The only form of Iowa online gambling passed is sports betting and Daily Fantasy Sports (DFS), which were legalized in May 2019 when Governor Kim Reynolds signed SF 617 into law, allowing DFS platforms, online, and retail sportsbooks to launch in the state.
Online casino gaming and online poker remain illegal, but the state has several riverboat casinos and racinos where poker, slots, and table games are offered. Iowa also has a state lottery with retailers in each of its 99 counties, making buying tickets a breeze.
It took less than three months for the Iowa Racing and Gaming Commission, the state’s oversight body for sports betting, to create the regulations to launch a safe and legal market in the Hawkeye State. Eighteen sportsbook apps have launched, with various operators available to IA bettors. In January 2022, Iowa became the 10th to pass the $3 billion mark in total handle.
Iowa has a diverse online gambling market with many options, which can make finding the right way to gamble a challenge. Luckily, our team of gambling experts at Techopedia.com has compiled a guide to IA gambling to get you started. Keep reading to learn about the IA online gambling legislation, the types of gambling available, and in-person and online venues. We’ll also provide information on the best IA gambling bonuses and promotions to get you started.
Top 17 Online Gambling Sites in Iowa
- DraftKings – Best Iowa online gambling site
- Caesars – Best odds boosts and promotions
- BetMGM – Best sportsbook rewards program
- BetRivers – Top customer support options
- Betfred – Generous welcome bonus
- FanDuel – Wide variety of gambling platforms
- PointsBet – Unique Points Betting feature
- Tipico – Top site for boosted odds
- Betway – Widest variety of sports markets
- DRF Sportsbook – Excellent integration with horse racing betting
- Circa Sports – Top app-only gambling platform
- Bally Bet – Exclusive social play feature
- Barstool – Top “Barstool exclusives”
- Elite Sportsbook – Top progressive parlays
- Hard Rock – Best sports betting interface
- Q Sportsbook – Top prizes for the loyalty program
- SuperBook – Fastest payouts in IA
1. DraftKings – Best Iowa Online Gambling Site
DraftKings Inc. launched its leading online sports betting platform, DraftKings Sportsbook, in Iowa in 2020. After starting as a Daily Fantasy Sports (DFS) platform in 2012, the company expanded into the sports betting market in 2018.
DraftKings offers Iowa bettors a user-friendly mobile app with seamless navigation and several betting features. The integrated betting platform also allows you to easily switch between betting on sports games and playing daily fantasy games.
DraftKings is an authorized gaming operator for the MLB and NBA, Iowa bettors can find exclusive promotions and bonuses while betting online or in-person at the retail sportsbooks in Wild Rose Casino properties around the state.
2. Caesars – Best odds boosts and promotions
Caesars Sportsbook Iowa is owned by Caesars Entertainment, an operator of land-based casinos and sportsbooks in the US and other countries. The Caesars’ betting site launched in Iowa on August 15, 2019, the state’s first day of online sports gambling.
Caesars has a super responsive app that allows users to take advantage of features like early cashout, live betting, and odd boosts. The sportsbook offers a special rewards program, Caesars Rewards, which allows Iowa bettors to earn points that they can redeem for cash and other benefits.
Caesars provides six retail sportsbooks at land-based casinos in Iowa, including Lakeside, Harrah’s, and Prairie Meadows Racetrack, the state’s sole racing facility.
3. BetMGM – Best sportsbook rewards program
BetMGM is an online sportsbook owned and operated by MGM Resorts International, which debuted in Iowa in January 2021. Entain, one of the biggest gambling operators globally, also backs the betting site.
BetMGM’s search functionality, speed, and design make its website easy to navigate, and bettors can wager on over 20 sports on the platform. The sportsbook’s integrated rewards program allows you to earn points for every bet placed and unlock free bets and on-property benefits at MGM Resorts nationwide.
BetMGM is an official betting partner of the MLB. This allows Iowa bettors to access special promotions on games involving the nearby Kansas City Royals.
4. BetRivers – Top customer support options
Rush Street Interactive operates the BetRivers Sportsbook, which launched in Iowa in 2021 through a partnership with Wild Rose Casino.
You can find easy navigation, live streaming, and unique parlay betting features when you use BetRivers. The sportsbook also provides excellent customer support, allowing you to get in touch through live chat and email 24/7.
BetRivers offers a special rewards program called iRush Rewards, where bettors earn loyalty points which they can use to claim bonuses, expedited withdrawals, and other exclusive perks.
Currently, BetRivers does not operate a retail sportsbook in IA but is partnered with the local Wild Rose Casino chain.
