Best Iowa Online Sports Betting Sites 2024

Any Iowa resident over the age of 21 has access to a fantastic range of online sports betting services. No matter how much experience you have with sports betting, our guide is here to help you find your ideal sportsbook. Below, we have important information about each sports betting site in Iowa.

We here at Bet Station have spent a lot of time reviewing the best sportsbooks in America. After spending time at each sports betting site, we found that no two services were the same. Each sportsbook in Iowa will vary in terms of the number of sports available to bet on, the promotions available to all players, and the methods you can use to deposit and withdraw your cash. Some services will meet all of your criteria, whereas others will fall short of what you need. This guide will tell you everything you need to know about each service, helping you avoid joining a sports betting site that is not right for you.

Draftkings
5 / 5

Bet $5 or More for a $200 Bonus

New players only, must be located in AZ, CO, CT, IA, IL, IN, KS, LA, MA, MD, MI, NH, NJ, NY, OH, OR, PA, TN, VA, WY, or WV. Must be 21+ or 18+ in WY. Bonus bets are valid for seven days or 168 hours from when the bet appears in your account. Complimentary bet values are not included in returns or winnings from any wager. The bets are non-transferable, non-refundable, and cannot be transferred for cash. One welcome bonus per customer.

  • Refer a Friend for a $100 Complimentary Bet
  • Daily Free-to-Play Prize Pools
  • Enjoy a Variety of Promotions During Important Sporting Events
Fanduel
4.75 / 5

$3,000 Risk-Free First Bet

New players only. Place your first wager at the FanDuel Sportsbook for a risk-free first bet worth up to $3,000. Must be over 21 years of age and physically located in AZ, CO, CT, IL, IN, IA, KS, LA, MD, MI, NJ, NY, OH, PA, TN, VA, WV, and WY. To qualify, you must deposit at least ten dollars on any sporting event at FanDuel. If your wager loses, you can get up to $3,000 in extra bets.

  • Place a $20 Four+ Leg Parlay on College Football and get $10 in Complimentary Bets
  • Refer a Friend for a Bonus Worth $75
  • Place an NFL 4+ Leg Same Game Parlay and a Second Chance if your Wager Loses
Caesars-Sportsbook-logo-trs2.png
4.5 / 5

Get a Second Chance Bet Worth up to $1,250

Register a new Caesars Sportsbook account to receive a risk-free wager worth up to $1,250. New players will also receive 1,000 reward credits and 1,000 tier credits. The extra bet for this promotion is only paid out if your wager loses and is worth up to $1,250. Bonus bets must be used within 14 days of receipt. Must be physically present in AZ, CO, IA, IL, IN, KS, LA, MI, NJ, NY, PA, TN, VA, WV, or WY. Your first wager must be worth $10 or more to qualify. The bet is a one-time wager that cannot be divided into multiple wagers.

  • Refer a Friend for a $100 Bonus Bet
  • 33% NFL Parlay Boost
  • Ticket Giveaways for NFL, NBA, MLB, and NHL Games

Best Sportsbook for Iowa Players

In the next section, we have detailed summaries for each sports betting site available in Iowa. You can read an overview of each sportsbook, including details about what the service is like to use and how many markets you can bet on. If you want to research a specific sportsbook in greater detail, we have individual reviews of the best sports betting sites in Iowa.

RankSportsbooksLegal inBonus
1DraftKingsAZ, CO, CT, IA, IL, IN, KS, KY, LA, MA, MD, MI, NH, NJ, NY, OH, OR, PA, TN, VA, WV, WYBet $5 or More for a $200 Bonus
2FanDuelAZ, CO, CT, IA, IL, IN, KS, KY, LA, MA, MD, MI, NJ, NY, OH, PA, TN, VA, WV, WY$3,000 Risk-Free First Bet
3CaesarsAZ, CO, IA, IL, IN, KS, LA, MA, MD, MI, NJ, NY, OH, PA, TN, VA, WV, WYGet a Second Chance Bet Worth up to $1,250
4BetMGMAZ, CO, IA, IL, IN, KS, LA, MA, MD, MI, NJ, NY, OH, PA, TN, VA, WV, WYStart With a $1,000 Risk-Free
5BetRiversAZ, CO, CT, IA, IL, IN, LA, MD, MI, NJ, NY, OH, PA, VA, WV$500 Risk-Free for New Players
6BetwayAZ, CO, IA, IN, LA, NJ, OH, PA, VA$250 Second Chance Bet
7BarstoolAZ, CO, IA, IL, IN, KS, LA, MA, MD, MI, NJ, PA, TN, VA, WV$1,000 New Player Bonus
8PointsBetCO, IA, IL, IN, KS, LA, MD, MI, NJ, NY, OH, PA, VA, WVGet up to $500 in Extra Wagers

1. DraftKings

DraftKings-App.jpg

DraftKings is one of the most popular sports betting sites across America. This popularity is not down to one specific feature, but DraftKings is one of the most widely available sportsbooks. It began life as a fantasy sports operator with a reputation for offering large prize pools for players to win. When the Supreme Court effectively legalized sports betting in 2018, DraftKings transitioned into becoming an excellent sportsbook with a few bonus features. Players in Iowa have access to a vast array of sports-related NFTs and players in states like New Jersey have access to a humongous casino game library.

The DraftKings sportsbook has one of the widest ranges of markets to bet on. Plus, if you are looking for the service with the best odds, DraftKings consistently prices wagers on multiple sports at a more rewarding rate than most of the competition. That means the wagers you place at DraftKings could be more profitable than rival sites like PointsBet. The only downside to DraftKings is that it does not provide promotions as regularly as some of the competition. However, if you are not interested in promotions and just want the best sports betting service, few can compete with DraftKings. 

