Iowa Sports Betting

Iowa Legal Sports Betting Overview

Iowa Sports Betting Summary

Iowa Governor Kim Reynolds signed SF 617 into law in May 2019 and, by August that year, sports betting launched in the Hawkeye State. A dozen retail sportsbooks opened at casinos with the initial launch, with seven more opening since. Online sportsbooks had a much slower start, with only one operator joining this initial launch date. However, as of April 2022, there are 18 licensed betting sites in the state.

When Iowa first launched its sports betting market, bettors were required to register in-person to use an online sportsbook. Since 2021, you no longer need to sign up for a sportsbook by visiting its retail location and can register online from anywhere in the state. Iowa is pushing forward with innovations and regulations, so read our complete guide to IA sports betting to keep up to date.

Iowa Online Sportsbooks Compared

Iowa is one of the most welcoming states to US sportsbooks, boasting 18 licensed operators. Every betting site provides competitive odds and exciting features, with some offering strong bonuses for a great user experience. Continue reading to choose the best sportsbook for you.

• Best Mobile App – FanDuel

The FanDuel sportsbook mobile app is one of the most impressive available in IA, with easy navigation and many mobile-exclusive features. You get all the same markets as the FanDuel desktop site, including fast access to live betting markets. FanDuel gives mobile players access to loads of promotions, all available via a sleek interface with user-friendly navigation making everything easy to find.

Get your FanDuel Sportsbook promo code for Sep 2024.

• Best Welcome Bonus – PointsBet

PointsBet sportsbook has the best welcome bonus, offering you a massive $2,000 in risk-free bets. It also lets you try its unique points betting feature by splitting this reward into two risk-free bets. The first is up to $500 on a fixed-odds wager, and the second is a $1,500 points-betting wager. If either bet fails, you get your money back in free bets. This offer has no wagering requirements, so any winnings from your free bets are yours to keep.

• Best for Competitive Odds – Caesars

All sportsbooks in Iowa provide competitive odds, but Caesars offers some of the most generous lines you can find. In particular, its soccer markets give you a better chance for profit than other providers. However, the sportsbook offers great betting lines across moneyline, parlays, and spreads across all sports.

Claim your Caesars Sportsbook promo code for Sep 2024.

• Best for Market Coverage – DraftKings

Pretty much every sportsbook covers the biggest US sports, but DraftKings welcomes a variety of sports from different leagues around the world. Smaller sports like motorsports and lacrosse feature betting markets that you wouldn’t get on other sites. In addition, DraftKings often runs special bets on the most significant US sports like the NFL and NBA.

Get your DraftKings Sportsbook promo code for Sep 2024.

• Best for Beginner Bettors – Caesars

If you are new to sports betting, Caesars is the best place to get to grips with the world of wagering. Most bettors will find something to enjoy with an excellent welcome bonus, an easy-to-use site, and broad range of betting markets. The layout of Caesars sportsbook is clear and super-easy to understand and use. The Caesars brand hospitality is extended to its online sportsbook.

• Best for Payout Speed – FanDuel

FanDuel is one of the few sportsbooks that offer instant withdrawals on many payment methods. Of course, this is only the case if there is no need for additional checks. Considering many other betting sites require a few days to process your payment, the potential to receive your withdrawal instantly is very appealing.

How to Place a Bet in Iowa

Iowa has welcomed online sports betting since 2019, but plenty of sports fans are yet to try placing bets online. The good news is Iowa sportsbooks make registration quick and straightforward. Follow the steps below, and you can place your first bets in minutes:

1. Iowa has one of the widest ranges of sportsbooks in the US. Choose one of the many excellent options featured on this page and visit the sportsbook of your choice.

2. Most sportsbooks offer an app you can download on Apple and Android devices. When using a mobile app, you must have your device geolocation services enabled so the sportsbook knows you are betting from within the state. You can easily do this through the device settings menu.

3. Click on the 'Register' or 'Sign Up' button, and provide personal information like your full name, address, date of birth, and last four digits of your Social Security number. Follow the steps to approve your account and complete registration.