5. Betfred – Generous welcome bonus
With more than 50 years of experience in the gambling industry, UK-based betting site Betfred has plenty to offer Iowa bettors. It launched in IA in 2020 through a licensing partnership with Grand Falls Casino Resort. The sportsbook went offline at the end of 2021 before relaunching in 2022.
Betfred is only available as a mobile app, which provides you with a clean and intuitive interface for betting. For more than 15 sports, you can place in-play bets, parlays, futures, and props. Anyone that signs up in Iowa can claim its generous welcome offer, allowing you to claim free bets for your first few deposits.
6. FanDuel – Wide variety of gambling platforms
While FanDuel has been a well-known DFS operator since its launch in 2009, it reached new heights when Flutter Entertainment acquired it in 2018. The company pushed the brand into the online sports betting industry, with FanDuel Sportsbook launching in IA in September 2020. The sportsbook partnered with both Diamond Jo properties in the Hawkeye State before going live.
FanDuel’s Android and iOS mobile apps offer a great user experience, maintaining the website’s layout and providing features like live betting, early cash outs, and same-game parlays for more than a dozen major sports.
FanDuel Sportsbook is integrated with its DFS platform and TVG, its pari-mutuel horse racing betting site. You can watch horse racing live streams, build DFS teams for major league sports, and place bets with one account and shared wallet.
7. PointsBet – Unique Points Betting feature
PointsBet Sportsbook Iowa is owned by Australian gaming company PointsBet Holdings Limited. The platform launched in Iowa in November 2019 with Catfish Bend Casino as a licensed partner.
PointsBet stands out for its unique Points Betting feature, where potential earnings are variable, and bettors can easily multiply earnings based on how right their bet is.
The sportsbook offers generous promotions exclusive to Iowa bettors, including boosted parlay payouts, money-back offers, increased odds, and reward points on real money wagers.
PointsBet is also the official partner of the NHL, giving hockey fans residing in Iowa a chance to enjoy unique betting insights and exclusive picks.
8. Tipico – Top side for boosted odds
Tipico Sportsbook is operated by the Tipico Group, an international sports betting company launched in Europe in 2004. The sportsbook went live in Iowa in January 2023, forming a partnership with Isle Casino Hotel Bettendorf.
Tipico’s mobile app provides efficient navigation and a fluid betting interface featuring up to 30 different sports. Iowa bettors can access features such as same-game parlays, boosted odds, partial cash out, and in-game betting action.
You can join the platform’s VIP players program and earn rewards such as personalized perks, exclusive benefits, and valuable promotions. Tipico is also one of the best gambling sites in Iowa for free and regular odds boosts.
9. Betway – Widest variety of sports markets
Betway Sportsbook Iowa, launched in October 2021, is operated by SGHC, an online gambling operator traded on the New York Stock Exchange. The sportsbook is partnered with Wild Rose casino to offer mobile betting across Iowa.
Betway’s mobile app is optimized for Android and iOS devices and offers seamless navigation tools. The app also features live betting, same-game parlays, and a variety of prop bets, allowing users to bet on a wide range of sports. It provides a particularly excellent range of European sports thanks to its background.
Iowa bettors can benefit from the Betway Plus loyalty program, where you can redeem points accrued for real money wagers for loyalty bonuses, free bets, and credits.
10. Circa Sports – Top app-only gambling platform
Circa Resort & Casino in Las Vegas operates Circa Sports as its online sports betting brand. The platform became available to Iowa bettors in October 2021 after partnering with Wild Rose Casino & Resort to comply with Iowa’s online gambling regulations.
You can only access the Circa Sports platform through its mobile app, which provides a variety of betting options of professional and college sports. The app’s layout is basic, which makes it perfect for new bettors.
Circa Sports lets you place a wide range of wagers, including future parlays. You can add local teams to your bet slip like the University of Iowa Hawkeyes and the Iowa State University Cyclones, betting on these teams to win conferences for football and basketball.
11. Bally Bet – Exclusive social play features
Bally’s Corporation launched Bally Bet’s Iowa sportsbook product in June 2021, with Elite Casino Resorts – Grand Falls as the platform’s land-based licensing partner.
The Bally Bet Iowa gambling app stands out for its social betting function, which allows friends to compete and replicate each other’s wagers with a single click.
The platform also offers the Bally Rewards loyalty program, which allows Iowa bettors to earn points and redeem them for gaming, dining, retail, and other amenities at Bally’s country-wide gaming venues.