2. FanDuel

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If you are searching for the best sports betting sites in Iowa, FanDuel is right up there with DraftKings. Before they legalized sports betting, FanDuel and DraftKings were competing to provide the best fantasy sports experience in America. The competition has continued into sports betting, resulting in two exceptional online and retail services in Iowa. Although there are a lot of similarities between the two brands, there are also a lot of differences. For starters, FanDuel is better suited for players with little or no sports betting experience. Plus, you are more likely to find promotions during the week at FanDuel. If you are just looking at the odds, FanDuel is only marginally behind DraftKings in some aspects.

The sportsbook at FanDuel is a decent size, with around 18 sports on offer in Iowa. It has a good mix of the most popular events, including soccer, various motorsports, and tennis. Like DraftKings, FanDuel also offers players the chance to enter large prize pools for free. All you have to do is make an accurate prediction about an NFL, NBA, or NHL game to win a share of a prize pool worth over $10,000. If this was your first sports betting experience, FanDuel might be the better option thanks to its fantastic mobile app. However, if you already feel confident in your sporting knowledge, then DraftKings is the way to go.

3. Caesars

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Caesars is another incredibly popular online sportsbook widely available across the United States. There are five casinos in Iowa with Caesars Sportsbooks inside. Meaning anyone can sit in comfortable seating and bet on sports taking place from all over the world. If you frequently visit casinos in Iowa or Vegas, then having a membership at Caesars will contribute towards your reward points. Once you have collected enough points, you can enjoy free hotel stays, free luxurious meals, and various other exciting prizes.

Besides a fantastic reward system, players at Caesars can enjoy several promotions throughout the year. At the moment, they have profit boosts for the NBA and college basketball games, plus a 100% profit boost token to use on any of your four-leg parlays. Caesars has stepped up the number of promotions on offer for all players, which is great news for us. It means there are more freebies to enjoy plus an excellent sports betting service.

4. BetMGM

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Usually, BetMGM sits at the top of our list as it offers a fantastic online casino and sportsbook. However, Iowa does not allow online casino gaming, so we are judging the sportsbook alone. BetMGM has a similar number of sports compared to FanDuel, with 18 for patrons to bet on. That includes NASCAR, table tennis, and sports like baseball. One of BetMGM’s biggest strengths is the promotions, but when the NFL season ended, there were very few promos available.

Just like Caesars, BetMGM has a fantastic loyalty program. This is where players can collect rewards by making sports bets and playing various casino games in person. The rewards include discounts on hotel stays, complimentary tickets to concerts and events, plus air travel credit. Besides the rewards, BetMGM operates a fantastic live betting service where you can watch games via live stream and delve through a plethora of useful statistics. BetMGM is a fantastic sportsbook, but the best part of the service is not yet legal in Iowa.

5. BetRivers

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If promotions are vital to your sports betting activities, BetRivers is often one of the best. Throughout the year, they offer players a wide range of free bets, risk-free bets, and insurance on various parlays. They also run promotions for big sporting events, such as getting your stake back if your golfer finishes in the top ten of the Arnold Palmer Invitational. BetRivers also has a reward system full of exciting prizes. You can claim discounts on hotels and restaurants plus bonuses to use on the sportsbook like free bets.

The sportsbook has 18 events for players to wager on. Once again, big sports like football and basketball are covered, plus there is an impressive collection of leagues from around the world. The live betting at BetRivers is excellent, as it offers fans high-quality live streams. You can also find a humongous collection of stats for most games, allowing you to dive deep into each team or player’s performance. If you are looking for a sportsbook to help you make informed wagers, BetRivers is one of the best in Iowa.

6. Betway

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Betway is now available in eight states, including Iowa. That means residents of The Hawkeye State can enjoy a superb online sportsbook known for its promotions. There have been several exciting bonuses to enjoy at Betway this season, including various parlay boosts. Players can claim a parlay boost worth up to 40% on all soccer parlays. The more legs in your soccer parlay, the bigger your boost. They had similar promos for the NFL and NBA, so you can expect to see more promotions when the seasons pick up again.

There are 18 sporting events to bet on at Betway, including lacrosse, Aussie rules, and cycling. Betway is yet another sports betting service in Iowa with an excellent live betting system. You can watch games using the live stream or delve into a vast collection of in-depth statistics. Plus, the sportsbook offers an enormous selection of bets for live games, including spreads, over unders, moneylines, and more for each period or half. If you are looking for an up-and-coming sports betting site that competes with established online sportsbooks, Betway is the way to go.

7. Betfred

Betfred-App.jpg

The Betfred Sportsbook is only available on mobile devices. You can download a copy of the app on your Android or iOS device for free. Betfred is another that has expanded across America as it is now available in ten states. The sportsbook has around 14 events to bet on, including various motorsports and college sports. If you are looking for a mobile sports betting service that boosts bets every day, then Betfred is one of the best. They have a wide collection of boosted wagers, including special bets on Fridays. Betfred might be a new service to the U.S. but it is proving to be an excellent mobile sportsbook.

8. Barstool

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If you have not heard of Barstool, they create sports-based content with some rather unique personalities. The sportsbook is great for fans of Barstool, as there is a crossover between sports news and betting activity. Every week, several featured bets appear on the Barstool Sportsbook created by their personalities. These bets can include parlays for the week’s action or a same game parlay on a big sporting event. Often, these wagers will have boosted odds for you to enjoy or to take inspiration from.

The sportsbook is an average size with 16 events to bet on, including all the American classics. Barstool is one of the widest available sportsbooks on our list, as you can join from 14 states. The mobile app is one of Barstools' best features, as the service is very easy to use. There are many tools on the sports betting platform to help make your daily betting activities easy. The only problems with Barstool are that they rarely give out promotions and they do not have the best live betting system.

9. PointsBet

PointsBet-App.jpg

Yet another sports betting platform available in Iowa with 18 markets to bet on is PointsBet. What helps Pointsbet stand out from the crowd is a unique wager you won’t find anywhere else. PointsBetting allows you to win more depending on how correct your prediction is. If you bet on 220 points scored in an NBA game and they score 230, for each point above your prediction, you win more cash. The downside is, if your prediction is wrong, you will lose more than your stake.

