing and Gaming Commission (IRGC) to oversee the newly established online sports betting market. IRGC was also empowered to establish Iowa sports betting rules to launch retail and online Iowa sportsbooks. The legal market would allow residents to place sports bets on professional and college sports, as well as international sports. However, betting on minor leagues and in-state college team was banned.

Who Regulates Iowa Online Sports Betting?

The Iowa Racing and Gaming Commission (IRGC) oversees and regulates the 19 state-licensed casinos in Iowa. The law sets a 6.75% tax on net receipts.

What is the Minimum Gambling Age to Place Online Bet in Iowa?

Iowa sports betting law allows residents to participate in sports betting if they’re 21 or older. However, our top three Iowa sports betting sites accept a legal sports bet from residents who are 18 or older.

Some Opposition and Support to the bill…

Opponents of sports betting expansion spoke out during the legislative debate.

How much longer is this going to go on? How many other…quasi nefarious schemes are we going to come up with for more money? This is an exercise in greed, avarice if you will, and it troubles me greatly that we’re going to create new addicts,” said Rep. Scott Ourth.

However, Rep. Bobby Kaufmann said legal sports betting would allow residents who need help with gambling addiction to get it while allowing those who want to legally bet on sports the opportunity to do so in Iowa.

I’m thinking that we’re kidding ourselves if we think we can make this go away. Doing nothing is not an option. Sticking our heads in the sand is not an option. Hoping that people get help when they’re placing bets in dark alleys with bookies whose collection method is a threat to kneecap you isn’t good for anybody,” Kaufmann said.

The Eventual Launch of Iowa Sports Betting

Fourteen of the 19 casinos were set to go live on the launch day. Eighteen were initially licensed to do so. Casino Queen Marquette, the only casino without a sports wagering permit, was later approved too.

Eight casinos initially launched retail sportsbooks, and four rolled out mobile wagering on Aug. 15, 2019. Riverside Casino and Golf Resort – owned by Elite Casino Resorts – and Rhythm City Casino were also cleared for launch later on the launch day to open retail sportsbooks.

Since the 2019 launch, the Iowa sports betting market has grown into 17 online sportsbooks as of January 2023. Caesars sportsbook, partnered with five casinos, was the first mobile sports betting platform to go live in Iowa. Other major operators include BetMGM and DraftKings sportsbook.

Iowa Sports Betting Legislation Timeline

  • Jan. 11, 2023: Tipico launches its online sportsbook in Iowa.
  • Nov. 5, 2022: Mattress Mack wins $75 million, the biggest win in US sports betting history.
  • Oct. 27, 2022: Superbook launches sports betting in Iowa.
  • July 1, 2022: TheScore Bet discontinues Iowa sports betting.
  • June 17, 2022: Gov. Kim Reynolds signs HF 2497, placing a two-year moratorium on new casino licenses.
  • March 1, 2022: Iowa House passes esports betting measure.
  • Jan. 1, 2021: The in-person registration requirement expires.
  • Aug. 15, 2019: Online and retail sportsbooks go live in Iowa.
  • May 13, 2019: Gov. Reynolds signs sports betting into law.
  • May 14, 2018: US Supreme Court strikes down Professional and Amateur Sports Protection Act (PASPA), ending Nevada’s decades-old monopoly over single-game sports betting.
  • July 1, 1983: Iowa Racing Commission is established two months after the legislature approves the Pari-Mutuel Wagering Act.

List of Online Sportsbooks Licensed in Iowa

  • Online Sportsbooks – Land-based Partners
  • Caesars Sportsbook – Isle Bettendorf
  • Caesars Sportsbook – Isle Waterloo
  • Caesars Sportsbook – Prairie Meadows
  • Caesars Sportsbook – Harrah’s Council Bluffs
  • Caesars Sportsbook – Horseshoe Casino
  • Elite Sportsbook – Grand Falls
  • Elite Sportsbook – Rhythm City
  • Elite Sportsbook – Riverside
  • Q Sportsbook – Q Casino
  • PointsBet – Catfish Bend
  • Hard Rock Sportsbook – Hard Rock Sioux City
  • DraftKings Sportsbook – Wild Rose: Clinton
  • DraftKings Sportsbook – Wild Rose: Jefferson
  • DraftKings Sportsbook – Wild Rose: Emmetsburg
  • FanDuel – Diamond Jo
  • BetFred – Grand Falls
  • BetMGM – Diamond Jo Worth
  • BetRivers – Wild Rose
  • Bally Bet Elite Casino Resort – Grand Falls
  • Circa sportsbook – Diamond Jo
  • Betway – Wild Rose
  • Barstool Sportsbook – Ameristar
  • DRF Sportsbook – Lakeside Casino
  • SuperBook Sports – Isle Waterloo
  • Tipico – Isle Bettendorf