Residents of Iowa can bet on about a dozen sports at Bally Bet, including college athletics games featuring the Drake Bulldogs, Northern Iowa Panthers, and the Hawkeyes.
12. DRF Sportsbook – Excellent integration with horse racing betting
DRF Sportsbook belongs to the Sports Information Group, a New York-based gaming company that runs the Daily Racing Form, DRF Bets, and DRF Cash Grab brands. The sportsbook launched its Iowa online gambling product in January 2022 through a partnership with Lakeside Hotel and Casino.
You can download the DRF Iowa Sportsbook mobile app on Google Play Store or App Store and access its well-presented and user-friendly array of betting markets. The platform allows bettors in the Hawkeye state to wager on over 15 US and international sports.
The sportsbook is fully integrated with the DRF Bets Racebook, allowing customers in Iowa to place bets on the popular modern horse racing platform.
13. Barstool – Top “Barstool exclusives”
The Barstool name is best known for its sports journalism, but since the brand was acquired by Penn Entertainment Inc (formerly Penn National Gaming), it has become the face of a top-quality sportsbook. The betting platform launched its Iowa product in November 2021 via Ameristar Casino as a land-based partner.
Barstool’s mobile app lets bettors quickly navigate between upcoming events, a retractable betting slip, and a sidebar of optimized betting menus. The platform features several standard betting options and more unique features like “Barstool exclusives” and “boosted bets” with higher payouts.
Barstool offers Iowa bettors significant added value through its promotions, including a loyalty program that awards risk-free bets, exclusive picks, and other perks.
14. Elite Sportsbook – Top progressive parlays
Elite Sportsbook launched in Hawkeye state in August 2019. The Elite Hospitality Group owns the platform, which also operates land-based gaming destinations such as Rhythm City and Riverside Casino & Golf Resort in Iowa.
Elite’s Iowa sports gambling app is available on App Store and Google Play Store and provides players with straightforward ways to place wagers, get support, and make deposits.
The sportsbook offers Iowa bettors an exclusive Progressive Parlays feature, which allows them to still win even after losing one leg of a 4+ leg parlay. This feature is valid for basketball or football point spreads and can be applied to games involving the University of Iowa Hawkeyes.
15. Hard Rock – Best sports betting interface
Hard Rock Sportsbook Iowa is operated by the Seminole Tribe, which also oversees the Hard Rock Hotel and Casino Sioux City. Hard Rock operates several award-winning gaming destinations and is famous for its rock-and-roll-themed casinos, hotels, and restaurants. The sportsbook became available to Iowa bettors in December 2019.
Hard Rock’s mobile sportsbook app features an innovative, easy-to-follow interface allowing quick and seamless access to a wide range of betting options.
You can wager on early lines, same-game parlays, and futures on popular college sports teams and widely-followed nearby major pro teams like the Kansas City Royals. The sportsbook also offers local promotions unique to Iowa residents.
16. Q Sportsbook – Top prizes for loyalty program
The popular Q Casino and Hotel in Dubuque launched its own online sports betting platform in Iowa in August 2019, Q Sportsbook. It was the third online sportsbook to go live, and is one of the few local brands available in the Hawkeye State.
Q only accepts sports bets through its app, which has an intuitive interface and allows you to bet on more than 15 sports. You can also participate in the Q Rewards programs for bettors in Iowa and earn prizes such as exclusive promotions, birthday presents, and complimentary hotel rooms.
17. SuperBook – Fastest payouts in IA
Superbook Sportsbook in Iowa is the online platform of the Westgate Casino, named after its world-famous retail sportsbook in Las Vegas. The online gambling platform entered the Iowa market in 2022 by partnering with land-based casino Isle Casino Hotel Waterloo.
Superbook’s mobile app is compatible with Android and iOS operating systems and offers quick access to a betting menu with more than 15 sports. You can access unique features like live betting, early cashouts on select events, and odd boosts.
Superbook offers bettors in Iowa a 100% first wager bonus match of up to $250, which can be used to bet on Iowa State Cyclones games in Women’s NCAA basketball.
Iowa Gambling Legislation Timeline
Gambling in Iowa began with the passage of the 1983 Pari-Mutuel Wagering Act, which allowed racetracks to open in the state and created the Iowa Racing and Gaming Commission to oversee regulations.
In 1991, the state became the first in the country to legalize riverboat casinos. It liberalized the state gambling law in 1994 to remove restrictions, expand their operations, and allow them to permanently doc. This 1994 law also allowed IA pari-mutuel racetracks to offer electronic gaming machines, and a decade later, in 2004, table games were legalized at racetracks.
