Calling all sports fans: Read our guide to Iowa sports betting!
Iowa may be one of the few US states without any major pro teams, but it’s fair to say that the Hawkeye State has a great reputation for being enthusiastic about sports. What’s best is that sports betting recently became legalized to allow everyone a great way to enjoy betting on their favorite teams.
So we decided to create this handy resource that’ll help anyone who’s never put down a bet on sport before. This means that you’ll see how easy it is to find a legit sportsbook, and we’ve even got some tips for helping you enjoy your first legal sports bets. It doesn’t matter whether you’re into baseball, basketball, football, hockey or pretty much any other sport, as our guide will set you straight.
We’re aware that there will be plenty of people reading this who have a fair amount of sports betting experience and will simply be here to see what the different sportsbook options are. So that whether you’re looking for a betting site with amazing NFL odds or stunning NBA promos, you’ll find exactly what you’re searching for!
The rise of legal Iowa sports betting
Iowa was in one of the first waves of US states to legalize sports betting after the laws changed giving each individual state the right to set its own gambling legislation. This saw lawmakers in Iowa giving the green light to legal sports betting in 2019, and online and retail sportsbooks opened their doors in August 2019.
This means that anyone who is located in Iowa state and is over the age of 21 can now legally bet on college and pro sports. The only notable restrictions are that you can’t bet on high school sports or entertainment events – similar to what you’ll find in many other US states.
Sports betting in Iowa is overseen by the Iowa Racing and Gaming Commission. This is the organization that has the job of licensing each of the permitted sportsbooks, and it will also regulate how these sportsbooks operate to make sure that they give you a safe and legal way to play.
Initially, bettors had to register an account at a physical retail sportsbook in order to enjoy online sports betting, but this is no longer required. Instead, you can now sign up to any sportsbook featured here direct from your device and enjoy the best in Iowa sports betting!
Five safety tips for finding the top sportsbooks in Iowa
Sports betting is great fun, but it should also be safe. So here are five trust factors we look for in any Iowa online sportsbook before we recommend it to you:
We only recommend those online sportsbooks which are licensed and regulated by the Iowa Racing and Gaming Commission. This will mean that you get nothing but a legal, safe and fair way to play.
Each sportsbook featured here will have been checked to make sure that it has all of the encryption technology required to keep your personal data and deposits safe.
We’d expect all legit online sportsbooks to only feature the most trustworthy payment methods so that you can make safe and efficient deposits and withdrawals.
All good sportsbooks will have customer support who is there to help you with any of your queries – no matter what time of day or night it is!
It’s easy to get carried away when enjoying some sports betting. This is why we love those online sportsbooks that give you easy ways to set limits on how much you deposit, wager and lose.
How we rank operators to help you experience the best Iowa sports betting
We realize that there’s a pretty wide spectrum in terms of the types of online sportsbooks currently operating in the Hawkeye State. This is why we were keen to implement a review process that allowed us to fairly judge each online sportsbook according to these test criteria:
- Promos:
What deals you get for signing up to the sportsbook for the first time.
- Design:
How easy it is to use the betting site and app.
- Customer support:
How good the sportsbook is at resolving your problems.
- Payments:
How you are allowed to make deposits and withdrawals.
- Security:
What licensing does the sportsbook have and how does it protect you?
- Rewards:
Examining if the sportsbook has any kind of loyalty scheme.
- Betting lines:
Checking how many different ways you get to bet on your favorite team.
- Odds:
Comparing the sportsbook’s odds with its competitors.
- Live betting:
What kind of live betting platform the sportsbook has.
- Limits:
How much can you bet and win at the online sportsbook?
Our favorite sportsbooks
1.
Bet $5 & Get $200 in Bonus Bets Win or Lose
Bet now
Whatever the moment. It’s Never Ordinary at bet365. That’s why if you sign up now you will receive $200 in Bonus Bets Win or Lose when you bet $5! Minimum $10 deposit required. Minimum odds -500 of greater. Bonus Bets wager excluded from returns. New customers only. T&CS, time limits and exclusions apply. GAMBLING PROBLEM? CALL OR TEXT 1-800-GAMBLER (AZ/CO/IL/IN/KS/KY/LA/MD/NC/NJ/OH/PA/TN/VA) or 1-800-BETS OFF (IA). 21+ (18+ KY). Must be present in AZ/CO/IA/IL/IN/KS/KY/LA (select parishes)/MD/NC/NJ/OH/PA/TN/VA.
