Last updated on: March 8th, 2024

Legal Iowa Sports Betting

As one of the most gambling-friendly states in the US, legal Iowa sports betting exists in many facets Online sportsbooks like Bovada, local betting apps, and land-based sportsbooks exist in Iowa and there aren’t many betting restrictions in Iowa. But, books licensed by the Iowa Racing and Gaming Commission do not accept action on Hawkeyes player prop bets or any other Iowa based college team. Legal sportsbooks in Iowa like Bovada do not have this restriction. This makes them the most complete legal sports betting site in Iowa.

  • Online sportsbooks for Iowa players include Bovada, BetOnline, and many other offshore sportsbooks.
  • Iowa also have sportsbooks that are taxed by the state government but come with a few betting restrictions.

Top Iowa Sportsbooks

Rank Sportsbook Bonus Offer Play Now
1 Bovada Online Sportsbook Exclusive 50% Bonus Code up to $1000!Read Review BVD1000 in Cashier
2 BetOnline Online Sportsbook 50% Up To $1,000Read Review Visit BetOnline!
3 MyBookie Online Sportsbook 50% Up To $1,000 Read Review Visit MyBookie!
4 Xbet Online Sportsbook 100% Up To $300Read Review Visit Xbet!
5 Sportsbetting Online Sportsbook 50% Up To $1,000 Read Review Visit SportsBetting!

Is Bovada Legal In Iowa?

Bovada is legal and fully operational in Iowa. Known for their wide variety of bets, easy to use banking options, and tremendous bonuses, Bovada is one of the top options available for players from the Hawkeye State.

#1

Bovada Sportsbook

The Crown Jewel Of Iowa Online Sports Betting

While there are plenty of online sportsbooks to choose from in Iowa, none of them compare to what Bovada has to offer. Bovada has been offering a first class sports betting service since opening their doors in 2011. All of their odds, bonuses, financial methods and more can all be considered first before any other regulated online sportsbook that the state has to offer.

Rating: 5 Star Rating

  • Hundreds of College Odds
  • Modern Interface
  • Exclusive Live Betting
  • Easy Banking System
  • Live Chat Customer Service

BitcoinVisaMastercardAmerican ExpressZelle

#2

BetOnline Sportsbook

Lifetime Bonus On Iowa Hawkeyes

Many consider the Iowa Hawkeyes the heart and soul of sports in the state being that there is no professional team within the state borders. That said, BetOnline allows you to be on any aspect of their sporting events such as their game lines, player props, game props, and more. The online books are not allowed to offer any odds on the Hawkeyes being that they are an in-state program.

Rating: 5 Star Rating

  • Reliable Banking Methods
  • Strong Server Connection
  • 10+ Year Track Record
  • Huge Assortment Of Odds
  • No App Mobile Betting

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#3

MyBookie Sportsbook

Bet On The Iowa State Cyclones From Anywhere

MyBookie offers Iowa bettors one of the top betting experiences for the Iowa State Cyclones. With regulated online sportsbooks not being able to offer odds on any in state college sports, you will need to turn to MyBookie to find all of the Iowa State Cyclones odds that come to mind. Those include game line odds, player props, futures odds, game props, and much more.

Ratings: 5 Star Rating

  • Huge Player Bonuses
  • Consistent Odds
  • Easy Interface
  • Rapid Live Betting
  • Legal In Iowa

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#4

XBet Sportsbook

Great Bitcoin Betting Bonus

With Bitcoin and other cryptocurrencies rising as some of the most popular payment methods in today’s society, XBet has risen to the occasion and listed them in their financial arsenal. One great way that they have incorporated crypto is in their bonuses. They offer a 50% first match deposit on your first deposit into your XBet account worth up to $500.

Ratings: 5 Star Rating

  • Worry-free Legal Betting
  • Exclusive Bonus Offers
  • Constantly Updated Odds
  • Premier User Experience
  • Full Mobile + Live Betting

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#5

SportsBetting Sportsbook

Bonuses Every Time You Deposit

At SportsBetting, they not only cater to their new users, but they certainly have not forgotten about their existing ones. Existing users can claim a 25% match on any deposit they make into their account worth up to $250. All you have to do to claim this bonus is enter the FORLIFE bonus code upon any of your deposits.