Finally, after the US Supreme Court decided to overturn the Professional and Amateur Sports Protection Act of 1992, Iowa lawmakers gained the power to legalize sports betting at the state level. The advancement of technology and this massive shift in federal law ended with the launch of legal sports betting in Iowa in May 2019.
- March 30, 2018: Representative Jake Highfill proposes legislation in advance of the US Supreme Court decision on PASPA to legalize sports betting.
- May 18, 2018: The US Supreme Court overturns PASPA, giving states the right to legalize sports betting.
- April 2019: Iowa lawmakers from both houses pass SF 617, which legalizes retail and online sports betting in the Hawkeye State with an in-person registration requirement for online betting.
- May 2019: Governor Kim Reynolds signs SF 617 into law, making Iowa the 11th state to legalize sports betting. The Iowa Racing and Gaming Commission is given oversight powers on the new market.
- August 15, 2019: Retail and online sportsbooks launch in Iowa.
- December 2019: IRGC reports that the monthly betting handle in IA has surpassed nine figures at $104,000,000.
- January 2021: The in-person registration requirement for Iowa online sports gambling expires, allowing bettors to wager online without going to a retail sportsbook.
- March 2022: The Iowa General Assembly passes HF 2497 to legalize eSports betting.
Iowa Online Gambling Regulation
The Iowa Racing and Gaming Commission (IRGC) oversees all Iowa sports gambling regulations, including licensing the state’s sports betting operators, pari-mutuel race tracks, and casinos. This includes regulating Iowa online gambling sites and facilities to ensure the safety of players and operators’ adherence to the law.
The commission was created by the Pari-Mutuel Wagering Act of 1983. It comprises five members chosen by the Governor and approved by the Iowa Senate. With the launch of sports gambling in Iowa in 2019, its remit was expanded to include oversight of sportsbooks.
FAQs
Do you have to be an Iowa resident to gamble?
What is the minimum gambling age in Iowa?
Are you allowed to bet on college sports in Iowa?
Can I use e-wallets in IA?
Can I bet on the NBA in IA?
Online Gambling Bonuses in Iowa
It is common for Iowa online gambling sites to offer bonuses to customers to entice them to join the site or reward existing customers’ loyalty. As Iowa has a competitive market with plenty of operators, plenty of bonuses are available for bettors.
IA gambling operators constantly change their bonuses to keep things interesting for players. To see the latest bonuses and promotions available, click a link to an operator on this site and head to its promotions page to see the latest Iowa gambling bonuses. See below for a list of the most common bonuses for Iowa players.
Welcome Bonuses
Iowa online gambling operators offer a welcome bonus to entice new customers to sign up with the platform by offering exclusive promotions. Welcome bonuses give you additional bonus funds, which you can use to try out a platform. You can also keep any winnings you make from these bonus funds, subject to terms and conditions like wagering requirements and time limits.
Deposit Match Bonuses
With a deposit match bonus, an online gambling site will credit your account balance with bonus funds equal to a percentage of your deposit. Some gambling sites will match your deposit up to 100%, which essentially doubles your stake. These bonuses are often subject to wagering requirements, so make sure you check the terms and conditions, like wagering requirements, before you redeem a deposit match bonus, so you are aware of them.
No Deposit Bonuses
No deposit bonuses are given by an online gambling site simply for signing up. You don’t need to make an initial deposit to claim the bonus. However, most online gambling sites require you to deposit into your account before you cash out any bonus winnings. No deposit bonuses usually come with terms and conditions like wagering requirements but allow you to test a site for free.
Loyalty Programs
IA gambling sites love to reward loyal customers, so often will operate a rewards program where you can earn points while betting and exchange them for various prizes. These prizes vary between operators but can involve betting prizes, like free bets and spins or bonus funds, or can be exchanged for real-life prizes, like hotel stays, meals, and flights.
Referral Bonuses
Many Iowa online gambling sites will offer referral bonuses encouraging users to recommend their friends to sign-up for its platform. When claiming a referral bonus, the referrer and referred will receive a bonus, which could be in the form of additional bonus funds, free bets, free spins, or loyalty points.
Cashback
Cashback offers allow you to receive a percentage of your stake back if your wager is unsuccessful. These offers are usually given to new customers to encourage them to sign up and deposit into their accounts or as part of loyalty programs. With loyalty program cashback, high rollers often receive a larger percentage of their stake back as cash should their bets lose.