4. Visit the cashier section to make your first deposit. The sportsbook will guide you through adding your payment details. Most welcome bonuses require a deposit, so you may earn a reward for adding this money to your account.

5. You can place your first bet with cash or bonus funds in your account. You need to choose a market and add it to your bet slip. Choose your stake, and you can place the bet.

6. If you win your first bet, return to the cashier section to make a withdrawal. Your sportsbook will make clear which payment options are eligible for withdrawals

Who is Eligible to Bet in IA?

Iowa gambling regulations are standard compared to those in the US' other legal betting states. You must be at least 21 years old and within the state to place bets. If you win more than $1,200, Iowa betting laws require you to provide more personal information, like your full Social Security number. There are particular jobs, positions of authority, and circumstances that make you ineligible for betting in IA, including:

• Athletes or coaches for professional or college teams.

• Referees for professional or college sports competitions.

• Individuals who hold a position of authority at an organization that creates rules and regulations for sports (e.g., NBA, NHL, NCAA).

• Anyone who owns a stake in a professional sports team.

• Those employed by licensed sports betting operators are ineligible for sports betting, including directors, officers, and other personnel.

• Anyone who shares a household with one of the above people is also prohibited from betting.

• Individuals who have access to non-public information about athletes or sports teams that may affect the competition outcomes (e.g., player medical records).

• Individuals who are banned from wagering at state and federal level (e.g., due to criminal history).

• Individuals that have voluntarily excluded themselves from gambling activities.

Latest Iowa Sports Betting Updates

Timeline for Sports Betting in Iowa

• March 2022: Bill HF 2497 to legalize eSports wagering passes the House.

• December 2021: The number of sportsbooks for Iowans to choose from has more than doubled since launching in 2019.

• January 2021: In-person registration for Iowa sportsbook expires, allowing you to register online without going to an Iowa sportsbook retail location.

• December 2020: The monthly betting handle surpasses nine figures for the first time in Iowa, with more than $104,000,000 handled.

• August 15, 2019: Retail and online sports betting launch in Iowa. Caesars is one of the first betting sites to launch.

• May 2019: Gov. Reynolds signs SF 617 into law, legalizing online sports betting with licensed sportsbooks. The Iowa Racing and Gaming Commission is placed in charge of regulating the new market.

• April 2019: The Senate and the House both passed SF 617, sending it to the Iowa governor to be signed.

• 2019: Senator Roby Smith and Representative Bobby Kaufmann separately propose sports betting bills HF 648 and SF 617.

• May 2018: The US Supreme Court repeals PASPA, meaning each state has the right to legalize online sports betting.

• 2018: Rep. Jake Highfill proposes legislation in 2018 in anticipation of the US Supreme Court overturning the Professional and Amateur Sports Protection Act of 1992 (PASPA).

Iowa Sports Betting Background

Iowa sports betting emerged onto the agenda during New Jersey’s appeal to the US Supreme Court. During this time, Rep. Highfill proposed a law to amend the sports betting regulation should PASPA be struck down. However, his proposal didn’t make much progress. That remained the same through 2018, even when PASPA was repealed in May.

However, the appetite for sports betting remained, with two separate bills hitting the Senate and House. The Senate bill received the most support, including its low 6.75% tax on operators to encourage sportsbooks to launch. This tax rate matched Nevada’s, which had been one of only four states - alongside Delaware, Montana, and Oregon - allowed to offering sports betting before PASPA was declared unconstitutional, effectively ending NV’s near-monopoly and allowing each state to legislate its own wagering laws.

Future of Iowa Sports Betting

Iowa wants to expand its current betting market by bringing more wagering options to customers. HF 2497 has passed the House with 71-28 votes. The bill will bring eSports betting to all sportsbooks and cashless wagering to retail sportsbooks. Also, the state is looking to welcome more sportsbooks to its already large number of operators. In February 2022, WynnBET announced plans to launch in the state soon.

Iowa Sports Betting Locations

There are 19 licensed casinos in Iowa and each one of these locations has a retail sportsbook. There are also four tribal casinos, but they do not offer sports betting.