Iowa Market Becoming a Graveyard of Legal Online Sportsbooks

Since Iowa launched online sports gambling in August 2019, several sportsbook mobile sites have announced they are leaving the market. Most recently, in November 2022, Unibet announced they decided to exit Iowa in the fourth quarter of 2022. Kindred Group – the parent company of Unibet – is not the only operator struggling in a highly competitive market. Fubo Sportsbook and theScoreBet are the other failure stories in Hawkeye State.

In October 2022, FuboTV announced it would shut down its sportsbook in Iowa. Fubo Sportsbook could last barely a year in Hawkeye State, where leading brands like BetUS and BetOnline have dominated for the last three decades.

A similar fate awaited theScore Bet – the brainchild of a Canadian sports information company. TheScore created a sportsbook application with plans to enter the US sports betting market in late 2018. TheScore Bet entered the Iowa market in February 2021 and exited in July 2022.

Mattress Mack Wins a Record $75M Payout

Recently, a Houston furniture store owner Jim McIngvale, known as “Mattress Mack,” won a record $75 million payout in November, months after his bet that the Houston Astros would win the World Series paid off. He made the futures bets in three states, including Iowa.

This record payout affected Iowa sports betting, where the IRGC reported $5.8 million in sports betting revenue for November. However, this combined revenue total of legal Iowa sportsbooks was overshadowed by the $10 million payouts Betfred and Unibet made to McIngvale. Around the same time, Unibet announced it would be out of Iowa by the end of 2022.

Advantages of Using Offshore Sportsbooks

The departure of many legal Iowa sports betting applications like Unibet, Fubo, and thScoreBet reflects that it will take time for the dust to settle. At least, we have seen the legality of the sportsbook operators hardly provides stability. In contrast, offshore sites like BetUS have provided continuous operations for the last three decades.

However, our experts have tried local and offshore sportsbooks in Iowa. According to them, local operators need to survive for at least a few more years before we can review them properly. In contrast, leading offshore sportsbooks remain unrivaled in the overall gaming experience, including bonuses, market coverage, and stability.

What Promotions are Available to Sports Bettors in Iowa?

All the leading Iowa sports betting sites in Iowa provide the following promotions:

Risk-free Bets

Risk-free bets are a promotion where your Iowa sports betting apps will refund a lost bet. For example, BetOnline’s risk-free bet allows Iowa players to get a refund of up to $250 if their bet loses.

Deposit Match

A deposit match is a promotion where your Iowa sportsbook will match a percentage of the amount you deposit when you sign up. BetUS has one of the biggest deposit matches in Iowa at $2,500. You will get a 100% deposit bonus of up to $2,500.

Referral Bonus

Leading Iowa sportsbooks reward existing players who refer their friends to their site. Bovada’s 200% referral match bonus up to $275 is the best referral bonus you can expect when betting online in Iowa.

Odds Boosts

An odds boost means your Iowa site will offer increased odds to give you better payouts than usual. Leading offshore sites offer odds boosts at the expense of the house edge to incentivize their regular players. For example, BetOnline’s Odds Boosters offers daily odds on various sports betting markets, ensuring the odds will shift in your favor.

Parlay Insurance

Some Iowa sportsbooks will refund your initial bet if you lose a parlay by one leg. In a standard parlay, you must win each leg to receive a payout.

Is There No Deposit Sports Betting in Iowa?

Some sports wagering sites offer new players a bonus even if they don’t deposit real money. The only requirement to get this type of bonus – called a no-deposit bonus – is to sign-up with that site. Currently, none of our top three Iowa sites offer any no-deposit bonus.

Mobile Sports Betting Sites in Iowa

Most Iowa sports fans prefer to place bets via smartphones – the most convenient and popular way of wagering nowadays. Mobile betting allows you access to your favorite sportsbook whenever and wherever.

All our top Iowa sportsbook sites are perfectly optimized for mobile users. Whether you have an iOS phone or are an Android user, you can place quick mobile bets on your favorite sports and leagues. Leading mobile sports betting operators like Bovada and BetOnline allow customers to use their sites on their mobile browsers directly. Thanks to their responsive mobile sites, you can sign up, place a wager, and cash out your winnings on your mobile device.