Bonus Codes
Iowa online gambling sites will also offer bonus codes to entice players to deposit on its platform. Bonus codes unlock exclusive promotions that players can only redeem with a specific combination of letters or numbers that can be entered when signing up or depositing. Not all offers require a code, but bonus codes are an excellent way for Iowa bettors to get exclusive promotions.
How to Register with Gambling Sites in Iowa
Signing up for Iowa gambling site is quick and easy, and you’ll be playing after a few simple sets. All you’ll need is some personal details, a copy of your photo ID, and proof of address. Follow our guide below to register with IA online gambling sites.
1. Click on any link to an operator on this page.
2. Select the “sign-up” or “join” option on the homepage.
3. Enter some personal details, like first name, address, and mobile. Also, select a username and password.
4. Enter your bonus code if you have one to receive your welcome bonus.
5. Once registered, head to the cashier section, select a payment method to deposit, and follow the instructions to fund your account.
6. Return to the lobby, select the markets you want to make, add it to your betslip, and place your bets.
7. If you’re a lucky winner, revisit the cashier section to withdraw. Select your preferred payment method and follow the instructions to withdraw.
Ensure that your geolocation services are turned on if you are gambling on your mobile, as the sportsbook will need to verify that you are within state lines. If you aren’t prompted to do this upon registration, allow your IA gambling app to detect your location in your device settings.
To prevent fraud and underage gambling, you must upload copies of your photo ID and some proof of address to verify your identity. You won’t be able to withdraw while this process is completed, but you’ll still be able to deposit and place bets.
Iowa Online and Mobile Gambling
Bettors in the Hawkeye State have various online gambling options, with sportsbooks offering wagering through bettor’s computers, cell phones, and tablets. Read below for an overview of the different platforms you can gamble on.
Desktop Gambling
Experiencing the thrill of gambling in Iowa from home couldn’t be easier with IA online gambling sites. You can use your computer to access any of the 18 online sportsbooks legal in the Hawkeye State by clicking any link to an operator on this page. Using its desktop client, you’ll be able to browse markets, place bets, and access your account settings in a convenient layout, with everything accessible from your computer screen.
Mobile Gambling
Gambling on the go is a dream in IA, with all 18 online sportsbooks also offering a robust HTML5-optimized mobile site and native apps for iOS and Android. To access mobile sports betting in Iowa, either head to its mobile site by clicking a link on this page from your mobile device or download its native app.
Mobile sports gambling sites in Iowa will optimize to the size of your screen through its HTML5 technology, allowing you to access all the desktop site features from your mobile device. For a more robust experience, IA sports gambling apps are installed directly to your device and offer a more immersive experience for mobile, push notifications to stay up to date with the latest offers, and usually offer better connectivity.
Iowa Online Gambling Payment Methods
Iowa online gambling operators accept various popular payment methods, allowing you to deposit and withdraw funds from your gambling account safely. From bank cards to e-wallets, you can choose a payment method that suits your needs and offers secure payments and fast withdrawals. Below are a few popular payment methods offered by IA online gambling platforms.
- Online Banking: Make deposits and withdrawals to an Iowa gambling site connected to your bank for super-secure payments.
- Credit and Debit cards: Using bank cards like Visa, Mastercard, and Discover offer secure transactions but might be blocked by your bank, especially if you come from a state where gambling isn’t legal.
- e-Wallets: Popular e-wallets like PayPal and Skrill are accepted at Iowa gambling sites. These payment options offer the fastest withdrawal times.
- Prepaid Cards: Prepaid cards like Play+ and PayNearMe are similar to gift cards and can be funded at main-street stores like CVS and 7-Eleven. Some operators, like Caesars, have partnerships with Play+ that allow you to use your bet winnings to pay for everyday purchases wherever the Discover card is accepted.
- Wire and Bank Transfer: Many Iowa gambling sites will allow you to fund your account by wire and bank transfer, offering extremely secure payment. These methods may take extra time to process, however.
- Casino Cage: Iowa online gambling sites that partner with a land-based casino may allow you to deposit and withdraw your online gambling account at the casino cage or a retail sportsbook counter.
Deposits are usually instant, but withdrawal processing times depend on your selected banking method and the operator’s withdrawal times. Withdrawals typically take a few hours for e-Wallets and a few business days for bank transfers.
Responsible Gambling in Iowa
Under Iowa betting laws, every operator in Iowa must offer various responsible gambling tools to help bettors control their gambling habits. Tools like deposit, loss, and wager limits, reality checks, session limits, and voluntary self-exclusion are available to players in Iowa.