Ratings: 5 Star Rating

  • Efficient Site Layout
  • Full Mobile Betting Suite
  • Available Customer Service
  • Trustworthy Banking Options
  • Fast Payout Times

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Iowa Sports Betting And Gambling Laws

Iowa gambling laws – found in § 725.7 of the Iowa Code – simultaneously ban “any bet” in all forms while carving out so many exceptions that Iowa’s become one of the most gambling-friendly states in the country. Iowa’s first horse track was opened in 1989, and its first casinos were legalized for operation on tribal lands in 1991. In the decades to follow, both tribal casinos and commercial casinos have prospered in the area, making Iowa one of the premier gambling destinations in the Midwest. Iowa also has a lottery, legal bingo, charity raffles, greyhound racing, and pari-mutuel/simulcast betting available.

Sports betting, the most popular type of gambling in America and Iowa has joined a growing list of sports betting states, with the governor signing the requisite bills into law on May 13, 2019. By law, there can be a theoretical maximum of 38 different sportsbooks in Iowa. The license fee for a new sportsbook in Iowa is $45,000, with a $10,000 annual renewal fee for those sportsbooks. The tax rate for Iowa’s state regulated sportsbooks is 6.75% on sports wagering revenue. Iowa’s sports betting is regulated by the Iowa Racing and Gaming Commission.

Where is Sports Betting Legal?

Bovada NBA Betting

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NFL Betting at BetOnline

Bovada Sportsbook

Future Of Legal Sports Betting Market In Iowa

Despite the regulation of both retail and online sportsbooks, the state of sports betting in Iowa continues to evolve. Regulation has trended towards allowing more and more freedom as to what the sportsbooks can offer betting odds on. An example of that from the 2022 legislative session would be House File 2497. HF 2497 got signed by the Governor on June 17th, permitting esports betting and allowing a wider variety of depositing methods for sportsbooks (i.e. cashless options).

Iowa’s Sports Betting History

  • March 10, 2022 – Iowa will allow  esports betting after the passage of HF 2497, which passed by a vote of 71-28.
  • March 4, 2022 – Iowa will expand sports betting to allow cashless betting and more bet types, as HSB 200 passes by a vote of 78-21.
  • March 1, 2021 – Iowa’s casinos will now be able to sell off a third sports betting skin, increasing casino revenue and sports betting options.
  • February 17, 2021 – Iowa spends time debating HSB 200, which would regulate esports betting, but it does not pass in the 2020 legislative session.
  • January 1, 2021 – Iowa’s sportsbooks will no longer require in-person registration for sports betting.
  • October 20, 2020 – Iowa has fined DraftKings, the Rhythm City Casino and the Diamond Jo Casino for violations of sports betting and gambling regulations.
  • June 5, 2020 – Iowa will not allow credit cards as a method of payment at sportsbooks, and they will also not allow esports betting.
  • December 1, 2019 – All 19 licensed casinos in Iowa will be able to offer sports betting, with two skins available to each.
  • October 28, 2019 – DraftKings is officially open in Iowa as a DFS operator.
  • August 25, 2019 – The Hard Rock Sioux City is open and accepting sports bets for Iowa residents.
  • August 15, 2019 – Tim Dwight, formerly of the Iowa Hawkeyes, has placed the first regulated sports bet in Iowa at AmeriStar sportsbook.
  • July 31, 2019 – Iowa’s final draft of sports betting regulations have been approved.
  • April 24, 2019 – IA SF 617 has passed the House with a vote of 67-31, meaning that Gov. Kim Reynolds’ signature is the only thing standing between Iowa and regulated sports betting.
  • April 23, 2019 – Iowa’s senate passes IA SF 617, which would regulate sports betting in Iowa. It passed by a vote of 31-18.
  • April 10, 2019 – Multiple Iowa sports betting bills appear to be getting traction, and Gov. Kim Reynolds has appeared to be open to the idea.
  • February 23, 2019 – Two sports betting bills have been proposed in Iowa: IA SB 1168 in the Senate and IA HB 198 in the House.