Besides PointsBetting, there are a lot of features that help make PointsBet a great option for residents of Iowa. The service is easy for anybody to use and there are tools to help you make parlays. The quick parlay feature displays the sports you want and the bets you want to place, saving you from having to browse various tabs. PointsBet is lacking on the promotional front, as you can often only get free bets by saving up reward points.

10. DRF

DRF-Sportsbook-App.jpg

DRF (Daily Racing Forum) opened its first retail sports betting lounge at the Lakeside Hotel on February 28, 2022. For those of you who don’t know, the DRF is a news site for horse racing across America. Given the success they had over horse racing, it was only a matter of time before they started providing an online sportsbook for fans. The sports betting site has an extensive selection of markets with around 18 in total, plus some fantastic promotions. You can get 10% parlay boosts for the NHL, NCAAB, and various soccer leagues. Overall, the DRF is an overlooked sportsbook with a lot more to offer than you would expect.

11. ClutchBet

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Currently, ClutchBet is only available in Iowa, meaning it is an independent service when compared to the brands available nationwide. The sportsbook has 15 markets to bet on, including sports like Aussie rules, soccer, and basketball. What makes this sportsbook stand out is the wide range of promotions. There are three types of promotions with insurance, covering the NBA, NHL, and college basketball. There are lots of reasons to join a smaller sportsbook over the big names mentioned, but ClutchBet offers players a high-quality experience provided by a small name.

12. Hard Rock

Hard-Rock-App.jpg

The Hard Rock Sportsbook has around 16 markets to bet on, including all the major sports like football, basketball, and baseball. As far as design goes, Hard Rock is a plain-looking betting site that is easy to use. There is very little clutter and a real lack of features compared to rival sites. Sportsbooks like PointsBet and Barstool have tools such as sliders to adjust your bet or a section to help you make a multi-sport parlay. Hard Rock does not have many exciting features, and it seems most of the promotions only apply to residents of Tennessee. If you are looking for a stripped-out, simplistic sportsbook, Hard Rock is a good choice.

13. Circa Sports

Circa-Sports-App.jpg

Circa Sports is a mobile sports betting platform currently available in three states: Iowa, Nevada, and Colorado. On the Circa Sports website, they have announced the service is coming to Illinois later this year. Focusing on Iowa, the sportsbook is on the smaller side and it has a very simplistic black-and-white color scheme. The biggest strength of the mobile sportsbook is that it offers competitive odds across multiple sports. However, Circa Sports only offers ten markets to bet on, the smallest amount in Iowa.

14. Q Sportsbook

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The Q Sportsbook is another Iowa exclusive with around 11 events to bet on. The Q Casino has a fantastic sports betting lounge where players can sit in comfort on game day. Now, they have released a mobile app allowing you to bet on sports anywhere in the state of Iowa. If you are looking for the best promotions, Q Sportsbook falls short of the competition, but it is a great independent option from the big brands.

15. ELITE Sportsbook

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The ELITE Sportsbook is only available to residents in Colorado and Iowa. It is a small sports betting platform with 12 markets available. The promotions at the ELITE Sportsbook are often better than most in Iowa. You can claim free bets when you place a four or more leg parlay during the weekend. Plus, they run special promotions such as a $10 free bet when you bet on golf. The app is available on Google Play and the App Store, so no need for an Android APK.

16. SuperBook

SuperBook-App.jpg

If you are looking for the next big sports betting platform, SuperBook could be the one for you. Currently, you can access the sports betting site from Arizona, Colorado, Iowa, Nevada, New Jersey, and Tennessee. However, SuperBook confirmed it is planning launches in three additional states, Maryland, Ohio, and West Virginia. There are only 13 markets available at SuperBook, but there are often a couple of exciting promotions to enjoy. They run promos in the NFL, NBA, and big events such as the UFC.

17. Tipico

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Tipico is a fantastic sportsbook for motorsport fans as they have a wide selection. Of the 14 markets available, five of them are motorsports. You can bet on Formula 1, IndyCar, and NASCAR, plus the Xfinity and Truck series. Tipico is fairly new, and it currently does not have any promotions or boosted bets for fans to enjoy. The service might improve over the year, but it is currently well short of the competition.

18. Bally Bet

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Bally Bet is available in six states across America, including Arizona, Colorado, Indiana, Iowa, New York, and Virginia. The service in Iowa is available online and on your mobile device. There are 12 markets for patrons to bet on, which makes Bally Bet one of the smallest sports betting platforms in Iowa. Bally Bet has football, soccer, tennis, and several other popular sports. It currently does not have any promotions for players to enjoy.

19. Unibet - Closed

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Unibet launched on September 1, 2021, around 13 months after the service began taking sports bets in Indiana. However, on December 20, 2022, Unibet exited The Hawkeye State. That means you can no longer access Unibet from Iowa but it is still available in several other states. You can still enjoy Unibet if you live in New Jersey, Virginia, Pennsylvania, Indiana, and Arizona.

20. Fubo - Closed

Fubo-App.jpg

The Fubo Sportsbook also used to operate in Iowa but is no longer available in any state of America. That is because, on October 17, 2022, Fubo ceased sports betting operations. The service launched in Iowa on November 3, 2021, meaning it was only around for less than a year before they shelved the project. There is no chance of Fubo making a return soon.

The History of Sports Betting in Iowa

Most Americans could not make sports bets because of an act that was signed into law in the early 90s. However, the Supreme Court overruled the Professional and Amateur Sports Protection Act in 2018, meaning each state can regulate sports betting. Below is a timeline of major events related to sports betting in Iowa where you will find the launch dates of all online sports betting services.

