Iowa Sportsbooks, Betting Sites and Sports Betting Apps
The Top Sportsbooks in Iowa in July
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Since being legalized in the Hawkeye State in 2019, sports betting has exploded in popularity. There are now more than a dozen sportsbooks to choose from for eligible bettors in Iowa, plus retail outlets spread across the state.
For fans of major league sports, there's a lot of choice at Iowa betting sites, but you should note that there are a few restrictions, including politics and college sports. To help you get to grips with the range, we've compiled a guide to all of the legal regulations and restrictions, and identified the very best Iowa betting brands. For those looking to maximize value from day one, be sure to check out the latest Sportsbook Promos available to new customers.
Are sportsbooks legal in Iowa?
Yes, sports betting is 100% legal in Iowa and there are now 14 sportsbooks available. In common with other states, the journey to legal sports betting began with the overturning of the Professional and Amateur Sports Protection Act (PASPA), an act which effectively banned sports betting. You can find more information on all legal options at our Best Sportsbooks hub.
- In May 2019, Iowa Governor Kim Reynolds signed Bill SF-617 into law, legalizing sports betting across the entire state. There are now close to 20 retail sportsbooks as well as more than ten online sports betting brands.
All in-person and online gambling in the state is overseen and governed by the Iowa Racing and Gaming Commission. The Commission sets strict rules on who can access betting sites and ensures fair results, quick transactions and player safety. The table below has a breakdown of the most significant details of Iowa sports betting law:
| Iowa State rules | Details |
| Legal betting age | 21+ |
| Retail sportsbooks permitted | Yes |
| Is online betting permitted on horse racing? | Yes, plus in-person betting is permitted at horse racing tracks. |
| Mobile sports betting? | Yes |
| College betting? | Betting on selected college markets is available in Iowa. However, it’s not possible to make prop bets on college level sports. State restrictions also forbid betting on youth athletics competitions. |
| Politics betting? | Politics betting isn't permitted in Iowa. That means betting on the next President, or the outcome of any elections, is out. |
| Entertainment betting? | Awards betting, such as who’ll win an Oscar or a Golden Globe, is becoming an increasingly popular category but it’s not available to Iowa residents at the moment. |
| Esports betting? | Games such as CS:GO and LoL aren’t open for sports betting in Iowa currently. This segment of the sports market is growing rapidly so this restriction may change in the future. |
Have any sportsbooks left Iowa?
Yes, for complete clarity, you should know that sportsbooks sometimes cease operations in certain states. In Iowa, British firm Betfred did launch a sportsbook but left the US market completely in December 2024. Hard Rock also exited the Iowa market in 2023. Changes to sportsbooks can happen quickly so it's important to follow our guides for up-to-date information.
Will there be more Iowa sportsbooks in the future?
It's possible. There's technically no limit on the number of sportsbook licenses available so we could see more sportsbooks join the state.
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Who can join sportsbooks in Iowa?
Whether you're in Cedar Rapids or Des Moines, in order to sign up at a sportsbook in Iowa, you must be over the age of 21. You also need to be physically located within state lines. It doesn't matter if you're not a permanent Iowa resident, you must be in Iowa to be eligible to place a sports bet.
Sportsbooks use geolocation technology to confirm this so you might see a message pop up if you're outside the state limits. Using VPNs can confuse geofencing tech so it's best to switch them off before you try to log in or else your bet could be denied. Similarly, if you're on vacation, you may not be able to make a sports bet until you're back within state borders.
Do I need to register in person?
Prior to COVID-19, anyone wishing to open an account at an Iowa sportsbook was required to register in-person at the brand's retail sportsbook partner. However, this requirement was removed due to social distancing protocols and hasn't been re-introduced. Now, signing up to an online sportsbook is a very quick process. It's unique to each site but generally, you'll follow these steps:
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Register for an account
Click on any of our links to go to your chosen sportsbook. Then, create a new account by providing the following information — full name, address, phone number and the last four digits of your Social Security number. You may be asked to verify your account by uploading a copy of your ID. -
Make your first deposit
If you're going after a new player bonus, look out for any minimum deposit requirements or restrictions on certain payment methods. The most popular payment methods in Iowa include debit/credit cards, e-wallets such as PayPal and bank transfers. Some sportsbooks also allow you to make deposits and withdrawals using cash at their retail outlets. Browse the latest sportsbook promos to find the best welcome offers before you deposit. -
Place your bets
Whether you want to head straight to the NFL Picks or check out the options for the latest hockey game, sportsbooks in Iowa offer excellent depth across sports markets.
Do I need to pay taxes on winnings?