What Teams Can I Bet On?

If you’re interested in what home teams you can bet on in Iowa, there’s good news and bad news. The good news is that there are several Division-I NCAA teams to follow. The bad news is that there are no teams from any of the US major professional sports leagues operating in the state. That said, there’s plenty of Iowa fandom for teams like the Vikings and Packers, the Cubs, the Bulls, and the Blackhawks. Whether you use an in-state book or are visiting Bovada, SportsBetting, or BetOnline you can bet on any Iowa team or any other club your heart desires (though it’s recommended that you always bet with your head, not your heart).

Cedar Rapids Titans (IFL) Iowa Barnstormers (IFL) Iowa Wild (AHL)
Buena Vista Beavers (NCAA-D3) Central Dutch (NCAA-D3) Coe Kohawks (NCAA-D3)
Cornell Rams (NCAA-D3) Drake Bulldogs (NCAA-D1) Dubuque Spartans (NCAA-D3)
Grinnell Pioneers (NCAA-D3) Iowa Hawkeyes (NCAA-D1) Iowa State Cyclones (NCAA-D1)
Loras Duhawks (NCAA-D3) Luther Norse (NCAA-D3) Northern Iowa Panthers (NCAA-D1)
Simpson Storm (NCAA-D3) Upper Iowa Peacocks (NCAA-D2) Wartburg Knights (NCAA-D3)

How To Bet On The Hawkeyes In Iowa

Iowa Hawkeyes athletic teams have been some of the most profitable in the nation in recent seasons. Their football team has finished above a .500 record in each of their last ten seasons and has gone 33-25-2 ATS over their last five seasons. They covered the spread in that span by +4.3 points and won their games by 9.1 points on average. As for their basketball team, they’ve made the March Madness tournament in six of their last nine seasons and have gone a 53.5% success rate (91-79-5) ATS over their last five seasons.

Iowa Football Past ATS Records

  • 2021: 7-6-1
  • 2020: 5-2-1
  • 2019: 6-7
  • 2018: 8-5

Iowa Basketball Past ATS Records

  • 2021: 22-14
  • 2020: 15-15-1
  • 2019: 19-10-2
  • 2018: 15-20

Iowa State Cyclones Betting In Iowa

The Iowa State Cyclones haven’t had as much success as the Hawkeyes have had in recent seasons, but there is still a profit to be made betting against them both in football and basketball. Their football team has gone 28-34-1 against the spread and are failing to cover by -0.3 points on average. Their basketball team isn’t much better at a 78-85-3 record ATS while failing to cover by -0.4 points.

Super Bowl Sportsbooks In Iowa

Iowa’s top sportsbooks are all located internationally – these books are the top online sportsbooks in the world, and of course that makes them the top online sportsbooks in Iowa as well. These sportsbooks – such as Bovada, BetOnline and MyBookie – are excellent options for anyone looking to bet on the Super Bowl. These sportsbooks take cryptocurrency as well as US dollars, and offer big bonuses to players who wish to wager on Super Bowl 58.

Iowa Online Casinos

While going to casinos in Iowa could be fun, there are plenty of benefits to using online casinos in the Hawkeye State. Those include avoiding smoke-filled air and crowds that hold you from playing your favorite casino games. Playing at the online casinos, you’ll come across some of the top games that you’d find at the retail locations such as big money slot machines and both digital and live dealer table games.

Iowa Online Slot Machines

  • Buffalo Bounty
  • Louisiana Voodoo Queen
  • The Golden Inn
  • Mr. Macau
  • Dazzling Mardi Gras
  • Amazing Bass

Digital Table Games In Iowa

  • Super 7 Blackjack
  • Spanish 21
  • Craps
  • Caribbean Stud Poker
  • Three Card Rummy
  • Top Card Trumps

Live Dealer Iowa Table Games

  • Baccarat
  • Super 6
  • Blackjack
  • Roulette (American, European)

Online Poker Rooms In Iowa

Playing online poker in Iowa comes with ease as the online poker rooms are easy to come by and have plenty of benefits to them. The main one being that you’ll always find an open seat to play at in the many cash games that are offered every day. You’ll also get the in-person feel with some of their weekly and seasonal tournaments that they are offering. Something that you’ll be able to find on the online sites that you won’t find in person though are promotions where you can earn risk-free credits to play poker with.