Betting Online on NFL in Iowa

Iowa doesn’t report data on the individual sport. But it is an open secret that football – both professional and collegiate – leads the sports betting market in Hawkeye State. It reflects from the Iowa sports betting handle for September 2022, which took in $200.2 million worth of bets compared to $122.6 million in August 2022. Although Iowa doesn’t have an in-state NFL team, residents love neighboring Midwestern teams.

Bovada is our top pick for NFL betting in Iowa. You will find competitive odds on NFL across all major bet types. However, Bovada is ideal if you want to make prop bets on football.

Which Sports Can I Bet on Online in Iowa?

  • Baseball
  • Basketball
  • Football
  • Golf
  • Ice Hockey
  • Martial Arts
  • Soccer
  • Tennis
  • Boxing
  • Table Tennis
  • NASCAR
  • Motor Sports
  • Rugby
  • E-Sports
  • Cricket
  • Cycling
  • Politics
  • Entertainment
  • Volleyball
  • Surfing
  • Handball
  • Novelty
  • Bowls
  • Snooker
  • Financials
  • UFC/MMA
  • Aussie Rules
  • Badminton
  • Beach Volleyball
  • Chess
  • Curling
  • Number Game
  • Winter Sports

New Online Sportsbooks in Iowa

XBet and Mybookie are the new online sportsbooks entering the Iowa market in 2013 and 2014, respectively. Launched in 2016, Ignition is the most recent online gambling site and one of the best Iowa online casinos. As one of the best Iowa poker sites, it offers players the change to play online poker real money. All these new offshore sites are worth checking out as they outshine the local operators for a great online gambling experience.

Online Horse Race Betting in Iowa

Iowa allows off-track betting (OTB), advance-deposit wagering (ADW), and online horse race betting. Iowa horse racing fans can either go in person for legal off-track betting to any state-licensed casinos or Iowa Greyhound Park at Q Casino – the only greyhound racetrack in the state. Or they can place online bets on horses. On select dates, the live racing action is also available at Prairie Meadows in Altoona.

However, most Iowans prefer online horse race betting, considering its ease. Luckily, all our top three Iowa sports betting sites also serve as full-fledged racebooks. These top horse betting sites offer all the major events in the US or worldwide.

Election Betting in Iowa

While Iowans can bet on professional and college sports, they cannot bet on certain events, including politics. No local sportsbook in Iowa can offer political betting of any kind. Luckily, you can still find election betting via offshore sportsbooks in Hawkeye State. BetUS is our top recommendation if you’re interested in global politics. However, Bovada is the best Iowa sportsbook for those looking to bet on American politics, including betting on the US Presidential Election 2024.

What Kind of Online Wagers are Available in Iowa?

All these wager types are available across the top Iowa sports betting sites we have recommended above:

Moneyline

A moneyline is the simplest bet type involving mainly two outcomes (sometimes three, depending on the sport). For example, in a game where two players or teams are listed on a moneyline bet, you’re to choose which player or team will win.

Parlays

A parlay is a bet type that combines two or more individual bets on a single ticket. The Iowa bettor who will place a parlay bet will do so with a small amount with a chance of a larger payout. However, players must win each individual bet – called leg – to pay out the winning.

Totals

A total – or over/under bet – is a bet on whether or not the combined score/point/run total of a single game or event will be over or under what your Iowa sportsbook determined before the game started. You don’t have to guess the exact total.

Points Spread

In points spread betting, you’re betting on the margin of victory between two teams. Points spread usually involves when an underdog and favorite are playing. It is also called handicap betting, meaning a team must win by a specific number of points/runs/ goals or not lose by a specific number of points/runs/goals.

Futures

A future bet is wagered on an event – series, award, or election – whose outcome will be decided in the future. For instance, “Who will be the next Super Bowl champion?” or “Who will win the Presidential Election 2024?”

Prop Bets

A prop bet – short for proposition bet – can be placed on anything from the coin toss to small in-game events. This bet type is not tied to the final outcome of a game. Almost anything but the moneyline, total, and point spread can fall under a prop bet. For instance, who will score the first touchdown or total passing yards by a player? Bovada offers the best prop bets for NFL betting in Bovada.