  • February 22, 1991: Dennis DeConcini reveals the Professional and Amateur Sports Protection act to the Senate.
  • June 1992: The Senate votes in favor of the PASPA with 88 for and only five votes against.
  • October 28, 1992: The President of the United States, George H. W. Bush, signs the 1992 PASPA into law.
  • June 2017: Over the next two decades, there are many failed campaigns to legalize sports betting. However, in 2017, the Supreme Court decides it will finally entertain oral arguments against the PASPA.
  • May 2018: The Supreme Court decides that the 1992 PASPA is not constitutional. Instead, each state can legalize and regulate sports betting activities.
  • August 2019: Online and retail sports betting is now legal in Iowa but, new players must register in person to make online bets.
  • August 15, 2019: William Hill was the first online sportsbook available in Iowa.
  • August 2019: PointsBet partners with the Catfish Bend Casino to bring retail sports betting to Iowa.
  • August 27, 2019: The ELITE Sportsbook also launches retail operations in Iowa with mobile capabilities coming a few months later.
  • September 20, 2019: The Hard Rock Sportsbook in Sioux City opens its doors.
  • November 12, 2019: Q Sportsbook becomes the third online sports betting operator in Iowa.
  • December 16, 2019: Hard Rock launches an online sportsbook in Iowa.
  • February 19, 2020: DraftKings launches its online sportsbook in Iowa.
  • September 3, 2020: FanDuel is now available in Iowa.
  • September 10, 2020: Betfred launches in Colorado and Iowa. 
  • January 1, 2021: The BetRivers Sportsbook begins taking sports bets in Iowa. 
  • January 4, 2021: BetMGM is the latest sports betting app to launch in Iowa.
  • January 4, 2021: PointsBet expands its offering in Iowa to bring a digital sports betting product available anywhere within state lines.
  • June 30, 2021: Bally Bet launches a mobile sportsbook for Iowa.
  • August 1, 2021: Caesars completes the William Hill takeover and re-launches in Iowa as Caesars Sportsbook.
  • September 1, 2021: Unibet finally launches in The Hawkeye State.
  • October 1, 2021: Betway expands into Iowa, becoming the latest sportsbook in the state.
  • October 7, 2021: Circa Sports begins operations in Iowa.
  • November 2, 2021: The Barstool Sportsbook is now available to residents of Iowa.
  • November 3, 2021: The Fubo Sportsbook makes its debut in Iowa.
  • January 25, 2022: DRF transitions into offering an online sportsbook.
  • September 19, 2022: ClutchBet makes a sports betting debut by launching in Iowa.
  • October 17, 2022: Fubo closes all sports betting operations in America.
  • October 27, 2022: SuperBook is the next sports betting platform to enter the state.
  • December 20, 2022: Unibet ceases operations in Iowa but continues to offer an online sportsbook in several other states.
  • January 11, 2023: Tipico becomes the latest sports betting site available in Iowa.

Iowa Sports Betting Apps

There are more sports betting services available in Iowa than in states like Michigan and Indiana. That means there is an even greater selection when choosing a sportsbook to join. To help you decide, we have listed all the services available for both Android and iOS devices. Plus, you can find out if a service requires you to download an Android APK or whether you can get it directly from Google Play.

iOS

  • DraftKings
  • FanDuel
  • Caesars
  • BetMGM
  • BetRivers
  • Betway 
  • Betfred
  • Barstool
  • PointsBet
  • DRF
  • ClutchBet
  • Hard Rock
  • Circa Sports
  • Q Sportsbook
  • ELITE Sportsbook
  • SuperBook
  • Tipico
  • Bally Bet

Android

  • DraftKings
  • FanDuel
  • Caesars
  • BetMGM
  • BetRivers
  • Betway 
  • Betfred
  • Barstool
  • PointsBet
  • DRF
  • ClutchBet
  • Hard Rock
  • Circa Sports (Android APK)
  • Q Sportsbook (Android APK)
  • ELITE Sportsbook
  • SuperBook
  • Tipico
  • Bally Bet

Launch Dates of Iowa Gambling Websites

There are 17 retail locations in Iowa where you can place bets and watch sports in person. Having this many options is fantastic for game day as you will catch all the action. All the sportsbooks listed below are located inside vibrant casinos. Meaning you can take to the slots at halftime or try to double your winnings playing blackjack. If you want to know when the sportsbook first opened its doors to Iowa residents, check out the table below. If you are looking for the online sports betting launch dates, they are in the timeline above.

Sports Betting SiteCasino PartnerSportsbook Launch Date
CaesarsHarrah's Council BluffsAugust 15, 2019
CaesarsHorseshoe Council BluffsAugust 24, 2019
CaesarsIsle Casino Hotel WaterlooAugust 15, 2019
CaesarsIsle of Capri BettendorfAugust 15, 2019
CaesarsPrairie MeadowsAugust 15, 2019
FanDuelDiamond Jo CasinoSeptember 4, 2019
BetfredGrand Falls CasinoJanuary 30, 2020
Q SportsbookQ Casino DubuqueAugust 27, 2019
DraftKings Wild Rose Casino ClintonOctober 24, 2019
DraftKings Wild Rose Casino EmmetsburgOctober 24, 2019
DraftKings Wild Rose Casino JeffersonOctober 24, 2019
ELITE SportsbookRiverside CasinoAugust 15, 2019
ELITE SportsbookRhythm City CasinoAugust 15, 2019
BarstoolAmeristar Council BluffsAugust 15, 2019
PointsBetCatfish Bend CasinoAugust 15, 2019
Hard RockHard Rock Casino Sioux CitySeptember 20, 2019
Daily Racing FormLakeside CasinoMarch 3, 2022

Who Can Legally Bet on Sports in Iowa

Each state has different rules around sports betting. Some states require you to visit a retail location to sign up for mobile sports betting and some only allow bets on casino property. Below, we have all the information you need to know before you try to sign up for an online sportsbook in Iowa.