Iowa Sports Betting Revenue

Since launching, Iowa sportsbooks have accepted over $4 billion in betting action. Because of an average hold rate, sportsbooks in Iowa have kept over $250m in pre-taxed revenue. This led to the Iowa government receiving $20 million in Iowa sports betting taxes. Active since August 2019, it wasn’t until 2021 that Iowa sportsbooks took off. Residents and tourists bet over $100 million during December 2020. But, Iowa sportsbooks now see closer to $250 million bet per month, especially in the NFL months.

  • May 2022: $12,630,387
  • April 2022: $12,398,243
  • March 2022: $14,411,046
  • February 2022: $8,579,100
  • January 2022: $14,269,557

Which Sportsbooks Are The Most Successful In Iowa?

The sportsbooks that take in the most bets in Iowa are Caesars, DraftKings, and FanDuel. Though each month is different, these Iowa sportsbooks often take in about 70% of all action. DraftKings is the leader with FanDuel just behind. As far as Iowa casinos with sportsbooks, these six are the clear leaders.

  • Diamond Jo Dubuque – $398.7 million
  • Isle Casino Hotel Waterloo – $350.5 million
  • Wild Rose Jefferson – $302.6 million
  • Diamond Jo Worth – $264.6 million
  • Prairie Meadows Racetrack & Casino – $247.7 million
  • Wild Rose Clinton – $235.6 million

Can I Bet Real Money On Sports In Iowa?

Yes. After all, money is the best thing to use. In fact, it’s the only thing to use! With various sports wagering venues and services about the state, you will find a plethora of sportsbooks that are willing to accept your action. Keep in mind that the majority of these books are supplied and operated by different companies, meaning if you want to increase your chances to win real money at an Iowa sportsbook, you should shop lines to find the best price around.

What Is the Sports Betting Age In Iowa?

The legal age at which one can wager on sports in Iowa is 21 years old. This goes for both state-licensed online sportsbooks and land-based sportsbooks in casinos. While online books accept members at 18, it’s important to defer to explicit sports betting age laws. This means that even if you sign up at an overseas sports betting site, you’ll want to be at least 21 before you do so.

Bovada Sports Betting

Cryptocurrency Online Betting Sites In Iowa

Cryptocurrency is one of the most popular accepted payment methods at some Iowa online betting sites. It is one of the most convenient payment methods that you could bet with for several reasons. First, all of the sites that take crypto are all compatible with a variety of crypto wallets that way you can directly link them to your account. They also do not have any transaction fees associated with them either. That said, you can choose from up to 17 different cryptos to bet with on some sites.

Deposit Methods For Iowa Online Sportsbooks

Making an online betting deposit comes very easily and without any hassle. The entire process from start to finish with any deposit method can take up to just 5 minutes on any given online betting site in Iowa. Regardless of which method you choose though or which online sportsbook, you’ll need to follow the processing times, transaction fees, and limits that can vary depending on which you choose.

  • Credit/Debit Card (VISA, MasterCard, AMEX, Discover)
  • MatchPay (Venmo, CashApp, Zelle, PayPal, etc.)
  • Cryptocurrency
  • Wire Transfer
  • Money Order
  • Voucher

 

Withdrawing From Iowa Betting Sites

Collecting your winnings from your online betting account in Iowa is just as simple and requires all of the same guidelines to be met such as fees, processing times, and limits. The things to note though come with your credit and debit cards as well as crypto. You won’t be able to withdrawal back to your debit cards and will need to choose one of the other online banking methods. Also, you will only be able to withdrawal with cryptocurrency if you made that initial deposit with that specific crypto.