Live Bets

Live betting allows Iowa players to place bets while the game is underway. It is different from a traditional bet type, where you place a bet before the kick-off. Iowa sports bettors would love to watch and place live bets using this type across all the top sportsbooks in Iowa.

Prohibited Bets

Prohibited bets are those bet types Iowa Racing and Gaming Commission does not authorize local sportsbooks to offer. So, for instance, no local online sportsbook application in Hawkeye State will offer odds on politics, NFL Draft, esports, and award shows, betting on in-state schools. Luckily, our recommended offshore sites offer odds on almost all these prohibited bet types.

What to Look for When Choosing the Best Iowa Betting Site?

We have prepared the following check-list for you to see when choosing an online betting site in Iowa:

Reviews

You must first do online research when choosing the right sportsbook site. First, you need to read reviews from independent sites that show you a clear picture of every possible side. For instance, as a consumer-facing site, LetsGambleUSA offers independent reviews and wants the readers to make informed decisions.

You can also complement your quest for the best Iowa sportsbook with customer reviews. Experienced gamblers who have used a site will likely share their experiences. Their experiences will tell you a lot about the site you should or shouldn’t join.

Licensing Information

You can also ensure your safety by reading about the site’s licensing information. For example, if an Iowa sportsbook is licensed by a recognized jurisdiction, you can join it for secure online wagering. For instance, Panama Gambling Authority and Curacao eGaming Authority are some leading online gambling regulators.

Promotions

Bonuses and promotions are an ideal way to add extra cash for extra betting. But it also reflects that an Iowa site is financially sound. We have seen how Unibet collapsed following a larger payout in November 2022.

Accessibility

Most Iowa sports bettors place online bets via smartphones. So, if an Iowa sportsbook is not optimized for your iPhones and Android devices, it is of no use. Ideally, the best Iowa online sportsbook must be accessible whenever and wherever you want to place an online bet.

Bets Allowed

Always prefer a sportsbook that allows you a greater variety of online wagers. Moneyline, totals, futures, points spread, and prop bets are the major bet types to look for.

Odds Pricing

Make a comparison shopping when choosing an online sportsbook. You can do it by checking the odds offered by two Iowa sportsbook sites.

Deposit and Withdrawal Methods

All reputed online bookmakers have a common feature: expansive banking options. The more deposit and withdrawal options you have, the better.

Customer Support

Customer support is one of the most ignored aspects. However, a terrible customer support system can ruin your online betting experience. Always ensure that the Iowa site offers email, phone support, and live chat. Or at least two of these.

What Sports Leagues Can I Bet on in Iowa?

Interestingly, Iowa is one of the few legal sports betting states without a home professional sports team. Although Iowa doesn’t have in-state professional teams, the residents have many leagues from neighboring states to cheer for. Iowa football fans can bet on Minnesota Vikings and Chicago Bears. Basketball lovers can also find exciting odds on Minnesota Timberwolves and Chicago Bulls using the top Iowa sports betting sites we have recommended above.

How Much Iowa Sports Betting Revenue is Generated Each Month?

Iowa sports betting recovered in December 2022, with the state’s sportsbooks reporting $20.7 million in revenue – nearly a $15 million jump from November’s $5.8 million mark. Iowa bettors wagered $230 million in December – $17 million less than November’s $247.5 million handle. December 2022’s handle of $230 million also represented a year-over-year decline. In December 2021, Iowa sports betting saw $266.5 million in the handle.

However, Iowa sports betting has come a long way since it reported $40 million in sports betting handle in September 2019 – its first full month of legal wagering.

The Hawkeye State witnessed a significant boost in legal sports in January 2021 – when the in-person registration requirement expired. Initially, new bettors had to sign up in person at a casino sportsbook.

The year 2020 reported modest numbers for the yearly handle ($575 million) and sports betting revenue ($41.6 million).

Iowa sports betting handled over $149.52 million in January 2021, representing a 30% increase from the previous record handle of $104.81 million. The first month with remote registration was also a 62% increase year-over-year. In January 2020, Iowans wagered only $58 million.

Iowa sports betting concluded the year 2021 with an impressive $2 billion yearly handle. The sportsbooks posted $88 million in revenue. The year 2022 witnessed a total sports betting handle of $2.34 billion, with Iowa sportsbooks generating $165.5 million in annual revenue.

What Deposit and Withdrawal Methods are Available in Iowa?