If players feel their gambling is a problem, Iowa operates a self-exclusion program that bans players from creating an account at any sportsbook or retail casino in Iowa. To do this, you’ll need to fill in and submit a form, which can be done via mail or e-mail.
Every Iowa gambling site offers extensive problem gambling resources, including guides to its responsible gambling tools and links to third-party resources and organizations. Read below for a few of the most prominent third-party responsible gambling organizations in IA.
Iowa Problem Gambling Resources
Iowa Sports Betting
While Iowa isn’t home to any major league professional sports teams, many fans still want to wager on the major leagues in the Hawkeye State. Luckily, Iowa sports betting sites have various markets to keep you satisfied, including NFL, NBA, MLB, and NHL action. In addition, the state’s collegiate athletic programs, including the University of Iowa, Iowa State University, Drake University, and Northern Iowa University, compete throughout the year and are available for wagering. Read below for our overview of the most popular markets at the best online sportsbooks.
- NFL: While there are no NFL teams in Iowa, the state has plenty of gridiron fans thanks to its college football prowess. Chicago Bears, Minnesota Vikings, Green Bay Packers, and Kansas City Chiefs all have fans in the state and attract significant betting interest. NFL bettors can choose from many markets at Iowa sportsbooks, like moneylines, points spread, and totals.
- NBA: Iowa is a hotbed of basketball thanks to the thriving college programs at Iowa State University and the University of Iowa. Despite not having a team to call its own, it also hosts the Iowa Wolves, the G-League affiliate of the Minnesota Timberwolves. Iowa bettors looking for great basketball markets should click any link to a sportsbook on this page to be redirected to an operator with plenty of markets, like totals, parlays, and futures, like Iowa Hawkeye alum Keegan Murray to be selected for the All-Star Game.
- MLB: Iowa does not have a Major League Baseball team of its own, but there is still plenty of interest in baseball wagering with the state’s bettors. With markets like runlines, starting pitcher markets, futures on the World Series champion, AL & NL Pennants, and divisional titles available for wagering, baseball fans will have plenty of markets to choose from with Iowa gambling sites.
- NHL: While there is no team in the National Hockey League in Iowa, the state does host a minor-league affiliate of the Minnesota Wild, the Iowa Wild. Most sportsbooks will have plenty of markets available on the NHL, including puck lines, props, and totals.
- NCAA: Iowa is home to two of the country’s most prestigious college athletics programs, the Iowa State University Cyclones and the University of Iowa Hawkeyes. While individual player props are restricted for gambling in Iowa, sportsbooks will still offer various markets on collegiate action throughout the year, including all college football and basketball action.
- International sports: Most sportsbooks will offer an expanded menu of wagering options, including European soccer, basketball, and ice hockey.
- Minor leagues: In addition to major professional sports leagues, many IA gambling sites will offer bets on various minor leagues, like XFL and Canadian Football League (CFL action on the gridiron, International League (IL) and Pacific League (PL) action in minor league baseball, and the Western Hockey League (WHL).
- Other sports: Other popular sports with IA bettors include mixed martial arts competitions like the Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC), NASCAR Cup Series, Indy Car Series, tennis, golf, and Major League Soccer (MLS).
Types of Bets Available in Iowa
If you’re new to sports betting in Iowa, the range of markets can be daunting, so to help you get started, read our guide to common bet types available at most sportsbooks below.
- Moneylines: A simple and easy-to-understand market, moneyline bets simply involve bettors predicting who will win an event. Every IA online gambling site will offer moneylines on major league professional and collegiate sports.
- Point Spreads: Points spread bets require the favorite to overcome a handicap, or imaginary points deficit, to ‘cover the spread.’ To win a points-spread bet, you’ll either need the favorite to win by more than the spread or the underdog to lose by less than the spread.
- Totals: Another popular wager on various sports is totals bets, where your sportsbook will set a total for a specific statistic. To win a total bet, bettors must accurately predict whether the total will be over or under that total.
- Player Props: Player proposition bets, or player props, are not made on the game’s score but on an individual player’s performance. For example, whether a running back will rush for over 200 yards in a game. Player props on college games are restricted for gambling in Iowa, so you can only make these wagers on professional action.
- Team Props: Like player props, team props are wagers made on a team’s performance in an event, like whether a team will be able to score more than three touchdowns or two goals in a period in an NHL game.
- Futures: A futures bet is a wager on a significant event in the future, like who will win the Super Bowl or who will be crowned NBA MVP. The earlier you place futures bets, the better odds you’ll receive.