Horseshoe Casino Council Bluffs

• Address: 701 23rd Avenue, Council Bluffs, IA 51501

• Website: https://www.caesars.com/horseshoe/

• Phone Number: (712) 323-2500

• Operator: Caesars

Not only is there a full-service casino with table games and slot games, but the Horseshoe Casino also offers one of the best in-person Iowa sportsbooks. Caesars Sportsbook is available with live betting and pre-game options. You can also redeem Caesars Rewards at this resort. Once you have placed a live bet or pre-game bet, there is comfortable seating with many TVs to watch events unfold. The casino also has a hotel and two restaurants, but the sportsbook is available to anyone.

Harrah’s Council Bluffs

• Address: 1 Harrah’s Boulevard, Council Bluffs, IA 51501

• Website: https://www.caesars.com/harrahs/

• Phone Number: (712) 329-6000

• Operator: Caesars

Another retail Caesars Sportsbook can be found at Harrah’s Council Bluffs, thanks to the resort’s operator, Caesars Entertainment. Sitting along the Missouri River, Harrah’s Council Bluff is picturesque, with a large hotel, multiple well-reviewed restaurants, and a golf course on site. The Iowa sportsbook is top class with excellent viewing entertainment for anyone that has placed a bet. The betting options are diverse, and you can withdraw any cash from the casino cage cashier very quickly.

Prairie Meadows

• Address: 1 Prairie Meadows Drive, Altoona, IA 50009

• Website: http://www.prairiemeadows.com/

• Phone Number: (515) 967-1000

• Operator: Caesars

Prairie Meadows, which offers a Caesars retail sportsbook, has more than just pre-game and live sports betting. There is also a horse racing track on-site, and you can place wagers on the live action unfolding right in front of you. There is also a casino, a hotel, and many restaurants. The sportsbook is excellent, with a wide variety of betting options and great viewing options with many TVs and comfortable seating.

Iowa Lottery Locations

There are multiple Iowa Lottery locations in all 99 counties within the state. As of April 2022, there are no kiosks available for sports betting at Iowa Lottery locations. Despite the growth of sports betting in the state, there has been no announcement of plans to combine any retail lottery locations with sports betting.

Off-Track and Stadium Betting Locations

The Iowa Racing and Gambling Commission also regulates all horse and dog racing in the state. You can find off-track betting options for horse racing at many casinos across the state. In addition, you’ll also find off-track wagering at IA’s lone greyhound racing stadium. Some sportsbooks also offer players the chance to place horse racing bets from anywhere in the state.

Iowa Responsible Gambling Resources

• Iowa Gambling Treatment Program – Run by the Iowa Department of Public Health, the Iowa Problem Gambling Services offers treatment, prevention, and crisis intervention for those struggling with gambling addictions. (888) 238-7633

• Your Life Iowa – Your Life Iowa is also run by the state’s Department of Public Health. You can receive free support via phone, text, and online chat and access a large selection of online resources. Services are entirely confidential. (855) 581-8111.

• National Council on Problem Gambling – The National Council on Problem Gambling features an entire section dedicated to Iowa. It includes national and local helplines, online chat, screening tools, a directory of local counselors, and treatment facilities. (800) 522-4700.

Bettors struggling with problem gambling will find a variety of resources to help them in Iowa. The Iowa Racing and Gaming Commission enforces requirements on sportsbooks to provide support pages, including links to third-party help and the option to self-exclude yourself from sports betting. Many betting sites also offer account tools like bet limits and maximum deposits. Aside from the Iowa-specific support mentioned above, you can access support from resources like Gamblers Anonymous.

Teams to Bet on in Iowa

• Pro Sports

While there aren’t any local major league teams to place a wager on at an Iowa sportsbook, there are popular sports teams in the state. Many Iowans supported the Tri-Cities Blackhawks when the team was based close to the border in Moline, Illinois. However, the team moved a few times before becoming the Atlanta Hawks seen in the NBA today. It’s unlikely that Iowa will ever get its own major league franchise, as nearby states boast numerous major league teams and Iowa is only the 32nd most populous state in the US.

Many sports fans in Iowa choose to support major league teams from nearby Midwestern states. Here are some of the most popular franchises with Iowans.