  • Cryptocurrency
  • Voucher
  • Wire Transfer
  • Check By Courier
  • ECheck
  • Money Order
  • MatchPay

Where To Bet On Sports In Iowa

Iowans have a large selection when deciding where to find a sportsbook in Iowa. Iowa has 19 different sportsbooks peppered throughout the state for tourists and residents to visit and gamble on sports. However, if gambler don’t feel like going out to the venues to wager on the games, they can always use their mobile sports betting accounts from wherever they are. Below is a list of every Iowa sportsbook.

Altoona Iowa Sportsbooks

William Hill Sportsbook At Prairie Meadows Bet at the onsite betting parlor or with the downloadable William Hill sports betting app. Prairie Meadows is one of Iowa’s most esteemed gambling and horse racing destinations.

Bettendorf Iowa Sportsbooks

William Hill Sportsbook At Isle Casino Bettendorf The Isle Casino Bettendorf is located right across the river from Illinois via I-74. Like Prairie Meadows, Isle Casino runs its sports betting through William Hill, one of the top sports betting brands in the world.

Burlington Iowa Sportsbooks

PointsBet Sportsbook at Catfish Bend Casino Catfish Bend offers both retail betting at kiosks throughout the property and online betting through the PointsBet app. The best place to watch and enjoy sports after placing your bets is the Boogaloo Sports Bar & Grill.

Clinton Iowa Sportsbooks

Wild Rose Jefferson Sportsbook The DraftKings sportsbook at Wild Rose Clinton includes two full HD video walls, 21 total TVs, and four 84-inch screens to watch games on. The Wild Rose Clinton is located just across the Illinois-Iowa border along Highway 30.

Council Bluffs Iowa Sportsbooks

Ameristar Council Bluffs Sportsbook Ameristar is Iowa’s third-largest casino sportsbook. Wagering is handled at six self-service terminals and ten sports betting kiosks. The main Ameristar sportsbook is located within the Ameristar Bar, making it easy to grab some food and watch a game after making your bet. The Book at Horseshoe Council Bluffs Casino The Horseshoe Council Bluffs Casino is a subsidiary of Caesar Entertainment—one of the top gambling business organizations in the country. The Horseshoe has one of the top rewards programs in the state and a fast-growing sportsbook.

Davenport Iowa Sportsbooks

Elite Sportsbook at Rhythm City Casino The Rhythm City Casino sportsbook is located within the Draft Day Lounge and Bar. It features a 360-degree video screen, along with many other amenities.

Dubuque Iowa Sportsbooks

FanDuel Sportsbooks at Diamond Jo Dubuque Casino The FanDuel Sportsbook is the exclusive operator of sports betting at the Diamond Jo line of casinos. Diamond Jo offers well over 2,000 square feet of exclusive sports betting space with score tickets, self-service terminals, betting kiosks, and more.
Q Sportsbook at Q Casino The Q Casino Dubuque Sportsbook offers one of the widest selection of betting types in Iowa. Its 4,200 square foot sports betting space provides numerous seating options, great drinks and cocktails, and access to all major sports subscription services like NFL Sunday Ticket and MLB All-Access.

Emmetsburg Iowa Sportsbooks

Wild Rose Emmetsburg Casino Sportsbook The Wild Rose Emmetsburg Sportsbook is much like its Clinton counterpart, with a DraftKings partnership that allows great sports betting options. The sports betting hub is located right next to Coaches Corner Pizza, a subsidiary of one of the top pizza restaurants in Iowa.

Jefferson Iowa Sportsbooks

Wild Rose Jefferson Sportsbook Wild Rose’s third property is its Jefferson Casino & Resort. Its sports betting hub is the largest of any Wild Rose property, with 6,000 square feet of betting space, a 200-inch HD projector for major events, and dozens of TVs. The Wild Rose Jefferson is located at the intersection of Highway 4 and U.S. 30.

Larchwood Iowa Sportsbooks

Elite Sportsbook at Grand Falls Casino The Grand Falls Casino maintains one of the most technologically advanced and gorgeous sportsbooks in Iowa. The biggest draw is its VIP designation, which allows access to a private booth, six person VIP screens, and food and beer on demand.

