Iowa Sports Betting Sites 2024 – Compare Top 5 Best IA Online Sportsbooks

khadijabilal

Betting Expert

Updated: 20 September 2024

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Iowa sports betting earned legal status shortly after the United States Supreme Court repealed PASPA. Since then, sports wagering has exploded in the state, leaving avid bettors with various regulated Iowa sportsbooks to enjoy.

In this guide, we rank and review the top 5 online sportsbooks The Hawkeye State offers, discuss the legality of these sites, the taxes you’ll pay on sports betting winnings, and we’ll even show you how to sign up and start wagering using these sites. So, read on to learn more.

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Bet $5, Get $150

28/04/23

Bet $5, Get $150

• Second Biggest Sportsbook in US
• App With Lots Of Great Betting Features
• Best For Daily Fantasy Sports

9.7

NO CODE REQUIRED

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Up To $1000 Paid Back If First Bet Loses

28/04/23

Up To $1000 Paid Back If First Bet Loses

• Best Promo Code Offers
• Fun and Interactive Features
• Regionalized Promotions and Bonuses

9.7

NO CODE REQUIRED

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Visit BetMGM.com for Terms and Conditions. 21+ years of age or older to wager. MI, NJ, PA or WV only. Excludes Michigan Disassociated Persons. All promotions are subject to qualification and eligibility requirements. Rewards issued as non-withdrawable site credit, unless otherwise provided in the applicable Terms. Please Gamble Responsibly. Gambling Problem? 1-800-270-7117 for confidential help (MI), 1-800-GAMBLER (NJ, PA & WV).

Up To $150 in Bonuses When You Deposit Min. $5

28/04/23

Up To $150 in Bonuses When You Deposit Min. $5

• Top 2 Sportsbook for Daily Fantasy Sports
• Awesome and Easy To Use UX
• 24/7 Customer Service

9.7

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5 x 2nd Chance Bets Up To $250

28/04/23

5 x 2nd Chance Bets Up To $250

• Many Unique Bets
• In-House Generous Odds
• VIP Program With Personal Manager

9.7

NO CODE REQUIRED

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Up To $500 Second Chance Bet

28/04/23

Up To $500 Second Chance Bet

• Plethora of Betting Markets
• Levels Reward Program
• Best in the Market for Live Betting

9.7

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Best Sports Betting Sites in Iowa List 2024

The Hawkeye State currently offers 17 legal Iowa sports betting sites. However, some are better than others. Take a look below to see our expert’s top five recommended state-regulated sportsbooks in IA:

1. DraftKings – No.1 Iowa Sports Betting Site with 20+ Sports Markets
2. BetMGM – Leading Sportsbook for Speedy Withdrawals
3. FanDuel – Excellent IA Sports Wagering Site for Props Betting
4. PointsBet – Fantastic Sportsbook with a Downloadable App
5. BetRivers – Offers IA’s Best Rewards Program

The Latest Iowa Sports Betting News

Since sports betting in Iowa legalized in 2019, few changes have come about. However, a few sports-related headlines have made the news, so let’s take a look:

• 2022: Iowa’s attempt at legalizing Esports betting, bill HF 2497, passed in the House.
• 2022: The Daily Racing Forum partnered with The Lakeside Casino and Hotel to launch a new sportsbook.
• 2021: Iowa originally imposed a law requiring bettors to register in person at a retail casino or sportsbook for an online betting profile. However, the state did away with this requirement following the Covid-19 pandemic.

The Best Betting Sites in Iowa Reviewed

Now that you have our list of the five best Iowa sports betting sites let’s review each in greater detail to see why they made the list and what they offer.

1. DraftKings – No.1 Iowa Sports Betting Site

Our Verdict: 5/5

An American sportsbook for American bettors, DraftKings offers bettors a wide selection of betting options that include Daily Fantasy Sports and a sportsbook. This online sportsbook was among the first to acquire a license and launched in Iowa on 19 February 2020 after forming a partnership with the Wild Rose Casino group.

Sports Betting Options: 5/5

When it comes to sports markets, DraftKings offers over 20 sports, like the MLB, NHL, NFL, UFC, cricket, snooker, and Esports. Further, it ranks as one of the best NBA betting sites in IL. Then, when placing their wagers, bettors can choose between several betting lines, from props and parlays to moneylines, spreads, and totals. Further, DraftKings provides a live betting facility and allows bettors to live-stream sports games on the website.

Payment Options: 4.7/5

However, while this Iowa sports betting site offers various promos and sports, the options for depositing funds are limited to a handful of options, including bank wire transfers, MasterCard and Visa credit cards, DraftKings gift cards, eWallets like PayPal, and cash payments which bettors can make at select locations.

Customer Support: 4.5/5

While you will find a live chat option at DraftKings, one of its shortcomings is that compared to its rivals, it isn’t available 24/7 – it also only communicates with a bot rather than a human. Added to that, response times can sometimes be slower, so this is an area that needs to be improved in. If you have a more general question, then email the team or browse the site’s FAQ section.

Bonuses & Promos: 4.9/5

Bettors signing up with DraftKings or returning to the sportsbook will discover various exciting promotions they can claim using DraftKings promo codes. While these bonuses boost players’ bankrolls, they also simplify exploring the site’s features. Further, bettors input promo codes when depositing funds into their DraftKings accounts. In some states, such as Ohio and Maryland, you will even get free bets to play, which will be up to $200.

Finally, this Iowa sports betting site offers a mobile app that makes it simple to enjoy wagering on the go, provided bettors are within state lines.