• Minor League Sports

There are many minor league teams in Iowa, with lots of teams playing baseball. The Iowa Cubs are a Triple-A team, the highest class of minor league baseball. The team plays in the West Division of the International League and is an affiliate of MLB side the Chicago Cubs. In addition, there is also the Iowa Wild which plays ice hockey in the AHL and is an affiliate of NHL side Minnesota Wild.

• College Sports

Drake Bulldogs: The Bulldogs have a good history competing in athletics, with cross country success in the 1940s. The Drake University team has supplied a handful of Olympians, including US curler Ann Swisshelm.

Iowa Hawkeyes: The Hawkeyes play in the Big Ten, representing the University of Iowa, and boasts strong football and basketball teams. However, the school’s men’s wrestling has seen the most success. The wrestling team has won 24 NCAA national championships.

Iowa State Cyclones: Playing in the Big 12, Iowa State has often been viewed as an underdog but has taken a big step forward with its football program. The team has seen national success in gymnastics, wrestling, cross country, and dance.

Northern Iowa Panthers: Competing in the Missouri Valley Conference, the team competes across 15 different sports. That includes its football team, which competes in Division I FCS representing the University of Northern Iowa.

• Women's Sports

There aren't many pro women’s teams in Iowa, but you can watch amateur soccer played by Iowa Raptors FC. The WPSL is the top amateur soccer division in the US and Canada. The Raptors play in the Midwest Conference, Heartland Division. You can also watch the Iowa Phoenix, a professional touch football team playing in the WFA.

How Does Iowa Compare to other States?

• Market Coverage

Iowa has 18 sportsbook operators, making it one of the most varied markets in the US. The blend of bigger brands with smaller betting sites means Iowa bettors get a lot of coverage for many top sports leagues worldwide. In addition, Iowa’s college betting laws are open, allowing wagering except player props on local teams like the Iowa Hawkeyes. eSports betting may be introduced to this diverse betting market in the future.

• Competitive Odds & Prices

Most sportsbooks offer competitive odds, and we found no noticeable difference between odds in Iowa and other states. However, that choice of sportsbooks means you can shop around and find the best betting lines on most markets. You can choose between the biggest brands famous for offering great odds like Caesars or a smaller brand that may provide great odds for specific markets.

• Gambling Revenue

Iowa has seen a steady stream of betting revenue since it legalized wagering in 2019. Since this launch, the state has brought in $212,053,895 in sportsbook revenue. That’s a 5.9% hold of the $3.58 billion that has been handled throughout this time. That hold is, though, one of the lowest among states in the US.

$15,407,071 has been collected as tax for the state from this amount. The rest goes to sportsbook operators as profit. Iowa has one of the lowest tax rates for operators in the US at 6.75%. Despite this, the state has still collected more than states with higher revenue like Michigan. MI has an overall revenue of $428,129,082, but a tax rate of 8.4% has only produced tax revenue of $13,764,842.

• Betting Taxes

Every US state has an excise tax of 0.25% on every sportsbook betting handle enforced by the Internal Revenue Code. A $50 tax is also placed on every employee that takes bets for sportsbooks.

The betting tax in the state is only 6.75%, which may explain why so many sportsbooks have launched in Iowa. As a comparison, the tax rate in New Jersey is 13% for online sportsbooks. Iowa only requires a $45,000 licensing fee, which is low compared to most other states.

Gambling winnings count as income in the US, meaning you must report your wagering winnings on IA 1040 long form. As a part of this, all Iowa sportsbooks can hold from 5% to 25% of your winnings for tax purposes.

Who Oversees Sports Betting in Iowa?

All Iowa sports gambling regulation has been overseen by the Iowa Racing and Gaming Commission since the launch of sports betting in 2019. However, the commission was created by the Pari-Mutuel Wagering Act of 1983. The commission comprises five members, chosen by the Governor and approved by the Senate. A maximum of three members can be part of the same political party. The commission regulates and licenses all sports betting sites and facilities, ensuring safety for players and adherence to the law. The commission collects any tax or fines.