Northwood Iowa Sportsbooks

FanDuel Sportsbook at Diamond Jo Worth Casino The FanDuel sportsbook at Diamond Jo Worth caters to intense, passionate sports fans. While its hours are shorter than many competing sportsbooks, the Diamond Jo Worth Casino is one of the top brands in the entire state for sports betting.

Osceola Iowa Sportsbooks

William Hill Sportsbook At Lakeside Casino Lakeside Casino sports betting is available both on location and online via the William Hill sportsbook app. One of the more interesting features of Lakeside Casino is its accommodations for personal RVs, maintaining an on-site RV park at all times.

Riverside Iowa Sportsbooks

Elite Sportsbook At Riverside Casino & Golf Resort The Grand Falls Casino maintains one of the most technologically advanced and gorgeous sportsbooks in Iowa. The biggest draw is its VIP designation, which allows access to a private booth, six person VIP screens, and food and beer on demand.

Sioux City Iowa Sportsbooks

Hard Rock Sioux City Sportsbook Hard Rock is one of the most recognizable entertainment brands in the world, and its Sioux City casino lives up that billing. It offers luxury, extravagance, and somewhat tasteless décor.

Tama Iowa Sportsbooks

Meskwaki Sportsbook

Waterloo Iowa Sportsbooks

William Hill Sportsbook at Isle Casino Hotel Waterloo The Isle Casino Hotel at Waterloo offers full-service sports betting courtesy of William Hill. Like other William Hill partners, players at Isle Casino can bet both online and in person. The Isle Casino at Waterloo is located just off exit 232 on U.S. 20.

Do IA Sportsbooks Accept Players Out Of State?

As long as you are in Iowa, you can use any of the land based or online sportsbooks that are offered. It has become popular for bettors in nearby states to make the trip. For example, Minnesota sports betting and Missouri sports betting have no local regulations. If you reside in either state, you can visit one of the land based books in these states or use offshore betting sites like Bovada while still inside of Iowa. Other nearby states with sports betting include:

  1. Wisconsin
  2. Illinois
  3. Indiana
  4. North Dakota
BetOnline Sportsbook

Iowa Sports Betting Apps

Iowa is a state with an incredible amount of mobile sportsbook apps. Even though they have since ceased operations, they were the first to have a Fubo Sportsbook. The gaming commission isn’t picky when offering Iowa sports betting apps to the public. Most recently, Superbook in Iowa launched. But, players can also download sportsbook apps Barstool, BetMGM, FanDuel, and more.

Casino: Operator: Online/Mobile Launch Date: Retail Launch Date:
Isle Bettendorf Casino Caesars Sportsbook August 15th, 2019 August 15th, 2019
Isle Waterloo Casino Caesars Sportsbook August 15th, 2019 August 15th, 2019
Prairie Meadows Casino Caesars Sportsbook August 15th, 2019 August 15th, 2019
Harrah’s Council Bluffs Casino Caesars Sportsbook August 15th, 2019 August 15th, 2019
Horseshoe Casino Caesars Sportsbook August 15th, 2019 August 15th, 2019
Grand Falls Casino Elite Sportsbook August 27th, 2019 August 15th, 2019
Rhythm City Casino Elite Sportsbook August 27th, 2019 August 15th, 2019
Riverside Casino Elite Sportsbook August 27th, 2019 August 15th, 2019
Q Casino Q Sportsbook November 12th, 2019 August 27th, 2019
Catfish Bend Casino PointsBet November 26th, 2019 August 15th, 2019
Hard Rock Sioux City Casino Hard Rock Sportsbook December 16th, 2019 September 20th, 2019
Wild Rose: Clinton Casino DraftKings February 19th, 2020 October 3rd, 2019
Wild Rose: Jefferson Casino DraftKings February 19th, 2020 October 3rd, 2019
Wild Rose: Emmetsburg Casino DraftKings February 19th, 2020 October 3rd, 2019
Diamond Jo Casino FanDuel September 9th, 2020 August 29th, 2019
Grand Falls Casino BetFred September 10th, 2020 September 10th, 2020
Diamond Jo Worth Casino BetMGM January 4th, 2021 August 29th, 2019
Wild Rose Casino BetRivers January 4th, 2021 N/A
Ameristar Casino theScore Bet February 16th, 2021 August 15th, 2019
Elite Casino Resort-Grand Falls Bally Bet June 29th, 2021 N/A
Casino Queen Marquette fubo Sportsbook September 23, 2021 CLOSED
Diamond Jo Casino Circa October 1st, 2021 N/A
Wild Rose Casino Betway October 8th, 2021 N/A
Lakeside Casino DRF Sportsbook January 25th, 2022 August 15th, 2019
Isle Casino Hotel Waterloo Superbook August 15, 2019 N/A