All these banking methods are available across our recommended Iowa sport betting sites:

Credit Cards

Almost all Iowa sportsbook sites accept Visa and MasterCard. BetOnline additionally allows AMEX and Discover, in addition to the previous two. However, credit cards incur a deposit fee.

Bank Transfers

Bank transfers are other major payment methods accepted by leading Iowa sites, including the three we recommend. However, the minimum deposit and maximum withdrawal limits on bank transfers may vary significantly from operator to operator.

E-Wallets

Bovada claims monopoly if you’re looking for one of the best e-wallet online sportsbooks and the only one in Iowa with an e-wallet banking option. All you need to do is to create a MatchPay account and link with PayPal or other e-wallets to move money to and from your Iowa online sports betting account.

Bitcoin

Bitcoin is a must for every top sports betting operator in Iowa. Our top Iowa sportsbooks allow Bitcoin for deposits and withdrawals and offer boosted promotions if you prefer Bitcoin deposits and the quickest payouts if you use the Bitcoin withdrawal method.

Other Cryptocurrencies

Iowa bettors can also use other cryptocurrencies called altcoins for deposits and withdrawals. Ethereum, Bitcoin Cash, Dogecoin, and Litecoin are among the major altcoins. With 17 altcoin deposits and 13 withdrawals, BetOnline is one of the best altcoin online sportsbooks.

Popular Iowa Sports Teams You Can Bet On

With no major sports teams in Iowa, residents have a loyal fanbase across the neighboring Midwestern teams. Iowa college sports teams also attract many residents. You can bet on the following teams based on your specific interest:

Major League

  • Chicago Bears (NFL)
  • Kansas City Chiefs (NFL)
  • Greeny Bay Packers (NFL)
  • Minnesota Vikings (NFL)
  • Chicago Bulls (NBA)
  • Minnesota Timberwolves (NBA)
  • Chicago Cubs (MLB)
  • Kansas City Royals (MLB)
  • Chicago Blackhawks (NHL)
  • Minnesota Wild (NHL)

Minor League

  • Sioux City Explorers (baseball)
  • Quad Cities River Bandits (baseball)
  • Cedar Rapids Kernels (baseball)
  • Iowa Cubs (baseball)
  • Quad City Nighthawks (football)

College Sport

  • Iowa State Cyclones (NCAAF, NCAAB)
  • Iowa Hawkeyes (NCAAF, NCAAB)

Iowa Sports Betting FAQs

Is online Iowa sports betting legal?

Yes, online sports betting is legal and operational as per gambling laws in Iowa. You can place online bets via local or offshore operators that accept Iowa players.

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

Iowa residents who are 18 or above can participate in online wagering via leading Iowa sportsbooks like BetOnline and Bovada.

When did Iowa online sports betting become legal?

Iowa sports betting became officially legal after Gov. Kim Reynolds signed bill SF 617 into law on May 13, 2019.

Can Iowa-based players claim bonuses at offshore online sportsbooks?

The best offshore operators dish out bonuses and promotions to the new and existing Iowa players.

Who regulates online sports betting in Iowa?

The Iowa Racing and Gaming Commission (IRGC) regulates and oversees online and retail sportsbook operators. In addition, the commission is responsible for licensing and regulation for the Iowa sportsbooks.

Do I have to be an Iowa resident to bet online in Hawkeye State?

You can either be a resident or a visitor to bet digitally via offshore sportsbooks in Iowa.

Can I play daily fantasy sports in Iowa?

Yes, daily fantasy sports in Iowa has also been legally available since May 2019. You can participate in DFS contests via DraftKings and FanDuel.

Is DraftKings legal in Iowa?

DraftKings is a legal DFS and sportsbook operator in Iowa. The Boston-based operator was the first DFS site to launch after daily fantasy sports legalization in Hawkeye State.

Is FanDuel legal in Iowa?

FanDuel is legal, and it was the second DFS operator to go live in Iowa in 2019.

Is Bovada legal in Iowa?

Bovada is licensed by Curacao eGaming Authority to run legal sports betting operations in Iowa.

Is BetOnline legal in Iowa?

BetOnline is the largest legal online sportsbook operator in the Iowa online gambling landscape. This offshore sportsbook is licensed by the Panama authority.

Is MyBookie legal in Iowa?

MyBookie is one of the top 10 Iowa online sportsbooks that run legal operations in Hawkeye State.

Is BetUS legal in Iowa?

BetUS has been the most trusted legal sportsbook site available to Iowa bettors since 1994. This secure online betting site is licensed by the Curacao authority.

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