Yes, any gambling winnings are taxable at both the state and federal level in Iowa, as is the case with the vast majority of other states with legal sports betting.
When completing your annual tax return, you must declare all winnings, as this is subject to the standard 24% tax rate. Any winnings that exceed $600 must also be reported to the state and are taxed at a rate of 5%.
Pros and cons of Iowa sports betting
- Remote registration is quick
- Wide range of sports
- Choose between many sportsbooks
- Assortment of bet types
- Limits on college picks
Top sports for Iowa betting
Folks in the Hawkeye State are spoiled for choice when it comes to the choice of markets at Iowa sportsbooks. The State isn't home to any major league teams but does have good representation across minor league teams in baseball and hockey.
As you'd expect, the most popular leagues for betting on in Iowa are the NHL, NBA, NFL and MLB but you'll also find a good selection of other sports at our top sites. NHL Picks and NBA Picks are among the most sought-after resources as the seasons overlap each spring. NASCAR has grown in coverage since the Iowa Speedway became home to a summer series. College level sports are also very popular, with teams including the Iowa Hawkeyes and Iowa State Cyclones attracting serious attention — our College Basketball Picks page is a great resource for Cyclones and Hawkeyes fans alike.
Horse racing
Betting on horse races is legal both at Iowa sportsbooks and at any of the tracks in the State. If you prefer wagering on the ponies digitally, check out the best horse racing betting apps for the top platforms available to Iowa bettors.
Our top-of-the-line bookmakers
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What betting sites are legal in Iowa and how do we pick the best brands?
As you can see, there's a lot to consider when signing up at a new sportsbook. So, how do we choose the best options? We judge all sites against our list of non-negotiable standards, and only recommend brands which can meet all of the below:
🔒 Licensing and Security
We don't like any brands which don't meet our standards of safety and security. That means they must hold a full license which legally allows them to operate in the Iowa market. While there are some offshore sportsbooks plying their trade to Iowa punters, we would suggest you give these sites a wide berth.
The sportsbooks we highlight have a strong focus on responsible gambling and player security. They employ encryption software and have extensive responsible gambling tools like time-out features.
🎉 Promotions and Bonuses
Bonuses can really play a big role in whether you enjoy your time at a sportsbook. Not only can strong welcome offers help to increase your possible wins, they can allow you to explore different types of bets or new sports. Our picks for the best DraftKings Promo Code and FanDuel Promo Code are two of the most popular starting points for new Iowa bettors. Therefore, we pay close attention to a brand's bonus deals to make sure they're valuable, easy to claim and fair.
⚡ Overall Usability
You don't want anything slowing you down when you're making split-second wagers on the next throw or kick. That's why we only select effectively designed sportsbooks that support quick navigation and don't suffer from crashes or lags. If you want even more options, our sportsbook promo codes page rounds up the latest deals across every major operator.
The best betting sites in Iowa await
Sports betting is fully legal in the Hawkeye State, both in-person and online. Since the requirement for in-person registration was removed, setting up an account takes only a few minutes provided you meet the eligibility requirements of age and location.
Iowa bettors have access to some of the very finest sportsbooks and a statewide betting scene which is developing all the time. We've got links to the top betting sites right now on this page but be aware that we update our lists regularly. It's worth stopping by on your way to Iowa sportsbooks to see the hottest brands and latest bonuses. Our Free Picks page is also a handy resource before placing your first wager of the day.
Whether you're looking to bet on baseball or make your pick for the Super Bowl, having the best Iowa sports betting brands behind you is a major advantage. Check out our banners to find your perfect spot.
Get off to a great start with these betting bonuses
Up To $1500 in Bonus Bets Paid Back if your First Bet Does Not Win
New Users – Bet $5 Get $200 in Bet Reset Tokens for 5 Days
New DraftKings Customers: Spend $5+ Get $200 in Bonuses Instantly!
10 x $100 bet match in FanCash
Iowa sportsbooks FAQ
Is sports betting legal in Iowa?
Yes, sports betting was legalised in Iowa in 2019. There are more than a dozen retail outlets and the same again in online sportsbooks. Just be aware that to make a sports bet in Iowa, you must be over 21 and within the state borders at the time.
What's the best sportsbook in Iowa?
There are currently 14 sportsbooks open to sports fans in the Hawkeye State including heavy hitters such as Caesars and DraftKings. Each brand has its own pros and cons but you can use our expert reviews to determine the sportsbook that will best meet your requirements.
Where can I make sports bets in Iowa?
As long as you meet the eligibility criteria, you can place a sports bet in Iowa by visiting a retail or online sportsbook. We've peppered this page with links to the very best sites, as judged by our team of experts, and each one has a special welcome bonus for new members.