  • Legal Age: The minimum age to bet on sports in Iowa is 21. That means you can’t bet online or in person until you are 21 years of age or older.
  • Mobile Betting: There are 18 mobile sportsbooks available for residents of Indiana. That includes big names with lucrative reward systems and independent brands you will only find in Iowa.
  • State Lines: To sign up for sports betting in Iowa, you must be within state lines. That also applies to placing wagers as websites and mobile apps are required to have geolocation software by the Iowa Racing and Gaming Commission.
  • Remote Registration: You can sign up for sports betting anywhere in the state of Iowa. Just download a copy of any mobile sportsbook listed above and complete the registration process.
  • Retail Locations: There are several retail locations available in Iowa. These sportsbooks allow players to make bets with cash and some allow withdrawals from your online account.

Online Sports Betting Markets IA

Sports betting in Iowa has never been easier thanks to the 18 services currently available. However, each service will differ in terms of the sports on offer. Some sports betting sites will have a wide range of events to consider, while others are less interested in events taking place all over the globe. To help you find the right sports betting platform, we have created a useful table. This is where you can see every online sportsbook plus all the markets they have available.

MarketsDraftKingsFanDuelCaesarsBetMGMBetRiversBetwayBetfredBarstoolPointsBetDRFClutchBetHard RockCirca SportsQ SportsbookELITE SportsbookSuperBookTipicoBally Bet
Aussie RulesYesYesYesNoYesYesYesYesYesYesYesYesNoNoNoYesNoNo
BaseballYesYesYesYesYesYesYesYesYesYesYesYesYesYesYesYesYesYes
BasketballYesYesYesYesYesYesYesYesYesYesYesYesYesYesYesYesYesYes
BoxingYesYesYesYesYesYesYesYesYesYesNoYesNoYesYesYesYesYes
CyclingYesYesYesYesYesYesNoYesYesYesYesYesNoNoNoNoNoNo
FootballYesYesYesYesYesYesYesYesYesYesYesYesYesYesYesYesYesYes
Formula 1YesYesYesYesYesYesYesYesYesYesYesYesYesYesYesNoYesYes
GolfYesYesYesYesYesYesYesYesYesYesYesYesYesYesYesYesNoYes
HockeyYesYesYesYesYesYesYesYesYesYesYesYesYesYesYesYesYesYes
IndyCarNoYesYesYesNoNoNoYesYesYesNoYesNoNoNoNoYesNo
Jai AlaiNoNoNoNoYesNoNoNoNoNoNoNoNoNoNoNoNoNo
LacrosseYesYesYesYesYesYesNoYesNoYesNoNoNoNoNoNoNoNo
MMAYesYesYesYesYesYesYesYesYesYesYesYesYesYesYesYesYesYes
NASCARYesYesYesYesYesYesYesYesYesYesYesYesYesYesYesYesYesYes
TrucksYesYesYesYesYesYesNoNoYesYesYesNoNoNoNoYesYesNo
XfinityYesYesYesYesYesYesNoNoYesYesYesYesNoNoNoYesYesNo
Rugby UnionYesYesYesYesYesYesYesYesYesYesYesYesNoNoNoNoNoNo
SoccerYesYesYesYesYesYesYesYesYesYesYesYesYesYesYesYesYesYes
Table TennisYesNoYesYesNoYesYesNoYesNoNoNoNoNoYesNoYesYes

Often, the sports betting services with the most markets available will also offer patrons the greatest collection of leagues from around the world. For some sports, like soccer, players can choose from leagues in every continent, including special tournaments or cups. If you want to bet on markets outside the United States, then looking for a service with the most options is a great place to start.

What can’t you bet on in Iowa?

No matter what state you are in, there are distinct rules surrounding what you can and can’t bet on in Iowa. Until recently, betting on the NFL Draft and eSports events in Iowa was illegal. However, the Iowa House of Representatives passed bill HF 2497 expanding what bettors can wager on in The Hawkeye State. Unfortunately, the bill has only cleared one of the many hurdles needed to bring lasting change to Iowa, so betting on the NFL Draft and eSports events is still illegal.

  • Online Casino Games
  • Politics
  • Award Shows
  • College Proposition Bets
  • NFL Draft
  • eSports

Iowa has strict rules on sports betting compared to most states. They do not allow players to play online casino games or make proposition bets on college-level sports, plus eSports and the NFL Draft are completely off the table. Also, bettors cannot bet on award ceremonies like the Oscars inside state lines. There is some progress towards relaxing the rules surrounding sports betting in Iowa, but there is still a long way to go before any of us will see change.

Types of Bets at Iowa Online Sportsbooks

Now that you know what you can’t bet on in Iowa, let’s focus on what is available. In the table above, we listed all the events you can bet on at each sportsbook, but what wagers are available? All sports betting sites allow you to make simple wagers, such as point spreads and more complex bets, like the same game parlay. Below is a list of all the bets you can make at sports betting sites across Iowa.

  • Moneylines
  • Point Spreads
  • Totals
  • Proposition Bets
  • Parlays
  • Same Game Parlays
  • Teasers
  • Futures
  • Round Robins
  • Live Betting

It’s important to remember that each sports betting site is different. Some will provide you with a wide range of boosted bets around every major sporting event. These boosts can act as an inspiration for you to create your wager, but they often provide a unique opportunity to win more than usual if the bet comes true. Plus, there are often other promotions, such as free bets to help you make your wagers.

Tax Rate for Online Gambling in Iowa

When talking about gambling winnings, people often forget to include them when filing their taxes. In most states, the more you earn equates to the more tax you have to pay. That is currently the case for Iowa, but it won’t be for long. Between 2023 and 2026, Iowa is leveling the tax brackets to represent a flat 3.9% for all residents. That system will replace the current four-tier tax system, which ranges from 4.4% up to 6%.

That means if you have any gambling winnings from now till 2026, you will pay a different amount in tax based on how much you earn. Winnings from gambling activities count towards your gross income, which in Iowa is taxable up to 6% not including any federal tax rates. After 2026, all Iowa residents will pay a flat 3.9% on all income, no matter how much they earn.

Iowa Online Sports Betting Revenue

Every state sees an incredible amount of money spent on sports betting every month. Some months with large sporting events, like the playoffs or Super Bowl, see a much larger influx of betting activity. According to figures provided by the Iowa Racing and Gaming Commission, the fiscal year-to-date sports wagering handle was $1.3bn for all of Iowa. That includes retail and online sports bets from all the licensed vendors in the state.