2.
Up To $1500 in Bonus Bets Paid Back if your First Bet Does Not Win
Bet now
Gambling problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER (Available in the US) Call 877-8-HOPENY or text HOPENY (467369) (NY) Call 1-800-327-5050 (MA) 21+ only. Please Gamble Responsibly. Call 1-800-NEXT-STEP (AZ), 1-800-BETS-OFF (IA), 1-800-981-0023 (PR). Rewards are non-withdrawable bonus bets that expire in 7 days. In partnership with Kansas Crossing Casino and Hotel. See BetMGM.com for Terms. US promotional offers not available in DC, Mississippi, New York, Nevada, Ontario, or Puerto Rico.
3.
Bet $5 Get $300 in Bonus Bets If Your Bet Wins!
Bet now
Gambling Problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER or visit RG-help.com. Call 1-888-789-7777 or visit ccpg.org/chat (CT). Hope is here. GamblingHelpLineMA.org or call (800) 327-5050 for 24/7 support (MA). Visit www.mdgamblinghelp.org (MD). Call 1-877-HOPE-NY or text HOPENY (467369) (NY). 21+ (18+ DC, KY and present in select states for KS in affiliation with Kansas Star Casino). First online real money wager only. $5 first deposit required. Bonus issued as nonwithdrawable bonus bets which expire 7 days after receipt. Restrictions apply. See terms at sportsbook.fanduel.com.
4.
Bet now
21+ New users only. Must register using eligible promo code. First bet after registration must qualify. Max. Bonus Bet: $1,000. Bonus Bet expires 14 days after receipt. Void where prohibited. See Caesars.com/promos for full terms. Gambling Problem? 1-800-GAMBLER (1-800-426-2537)
5.
New Customers: Bet $5+ and get $300 in Bonus Bets if it wins!
Bet now
21+ and present in most states. (18+ DC/KY/NH/WY). Void in ONT/OR/NH. Eligibility restrictions apply. On behalf of Boot Hill Casino & Resort (KS). Pass-thru of per wager tax may apply in IL. 1 per new customer. Must register new account to receive reward Token. Must select Token BEFORE placing min. $5 bet to receive $300 in Bonus Bets if your bet wins. Min. -500 odds req. Token and Bonus Bets are single-use and non-withdrawable. Token expires 2/1/26. Bonus Bets expire in 7 days (168 hours). Stake removed from payout. Terms: sportsbook.draftkings.com/promos. Ends 1/25/26 at 11:59 PM ET. Sponsored by DK.
Finding your perfect Iowa online sportsbook
You should definitely read our sportsbook reviews while you are here. After all, these reviews will show you what it’s really like to use that sports betting platform – hugely important if you’re keen to find the sportsbook that’s right for you. Here are some factors to consider:
- Sports specialization:
All sportsbooks will have lots of football bets, but it might be worth shopping around if you’re into something different like MMA fighting, golf and so on.
- Parlay deals:
Some betting platforms let you try a same game parlay, and what’s best is that you might even be able to get parlay insurance if just one leg lets you down.
- Advanced live betting:
We love those sportsbooks that will let you cash your bets out early, and some betting platforms even include live streaming.
- Blogs:
It’s great to see some sportsbooks that have taken the time to set up blogs and where you can find out the latest sporting news and even get some picks!
Conclusion – Your resource for awesome Iowa sports betting
Online sports betting in Iowa hasn’t been legal too long, but it’s already proving to be a massive hit. The best thing is that we keep seeing more and more online sportsbooks launching in the Hawkeye State. This means that you can look forward to ever more competitive odds and some outrageous sports betting promos.
So we’re gonna have our work cut out reviewing and rating these online sportsbooks. After all, you’re going to need all of the help you can get on your awesome journey through the Iowa sports betting scene. So check out our comparison and find your perfect Iowa sportsbook!
Quality sportsbook bonuses
1.
Bet $5 & Get $200 in Bonus Bets Win or Lose
Wagering (WR): 1x Bonus
Whatever the moment. It’s Never Ordinary at bet365. That’s why if you sign up now you will receive $200 in Bonus Bets Win or Lose when you bet $5! Minimum $10 deposit required. Minimum odds -500 of greater. Bonus Bets wager excluded from returns. New customers only. T&CS, time limits and exclusions apply. GAMBLING PROBLEM? CALL OR TEXT 1-800-GAMBLER (AZ/CO/IL/IN/KS/KY/LA/MD/NC/NJ/OH/PA/TN/VA) or 1-800-BETS OFF (IA). 21+ (18+ KY). Must be present in AZ/CO/IA/IL/IN/KS/KY/LA (select parishes)/MD/NC/NJ/OH/PA/TN/VA.