- Parlays: Parlays combine multiple wagers into a single wager that only pays out if every prediction is correct. Parlays can be placed in various events in a single game.
Retail Sportsbooks in Iowa
Sportsbook | Land-Based Partner | Address |
Barstool Sportsbook | Ameristar Council Bluffs | 2200 River Rd, Council Bluffs, IA 51501 |
PointsBet Sportsbook | Catfish Bend Casino Riverside | 3001 Winegard Dr, Burlington, IA 52601 |
Betfred Sportsbook | Grand Falls Casino & Golf Resort | 1415 Grand Falls Blvd, Larchwood, IA 51241 |
HardRock Sportsbook | Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Sioux City | 111 3rd St, Sioux City, IA 51101 |
Caesars Sportsbook | Harrah’s Council Bluffs | 1 Harrah’s Blvd, Council Bluffs, IA 51501 |
Caesars Sportsbook | Horseshoe Council Bluffs | 2701 23rd Ave, Council Bluffs, IA 51501 |
Caesars Sportsbook | Isle Casino Hotel Bettendorf | 1777 Isle Pkwy, Bettendorf, IA 52722 |
Caesars Sportsbook | Isle Casino Hotel Waterloo | 777 Isle of Capri Blvd, Waterloo, IA 50701 |
DRF Sportsbook | Lakeside Hotel Casino | 777 Casino Drive, Osceola, IA 50213 |
Caesars Sportsbook | Prairie Meadows | 1 Prairie Meadows Dr, Des Moines, IA 50009 |
Q Sportsbook | Q Casino and Hotel | 1855 Greyhound Park Rd, Dubuque, IA 52001 |
Elite Sportsbook | Rhythm City Casino Resort | 7077 Elmore Avenue, Davenport, IA 52807 |
DraftKings Sportsbook | Wild Rose Casino & Resort | 777 Wild Rose Dr, Clinton, IA 52732 |
DraftKings Sportsbook | Wild Rose Casino & Resort, Emmetsburg | 777 Main St, Emmetsburg, IA 50536 |
DraftKings Sportsbook | Wild Rose Casino & Resort, Jefferson | 777 Wild Rose Rd, Jefferson, IA 50129 |
FanDuel Sportsbook | Diamond Jo Casino – Dubuque | 301 Bell St, Dubuque, IA 52001 |
FanDuel Sportsbook | Diamond Jo Casino – Worth | 777 Diamond Jo Ln, Northwood, IA 50459 |
Elite Sportsbook | Riverside Casino and Golf Resort | 3184 IA-22, Riverside, IA 52327 |
Iowa Sports Betting Bonuses
With sports betting legal and available in Iowa, many of the state’s sportsbooks offer promotions to keep players interested throughout the year. These promotions constantly change to keep players engaged, so to see the up-to-date list of promotions, click on a link to a sportsbook on this page and check out its promotions page. Read our guide below for some of the most common types of sportsbook bonuses.
- Free Bet: A free bet offer gives you bet credits that you can use for betting instead of money. Any profit you make is eligible for withdrawal but does not include the value of your free bet.
- Risk-Free Bet: A risk-free bet is a promotion where a sportsbook will offer you free bet credits up to the value of your stake if your bet is unsuccessful. These free bet credits can be placed on its markets, and you can keep any profit you make minus the value of the free bet.
- Odds Boost: Some of the best sportsbooks for gambling in Iowa offer odds boosts, where specific selections of teams or events might be part of a promotion to increase their odds.
- Parlay Insurance: Losing a parlay by one leg is one of the worst feelings while wagering. Luckily, some Iowa sports betting sites offer parlay insurance, which allows you to claim a free bet if your parlay is successful in all but one leg.
Iowa Casinos
There are 25 casinos in Iowa; the IRGC regulates 19, and federally recognized tribes operate four. Iowa has two racinos at Prairie Downs & Q Casino & Hotel. 12 of these locations also host off-track-betting locations regulated by the IRGC.
Iowa was the first state to legalize riverboat casino gambling, with operators launching locations in April 1991. In 1994, the legislation was liberalized to allow riverboats to be permanently docked on moored barges that float in man-made basins or water. There are now 16 riverboat casinos in Iowa.
Lawmakers legalized electronic gaming machines at IA pari-mutuel race tracks in 1994, and the law was amended in 2004 for race-track casinos (or racinos) to offer table games.
Which Casino Games Can You Play in IA?
You’ll find plenty of casino games when you visit Iowa’s brick-and-mortar casinos. Check out some of the most popular games with IA gamblers below.