Year To Date Iowa (2022-23)HandleNet Receipts
Retail$144.2M$17M
Online$1.23bn$96.2M
Total$1.38bn$113.2M

The table above provides a deeper insight into Iowas sports betting revenue over the last year. When you see the word handle, just think of how much the sports betting sites received from players. That includes the value of all wagers placed at retail and online sportsbooks throughout the entire state. The net receipts are the amount of money the sports betting sites made from players. As you can see there is a massive difference in how much people spend versus how much a sportsbook makes. Nevertheless, sports betting in Iowa is worth over a billion dollars every year.

Payment Methods at IA Sportsbooks

Whether this is your first sports betting experience or if you have already sampled what Iowa offers, the payment methods are not something to overlook. That is because every service in Iowa has a different selection of withdrawal and payment methods for you to choose from. Some of these methods are quick and convenient; others may leave you arguing with support agents to get your funds.

Therefore, we always recommend you check out the payment methods before you sign up. There is nothing worse than having to wait for your deposits to clear or having to contact support to get your winnings. Below you will find a list of all the sportsbooks in Iowa and the payment methods they accept. Use these tables to help you find the service most convenient to you.

Deposits

Thankfully, there is a wide range of deposit methods available to Iowa residents. That includes various electronic payment methods, such as credit cards, online banking, and e-wallets. Plus, you can also make cash deposits and withdrawals from select locations, either using the PayNearMe service or visiting a retail sportsbook.

Deposit MethodsDraftKingsFanDuelCaesarsBetMGMBetRiversBetwayBetfredBarstoolPointsBetDRFClutchBetHard RockCirca SportsQ SportsbookELITE SportsbookSuperBookTipicoBally Bet
VisaYesYesYesYesYesYesYesYesYesYesNoYesNoNoNoYesNoYes
MastercardYesYesYesYesYesYesYesYesYesYesNoYesNoNoNoYesNoYes
DiscoverYesYesYesYesNoNoNoYesNoNoNoYesNoNoNoNoNoNo
American ExpressNoYesNoYesNoNoNoNoNoNoNoNoNoNoNoNoNoNo
PayPalYesYesYesYesNoYesYesYesYesNoYesYesNoNoNoYesYesNo
SkrillNoNoNoYesNoYesNoNoNoNoYesNoNoNoNoNoNoNo
Online BankingYesYesYesYesYesYesNoYesYesYesYesYesNoNoNoNoYesNo
eCheckYesYesYesYesYesYesNoYesYesYesYesNoNoNoNoNoYesYes
Play+YesYesYesYesYesYesYesYesYesYesNoYesYesYesYesYesYesYes
PayNearMeNoYesYesYesYesYesNoYesNoYesNoNoNoNoNoNoNoNo
Wire TransferYesNoNoNoNoNoYesYesNoNoNoYesNoNoNoNoNoNo
VenmoYesYesNoNoNoNoNoNoNoNoNoYesNoNoNoNoNoNo
CashYesYesYesNoNoNoYesNoNoNoNoYesNoNoYesNoNoNo
Gift CardYesYesNoYesNoNoNoNoNoNoNoNoNoNoNoNoNoNo
Apple PayNoYesNoYesNoNoNoYesNoNoNoNoNoNoNoNoNoNo
PaySafe CashNoNoNoNoNoNoNoNoNoNoYesNoNoNoNoYesNoNo

There are 18 sports betting sites in Iowa, meaning at least one will perfectly suit your needs. If you are torn between two or more options, we will have more details about each service later in the guide. Plus, you can always join multiple sportsbooks and then decide which ones to drop.

Withdrawals

Most sportsbooks have a smaller range of withdrawal methods compared to deposits. All you need to do is find the method that is the easiest and also quickest. In our experience, services like PayPal and Play+ are quicker than using your bank account. But of course, nothing beats walking out of a sportsbook with cold hard cash.

Withdrawal MethodsDraftKingsFanDuelCaesarsBetMGMBetRiversBetwayBetfredBarstoolPointsBetDRFClutchBetHard RockCirca SportsQ SportsbookELITE SportsbookSuperBookTipicoBally Bet
VisaYesYesYesYesNoNoYesNoNoNoNoYesNoNoNoNoNoNo
MastercardYesYesYesYesNoNoYesNoNoNoNoYesNoNoNoNoNoNo
PayPalYesYesYesYesNoYesYesYesYesNoYesYesNoNoNoNoYesNo
Online BankingYesYesYesYesYesYesNoYesYesYesYesYesNoNoNoNoYesNo
eCheckYesYesYesYesYesYesNoYesYesNoYesNoNoNoNoNoYesYes
Wire TransferYesNoNoNoNoNoYesNoNoNoNoYesNoNoNoNoNoNo
Play+YesYesYesYesYesYesYesNoNoYesNoYesYesYesYesYesYesYes
VenmoYesYesNoNoNoNoNoNoNoNoNoYesNoNoNoNoNoNo
SkrillNoNoNoYesNoYesNoNoNoNoYesNoNoNoNoNoNoNo
CashYesYesYesNoNoNoYesYesNoNoNoYesNoYesYesNoNoNo
ChecksNoNoNoNoYesNoNoYesNoNoNoNoNoYesYesNoNoNo
PaySafeNoNoNoNoNoNoNoNoNoNoNoNoNoNoNoYesNoNo

In case you did not know, some sportsbooks have additional layers of security for withdrawals. That means you can’t make a withdrawal by a certain method until you have made a valid deposit from this method in the past. This applies to PayPal and often bank accounts, to ensure that you are withdrawing funds into accounts that you own.

Promotions and Bonuses at Iowa Betting Websites

If you are yet to decide which service to join, the promotions can help tip the balance in one sportsbook favor. If you are a fan of promotions, in the next sections we will look at the best services in Iowa for free bets, risk-free bets, and odds boosts. That way, you can join the service that regularly gives out the promotions you want. If you are not sure what each type of promotion is or what to look out for, we have a useful table below.