2.
Up To $1500 in Bonus Bets Paid Back if your First Bet Does Not Win
Min. Deposit: $5
Gambling problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER (Available in the US) Call 877-8-HOPENY or text HOPENY (467369) (NY) Call 1-800-327-5050 (MA) 21+ only. Please Gamble Responsibly. Call 1-800-NEXT-STEP (AZ), 1-800-BETS-OFF (IA), 1-800-981-0023 (PR). Rewards are non-withdrawable bonus bets that expire in 7 days. In partnership with Kansas Crossing Casino and Hotel. See BetMGM.com for Terms. US promotional offers not available in DC, Mississippi, New York, Nevada, Ontario, or Puerto Rico.
3.
Bet $5 Get $300 in Bonus Bets If Your Bet Wins!
Wagering (WR): 1x Deposit, Min. Deposit: $5
Gambling Problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER or visit RG-help.com. Call 1-888-789-7777 or visit ccpg.org/chat (CT). Hope is here. GamblingHelpLineMA.org or call (800) 327-5050 for 24/7 support (MA). Visit www.mdgamblinghelp.org (MD). Call 1-877-HOPE-NY or text HOPENY (467369) (NY). 21+ (18+ DC, KY and present in select states for KS in affiliation with Kansas Star Casino). First online real money wager only. $5 first deposit required. Bonus issued as nonwithdrawable bonus bets which expire 7 days after receipt. Restrictions apply. See terms at sportsbook.fanduel.com.
4.
Up to $250 Bonus Bet
Wagering (WR): 1x Deposit
21+ New users only. Must register using eligible promo code. First bet after registration must qualify. Max. Bonus Bet: $1,000. Bonus Bet expires 14 days after receipt. Void where prohibited. See Caesars.com/promos for full terms. Gambling Problem? 1-800-GAMBLER (1-800-426-2537)
5.
New Customers: Bet $5+ and get $300 in Bonus Bets if it wins!
Min. Deposit: 5
21+ and present in most states. (18+ DC/KY/NH/WY). Void in ONT/OR/NH. Eligibility restrictions apply. On behalf of Boot Hill Casino & Resort (KS). Pass-thru of per wager tax may apply in IL. 1 per new customer. Must register new account to receive reward Token. Must select Token BEFORE placing min. $5 bet to receive $300 in Bonus Bets if your bet wins. Min. -500 odds req. Token and Bonus Bets are single-use and non-withdrawable. Token expires 2/1/26. Bonus Bets expire in 7 days (168 hours). Stake removed from payout. Terms: sportsbook.draftkings.com/promos. Ends 1/25/26 at 11:59 PM ET. Sponsored by DK.
Iowa Sports Betting FAQ
📱Who has the best Iowa sports betting app?
Make sure that you read our guide to see which operator has the best Iowa sports betting app. We’ve ranked and rated all of the
best US betting sites
that have been set up in the Hawkeye State and given you a great way to see what apps are on offer. All you need for superior sports betting in Iowa!
Check out our guide to see which online sportsbooks in Iowa have the best promos that you can use for sports betting. Just like
Maryland gambling sites, all decent gambling operators in Iowa will usually have deals that new and existing customers can use to get some extra wagering credit. Our guide will help you find the best deals!
❓What is the Iowa sports betting age?
Be sure to read our guide to see how old you will need to be to enjoy some legal Iowa sports betting. After all, everyone who goes anywhere from Maryland sportsbooks to
Iowa online casinos
will find minimum gambling ages and you will want to make sure that you are complying with the law when you are trying your luck online.
✅Is Iowa online sports betting legal?
You’ll probably already know that online sports betting is legal in more and more US states. After all, there are Maryland sports betting sites, Arizona online sportsbooks and so much more. So read our guide to see whether Iowa sports betting has been legalized.
👀What are the Iowa sports betting locations?
Check out our guide to see how the
new sportsbook operators
in Iowa give you a seriously flexible way to enjoy some online sports betting. This is great news as it means that you can try Iowa sports betting pretty much anywhere with an internet connection!