Caesars Sportsbook

While Caesars is one of the staples of online sports betting in Iowa, they do not have access to odds on either the Iowa Hawkeyes or the Iowa State Cyclones due to the state restrictions that are in place. They are partnered with many casinos around the state though including the Isle casino in Bettendorf and Waterloo, Prairie Meadows, Harrah’s in Council Bluff, and Horseshoe casino.

Elite Sportsbook

Elite Sportsbook does have some qualities that do give them an elite status, however, something that they do lack is the ability to make deposits and bet on sports using cryptocurrencies such as Bitcoin and Ethereum. They do offer other deposit methods that can be used either online or in person at one of the three retail locations.

Q Sportsbook

Q Sportsbook is a one-of-one sportsbook in Iowa that offers some nice betting odds to residents and visitors in the state. However, you will not be able to find any odds on any college sports team that is located in Iowa, or use any form of cryptocurrency to place your bets as this goes against the state restrictions. You can bet on in state teams and use crypto though with other books such as BetOnline or MyBookie.

PointsBet Sportsbook

PointsBet was also one of the first to launch their online betting platform in Iowa and also launched their retail book in August of 2019 in Catfish Bend. At PointsBet Iowa though, you will not be able to get a full-service betting experience when it comes to college sports as you cannot bet on any of your favorite Iowa college teams like the Hawkeyes or Cyclones.

Hard Rock Sportsbook

The Hard Rock is known around the world and it is not hard to see why they have their own online betting platform in Iowa. However, they do not allow you to bet with cryptocurrencies such as Bitcoin or Ethereum. Their retail sportsbook is located at the Hard Rock in Sioux City.

DraftKings Sportsbook

While DraftKings is one of the more successful online sportsbooks in the country, in Iowa, they do not offer all of the odds that they are capable of being that there are restrictions in place. Some of the most important odds that you cannot take action on are prop bets on players around the country. You can find these odds though at other online sportsbooks such as XBet or SportsBetting.

BetMGM Sportsbook

BetMGM has just one partnership that has led to a retail location in Iowa at the Diamond Jo Worth Casino. When betting either at their retail location or online, you cannot place any bets with cryptocurrency, or place bets on any college team that resides inside Iowa state lines. You can though place bets with crypto or on in state teams using one of the licensed online sportsbooks.

FanDuel Sportsbook

FanDuel also has just one retail location at a Diamond Jo casino and the Iowa sports betting restrictions apply there as well. However, no restrictions apply when you are looking to bet at other online sportsbooks including Bovada and SportsBetting. Some of those restrictions include not being able to bet on player prop odds for college players all around the country.

BetRivers Sportsbook

BetRivers does not have a retail location in Iowa, but they are partnered with Wild Rose Casino which allows them to offer an online betting service. While they do have promotions to take advantage of, they do not come around daily whereas, on BetOnline or SportsBetting, you can take advantage of a promotion every time you make a deposit into your account.

Circa Sportsbook

Circa also does not have any retail sportsbook locations as they only offer online betting odds. Where they differ mostly from one of the licensed online operators is that not only can you bet with Bitcoin and cryptocurrencies, but you can also take advantage of promotions with those currencies.

BetWay Sportsbook

BetWay offers their sports betting services to Iowa bettors in an online-only fashion as well. While they are one of the more recognizable brands due to their partnerships, their platform is not as simple to use as some of the others that offer almost every feature right from the moment you log on to their site.