Type of PromoExplanationExample
Risk-Free BetCommonly used as a welcome bonus, the risk-free bet means you cannot lose your wager. If your bet loses, the sportsbook will give you a free bet up to a certain amount.New players get a risk-free bet worth up to $1,250 when they join Caesars Sportsbook.
Free BetThe free bet allows you to bet on any event you want completely free. If you win the bet, you get to keep all the winnings.Get a free bet when you wager $25 on an NBA same game parlay.
Odds BoostMost sportsbooks will boost the odds for certain bets. These can be parlays, moneylines, or props and it means you can earn more profit if the bet wins.The Chiefs to win the Super Bowl and Mahomes to win MVP, was +300 now +450
Parlay InsuranceSimilar to a risk-free bet, as the sportsbook will cover your losses up to a certain amount if your bet loses by one leg.Same game parlay insurance on NHL's first goal scorer. If the player you bet on scores in the game, get your money back as a free bet up to $25.
Deposit MatchThe sportsbook will match your deposit up to a certain amount on select games. They usually give matched funds as free bets.Deposit $50 or more on Thursdays for a $50 free bet.
Profit BoostA special type of boost where the sportsbook boosts the amount you can win. This can apply to parlays. The more legs you add to your bet slip, the bigger the boost.Get an unlimited number of parlay boosts for three or more leg parlays, worth up to 50%.

Free Bets

The free bet is your best chance at winning real money without having to risk any of your own. You can place free bets on any sport and any type of wager, including parlays and spread bets. The only downside to this promotion is that you don’t get to keep the value of a free bet, only the winnings. If you placed a $250 free bet on odds with +200, you would win $500. The $250 stake is consumed, but at least you can withdraw your winnings.

Best Free Bet Sites

Promotions change throughout the year at every sportsbook in Iowa. One service that offers many free bets during the playoffs may offer none during the offseason. That is why we recommend you check out the service before you sign up. If there are no promos available, then take your business elsewhere.

  • ELITE Sportsbook: Bet $50 or more college basketball for a free bet worth up to $20. Place three $50 bets on MMA and claim a $15 free bet. Make four bets worth at least $50 on tennis for a $15 free bet. 
  • ClutchBet: New players get $50 in free bets when they place their first wager of $10 or more. Bet $50 on the UFC main event for a $5 free bet on every knockout or TKO on the main card.
  • DRF: New players who sign up using code "WINNING" get a deposit match worth up to $250 and a $10 free bet.

Risk-Free Bets

If you are looking for risk-free bets, the most common type is a welcome bonus. Several online sports betting sites in Iowa welcome new players with a risk-free bet. The value of the bet ranges from $100 up to over $1,000, so it pays to look around before you sign up. Besides the welcome bonus, some sports betting sites give out risk-free bets or bet insurance. This is where if a parlay fails by one leg, they will give you a free bet equal to your stake.

Best Risk-Free Bet Sites

  • Caesars: New players can claim a risk-free bet worth up to $1,250 plus 1,000 reward and tier credits.
  • BetMGM: The first bet is risk-free up to $1,000 for all new players.
  • Barstool: Any new player who registers gets 100% of their wager back as free bets up to $1,000 if their first bet loses.

Odds Boost

The word “boost” in sports betting means the sportsbook has increased the odds of something, making the bet more rewarding. The sports betting site can boost bets as promotions, giving you a more rewarding wager than usual. Plus, some sportsbooks hand out boost tokens for you to use on your parlays or various other wagers. Below are the best sites for odds boost fans.

Best Odds Boost Sites

  • Caesars: Get a 33% boost for any NBA same game parlay with odds worth +400 or greater. Get a 25% college basketball parlay boost token to use every day.
  • Betway: All season long get a soccer parlay boost worth up to 40% depending on how many legs you choose.

Comparison of Iowa Online Sportsbooks

At this point in our Iowa sports betting guide, we can take an overview approach to the sportsbooks available. In the table below, we list the number of markets available at each sports betting site and whether you can visit a retail location. Plus, if you are new and want to find the easiest sports betting app, we have outlined the three best options for you.

SportsbookNumber of MarketsFantasy SportsRetail Location
DraftKings18YesYes
FanDuel18YesYes
Caesars19NoYes
BetMGM18NoNo
BetRivers18NoNo
Betway18NoNo
Betfred14NoYes
Barstool16NoYes
PointsBet18NoYes
DRF18NoYes
ClutchBet15NoNo
Hard Rock16NoYes
Circa Sports10NoNo
Q Sportsbook11NoYes
ELITE Sportsbook12NoYes
SuperBook13NoNo
Tipico14NoNo
Bally Bet12NoNo

Best for Sport

Sports fans often want the widest selection of markets possible. That means having the option to bet on soccer in Asia, basketball in Europe, and, of course, the American classics like football. Not every site in Iowa can accommodate you, as some only have around ten sports to bet on. Below are the sportsbooks with the greatest range of events and leagues to bet on.

  • Caesars
  • FanDuel
  • DraftKings
  • BetMGM
  • BetRivers
  • PointsBet

If you are only interested in the NFL, NBA, MLB, or NHL, then you do not need to worry about which sportsbook to join. All sports betting apps we have listed support bets on the dominant sports across America. To help you sign up, look for the service with the best promotions or the most convenient payment methods.

Best for Fantasy Sports

For fantasy sports, two providers reign supreme. DraftKings and FanDuel have provided exciting fantasy sports contests for the best part of a decade. Both services have a lot of similarities and a few key differences players should know. If you are thinking of joining a fantasy sports league for the first time, FanDuel has the edge.

That is because the service is easy for anyone to use and there is an excellent mobile app. Plus, they have a lot of tailored lobbies just for new players, so you can compete against players at your skill level. DraftKings trumps FanDuel in terms of prize pools. There are much larger prize pools available at DraftKings, which means more money in your pocket if you win. Overall, both services are excellent and any player will have a fantastic experience no matter where they sign up.