- Slots
- Progressive slots
- Video poker
- Poker
- Baccarat
- Blackjack
- Roulette
- Baccarat
Land-Based Casinos in Iowa
Ameristar Council Bluffs | 2200 River Rd, Council Bluffs, IA 51501 |
Blackbird Bend Casino | 17214 210th St, Onawa, IA 51040 |
Blackbird Bend Casino | 17214 210th St, Onawa, IA 51040 |
Casino & Golf Resort | 3184 IA-22, Riverside, IA 52327 |
Casino Queen Marquette | 100 Anti Monopoly, Marquette, IA 52158 |
Catfish Bend Casino Riverside | 3001 Winegard Dr, Burlington, IA 52601 |
Grand Falls Casino & Golf Resort | 1415 Grand Falls Blvd, Larchwood, IA 51241 |
Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Sioux City | 111 3rd St, Sioux City, IA 51101 |
Harrah’s Council Bluffs | 1 Harrah’s Blvd, Council Bluffs, IA 51501 |
Horseshoe Council Bluffs | 2701 23rd Ave, Council Bluffs, IA 51501 |
Isle Casino Hotel Bettendorf | 1777 Isle Pkwy, Bettendorf, IA 52722 |
Isle Casino Hotel Waterloo | 777 Isle of Capri Blvd, Waterloo, IA 50701 |
Lakeside Hotel Casino | 777 Casino Drive, Osceola, IA 50213 |
Meskwaki Casino Hotel | 1504 305th St, Tama, IA 52339 |
Prairie Flower Casino | 1031 Avenue H, Council Bluffs, IA 51510 |
Prairie Meadows | 1 Prairie Meadows Dr, Des Moines, IA 50009 |
Q Casino and Hotel | 1855 Greyhound Park Rd, Dubuque, IA 52001 |
Rhythm City Casino Resort | 7077 Elmore Avenue, Davenport, IA 52807 |
Wild Rose Casino & Resort | 777 Wild Rose Dr, Clinton, IA 52732 |
Wild Rose Casino & Resort, Emmetsburg | 777 Main St, Emmetsburg, IA 50536 |
Wild Rose Casino & Resort, Jefferson | 777 Wild Rose Rd, Jefferson, IA 50129 |
Winnavegas Casino & Resort | 1500 330th St, Sloan, IA 51055 |
Diamond Jo Casino – Dubuque | 301 Bell St, Dubuque, IA 52001 |
Diamond Jo Casino – Worth | 777 Diamond Jo Ln, Northwood, IA 50459 |
Riverside Casino and Golf Resort | 3184 IA-22, Riverside, IA 52327 |
Iowa Poker
Online poker is prohibited under Iowa state law, but poker is available at land-based casinos with poker rooms, games, and tournaments for cash prizes. Seven poker rooms in IA offer multiple poker variations like Texas Hold’em and Omaha.
Iowa DFS
Daily Fantasy Sports (DFS) are like more traditional fantasy sports, but the contests are paid and take longer. Contests usually last a few days and cover a game week in various leagues like the NFL, NBA, MLB, NHL, and even NASCAR.
As part of the broader sports betting law passed in 2019, Iowa lawmakers legalized DFS contests in the state. Iowa residents can sign up to play with the most popular DFS providers, like our recommended gambling operators FanDuel and DraftKings, and other DFS providers, like Monkey Knife Fight and Yahoo Sports.
Iowa Lottery
The Iowa Lottery launched in 1985. It was a founding member of the Multi-State Lottery Association, selling Lotto America tickets since 1988. Powerball was added to the list of lottery options in 1992 and Mega Millions in 2010.
Revenue from the Iowa Lottery has contributed billions of dollars to the state general fund, which supports veterans and funds tourist development. You can buy tickets at thousands of in-person retailers or play instant games and scratch cards.
Iowa Sweepstakes Casinos
Sweepstake casinos allow you to play casino games for free or with sweepstake coins. Some of our recommended operators, like BetRivers and Hard Rock, offer sweepstake casinos that will enable you to enjoy the thrill of casino games for free.
Best Online Gambling Site Iowa
Overall, many great online gambling sites are available to players in Iowa. Still, with its excellent rewards program, superb site and native app, and excellent range of odds, BetMGM stands head and shoulders above the rest. Its rewards program, enabling you to earn points that can be exchanged for hotel stays, meals, and drinks, is best-in-class, while its native mobile app is one of the most straightforward on the market.
Click any link to BetMGM, or any of our recommended online gambling platforms, to sign up today.