Horse Racing Betting In Iowa

Prairie Meadows is the only remaining horse track in Iowa. (It’s also the first in-state IA venue to partner with a sportsbook operator – William Hill – in anticipation of sports betting legalization.) Situated in the city of Altoona, this “racino” offers pari-mutuel Thoroughbred and American Quarter Horse racing betting, simulcast horse and greyhound races, slot machines, and various casino-style table games. Although this is an option for bettors in Iowa, going to an online racebook is far more convenient than going to a physical location. If you go to an offshore site like BetOnline, you will be able to see racebooks from all over the country and make straight and exotic wagers as well. Online racebooks are the best way for you to enjoy horse racing in Iowa.

Daily Fantasy Sports In Iowa

Daily fantasy sports were considered to be illegal in the state prior to the passage of IA SF 617 – the same bill that legalized sports betting in Iowa. Now, operators are eligible to enter the state with a licensed behind their name, allowing residents to enter into both paid and unpaid daily fantasy sports contests. FanDuel and DraftKings are the two biggest daily fantasy operators in the country, so you better believe nobody took the news better than these gaming companies.

Legal Iowa Sports Betting FAQ’s

Is Online Sports Betting Safe In Iowa?

If you do it via a future state-sanctioned site or use a reputable offshore sportsbook, online Iowa sports betting is 100% safe. Because Bovada and its main competitors all use state-of-the-art encryption and data security protocols, you can rest easy knowing that hackers and scammers will have a really difficult time getting into your account. To date, there’s never been any data breach of consequence among the big online sportsbooks, and these companies all have a vested interest in keeping your money safe and accessible on their end.

Will I Get Arrested For Sports Betting In Iowa?

Almost certainly not. Internet sports bettors are not at much risk to be victimized by the government, and to date, there are no reports of anyone in Iowa ever being arrested for betting on sports with an online sportsbook. However, if you’re overly concerned about the (exceedingly slim) possibility, you can always deposit using Bitcoin for greater anonymity and peace of mind. While local legal options are rolling out in IA, it is unlikely that any of them will support Bitcoin or other cryptocurrencies. For maximum anonymity and privacy, online offshore sportsbooks remain better than state-based options.

Where Is The Best Place To Bet On Sports In Iowa?

In our eyes, the internet is always the best place to bet on sports in Iowa. Between the convenience of being able to shop lines all at once, not having to visit a sportsbook, and being able to be comfortable in your own home, there isn’t much to improve this situation. However, if being amongst the crowd at a sportsbook is for you, there are plenty of land-based venues for you to choose from. Each of them has their own benefits and drawbacks, so use our reviews of each book to see which one is best for you.

Should I Use A Local Bookie In Iowa?

Not even once. Remember, even though IA just legalized sports betting within its borders, bookmakers still have to be licensed and regulated by the state if they do business on Iowa soil. (Offshore books are exempt from this requirement.) A local bookie accepting bets within the state of Iowa would be knowingly violating several serious state laws and you could easily get caught up in that mess. And if you get caught and have to clean up that mess, your legal expenses will likely outweigh all of your combined winnings. Sports betting is about probabilities and odds, and taking such a big risk on a local bookie simply isn’t worth it. Save your money, enjoy your freedom, and bet at an online sportsbook or state-licensed venue instead.

Do Any Casinos In Iowa Have Sports Betting?

There are 19 active casinos in Iowa and they offer the gamut of the familiar card and table games as well as sports betting. Almost half of the casinos launched their sportsbook on the state’s opening day, August 15, 2019, but sportsbooks can be found pretty much all over the state. With mobile betting, these platforms are associated with these casinos and are exactly what you would find if you visited the land-based counterpart.

Can I Bet On Sports With My Friends In Iowa?

According to Iowa Code § 99B.45, social gaming between individuals is allowed. This includes sports betting and various other “[g]ames of skill and games of chance, except casino-style games other than poker.” There is one caveat to consider, though, and that’s the fact that Iowa has placed a $200 limit on the amount any private person can win from any other(s) over a single 24-hour period. This seems impossible to enforce, but just know that if you win $300 off some sourpuss by picking the Packers over the Vikings, he can go to the police and get them to make you give him back his money. Betting with losers is fun. Betting with sore losers, not so much.