  • DraftKings
  • FanDuel

Best Mobile App

Every sportsbook in Iowa has a mobile app for players to enjoy. Some of these apps are excellent for new players to use as they are straightforward. However, several sports betting apps are difficult for new players to use, as there are lots of tabs and browsing needed to find the bets you want. The following sportsbooks stood out to us as being excellent starting points for new players, as well as providing a brilliant mobile experience for seasoned bettors.

  • FanDuel
  • Caesars
  • BetMGM

If, after all this reading, you are still not sure what service is right for you; don’t panic. There is no limit on the amount of sports betting sites you can join. Just remember to watch your spending. You can join as many sportsbooks as you like, use them for a period, and then decide which ones are not worth using. If this is your plan of action, use responsible gaming tools, such as deposit limits.

How to Get Started on Iowa Sportsbooks

PointsBet-Iowa-SignUp.PNG

If you have decided to sign up for a sports betting site, there are only a few steps you need to complete before you are ready to make wagers. However, new players may not know what the registration process entails and there is a sneaky feature we need to mention before you sign up. Some sports betting sites require a new user to enter a promo code to receive a welcome bonus. Signing up without this code may cause you to miss out on the welcome offer you deserve.

Make sure you check the promotions before you register and look through the terms and conditions to avoid any nasty surprises. Now that you know what to look out for, let’s walk you through registration for the first time.

Step 1

The very first step is to visit the website or download a copy of the mobile app to your smartphone. Once downloaded, you will need to click the “Join” button and begin filling out some information. They will ask you for a valid email, a password, and even a username for some services. Plus, you will also need to provide personal information, such as your name, date of birth, and address. While completing these steps, you might notice the optional promotion box. This is where you must enter a welcome bonus code or a referral code you got from a friend.

Step 2

During registration, the sportsbook will ask for your social security number. This step is common for every sportsbook in Iowa, as they use it for identification. You won’t be able to sign up without confirming your identity, and some sports betting platforms also allow you to enter a driver’s license or another form of ID.

Step 3

The last step to complete before you can access the sports betting site is verification. Each sportsbook will use a unique method of verification. Some will require you to click through a welcome email; others will send a code to your mobile device which you must enter on the site.

Once you are verified, it is time to check the welcome offer one more time before you deposit. There are many ways for a player to lose out on a welcome bonus, but failing to read the terms and conditions is one of the most common. There any many rules surrounding a welcome offer, such as the size of your deposit and the odds you bet on. Make sure you know the rules before you make a deposit to avoid losing out.

Step 4

Now that you have verified your account and made a deposit, it’s time to place your first wager. Usually, a sportsbook’s welcome bonus will only apply to your first bet, which means you are free to play as you choose once you have completed this step. If you are signing up to PointsBet, the first five bets you place count towards the bonus. Make sure you read up before you miss out!

Responsible Gambling Iowa

Iowa is an advocate for responsible gambling. That means you will find several tools to help you control how much you spend on every sportsbook. There are also several charities and organizations set up to help players quit and manage their gambling problems. While this may not sound like an issue to new players, you have to be careful when sports betting. We encourage all players to keep track of how much they have deposited versus how much they have won. If there is a large discrepancy between those numbers, then perhaps sports betting is not for you.

One last aspect to consider before placing sports bets is to look at what’s on offer. Just because they boost a wager does not mean it is likely to happen. Our tactic involves doing research and following each sport you want to bet on to stay informed with the latest information.

Iowa Frequently Asked Questions

Which sportsbooks are in Iowa?

There are 18 sports betting sites currently available in Iowa after Unibet and Fubo closed. You can join DraftKings, FanDuel, Caesars, BetMGM, BetRivers, Betway, Betfred, Barstool, PointsBet, DRF, ClutchBet, Hard Rock, Circa Sports, Q Sportsbook, ELITE Sportsbook, SuperBook, Tipico, and Bally Bet.

Is Bet365 available in Iowa?

No. Bet365 is not available to residents of Iowa and cannot be used by anyone in the state. Bet365 is only available to players from New Jersey, Colorado, Ohio, and Virginia. There are rumors of further expansion in 2023, but at the moment, only four states have access to Bet365.

Can I do DraftKings in Iowa?

The DraftKings Sportsbook and daily fantasy sports service are available to residents of Iowa. That means anyone in Iowa over 21 has access to one of America's best sports betting services.

Is online gambling illegal in Iowa?

Online sports betting has only been legal in Iowa since August 2019. That means players in Iowa can make sports bets from anywhere in state lines. However, online casino gaming is still not legal in The Hawkeye State.

Can I bet online on different state if I don't live there?

No. You can only bet online in a state where you have registered to play. If you are visiting Iowa, you can create an account and make a valid sports bet, but you can’t make a valid bet using an Iowa service when outside of state lines.

Is Unibet legal in Iowa?

No, Unibet is no longer available in Iowa. In case you missed the news, Unibet ceased operations in Iowa on December 20, 2022. That means residents of Iowa can no longer make sports bets using Unibet.

Is Caesars sportsbook in Iowa?

Yes, Caesars Sportsbook is now available in Iowa. Not only can you make sports bets online using Caesars, but you can visit five retail locations in Iowa that have a fantastic retail sportsbook. Caesars took over from William Hill, the first online sportsbook available in Iowa.

Is William Hill in Iowa?

William Hill was the first online sports betting service available in Iowa. However, William Hill was taken over by Caesars, who rebranded the service on August 1, 2021, in Iowa. You can still access the William Hill Sportsbook, but it has a shiny new interface for us to use.

Where is Barstool Sportsbook Iowa?

The Barstool Sportsbook has a partnership with the Ameristar Casino Council Bluffs. Barstool launched in Iowa on November 2, 2021, meaning residents can access the Barstool service online or via the mobile app.