DraftKings sports bonuses & promos:

2. BetMGM – Leading Online Sportsbook for Speedy Withdrawals

Our Verdict: 4.9/5

Another Iowa sports betting site that stands out for several reasons is BetMGM. After establishing a partnership with Jo Diamond Worth Casino, the betting giant launched a sportsbook in The Hawkeye State. When visiting BetMGM’s online Iowa sportsbook, bettors can wager on over 14 sports…

Sports Betting Options: 4.9/5

Bettors visiting the sports betting site can enjoy over 14 sports to wager on, from the MLB, NHL, and NBA, to NASCAR, Formula1, boxing, and lacrosse. Additionally, the sportsbook ranks as one of the best NFL betting sites in IL, which is ideal for bettors looking for popular types of NFL betting markets. When placing wagers, bettors can use several betting lines, from parlays, spreads, totals, moneylines, and props. Further, bettors can enjoy live betting and watch sports events live on the website.

Payment Options: 4.8/5

Then, when funding their betting accounts, IA players can use unique BetMGM promo codes to unlock exciting and generous bonuses, including welcome and reload rewards. But, BetMGM needs to improve when it comes to the options it offers for bettors to deposit and withdraw funds from their sportsbook accounts. As a result, bettors can choose between online banking, Apple Pay, PayPal, bank wire transfers, and credit cards like Visa, MasterCard, and Discover.

Customer Support: 4.2/5

Although BetMGM’s customer support section is easily accessible with a phone number, live chat facility, and email address, the lines are often busy, so it can take some time getting through to them – note, the live chat remains difficult to find on their website.

If that fails, then there is an extensive FAQs area that should tackle any queries or concerns you may have.

Bonuses & Promos: 5/5

BetMGM has an array of sports betting bonuses for those betting at the online sportsbook, including the Free Bet Bonus, No Deposit Bonus, Reload Bonus, Cashback Bonus, Accumulator Bonus, and Refer a Friend Bonus. These can vary depending on the location of the state.

Also on the bonus side of things for existing customers, the Lion’s Boost, which is their version of the price boost, is the selling point of the site. Typically on a Moneyline, for example, odds will be raised from -110 to +110.

Visit BetMGM.com for Terms and Conditions. 21+ years of age or older to wager. MI, NJ, PA or WV only. Excludes Michigan Disassociated Persons. All promotions are subject to qualification and eligibility requirements. Rewards issued as non-withdrawable site credit, unless otherwise provided in the applicable Terms. Please Gamble Responsibly. Gambling Problem? 1-800-270-7117 for confidential help (MI), 1-800-GAMBLER (NJ, PA & WV).

3. FanDuel – Excellent IA Sports Wagering Site for Props Betting

Our Verdict: 4.7/5

Although FanDuel stands out as a Daily Fantasy Sports betting site, it also provides one of the top Iowa sports betting facilities. As a result, bettors exploring FanDuel will uncover a range of markets to wager on, like baseball, basketball, hockey, soccer, football, collegiate sports, ice hockey, motorsports, and Aussie Rules.

Sports Betting Options: 5/5

This Iowa sports betting site covers a range of leading sports and provides some of the most diverse betting lines. As a result, IA bettors can wager on sports like baseball, basketball, hockey, soccer, football, collegiate sports, ice hockey, motorsports, and Aussie Rules. Further, they can place wagers like moneylines, runlines, spreads, totals, and parlays. In addition, however, FanDuel provides some of the most exciting game and player props available in Iowa, giving bettors more ways to win.

Payment Options: 4.7/5

IA bettors visiting FanDuel must fund their accounts before they can start betting. However, the sportsbook simplifies this process by accepting a variety of options, like credit cards, PayPal, FanDuel gift cards, Green Dot MoneyPak, PayNearMe, money orders or checks, and bank wire transfers. However, some deposit and withdrawal methods incur relatively high transaction fees.

Customer Support: 4.7/5

FanDuel impresses when it comes to customer support, so you can expect to find a phone number, email address, and a 24/7 live chat option – the live chat and email, however, are not the quickest in responding.

Players can also submit a ticket with inquiries, and the FAQs section is also pretty comprehensive, so you won’t find trouble finding answers to pesky issues.

Bonuses & Promos: 4.6/5

FanDuel promo codes will help bettors claim unique and fun bonuses and rewards that make it simple to place various wagers. There are a variety of bonuses, most will involve same game parlays, as parlays is one of their specialties. This will usually be in the form of insurance whereby you can get refunded with $25 in free bets if one of your legs loses.

4. PointsBet – Online Sportsbook with the Best Downloadable App

Our Verdict: 4.7/5

While each Iowa sports betting site on our list provides a downloadable betting app for bettors, the sportsbook that stands out for its offering is PointsBet. Besides a simple-to-use interface, the app is quick to download, uses minimal space on the device, and is compatible with iOS and Android devices. As a  result, it ranks as one of the best sports betting apps in IA.

Sports Betting Options: 5/5

PointsBet continues its impressive selection of options to its sports markets, which includes the MLB, NHL, NFL, NBA, NCAA, darts, MMA, cycling, Aussie Rules, and cricket. Further, bettors can make use of several betting lines to wager on these sports either before the game begins or while it’s in play. As a result, bettors can place parlays, moneylines, spreads, totals, teasers, fixed odds, player props, game props, and lightning bets, all from the website or mobile app. Lastly, this Iowa sports betting site gives bettors the latest news and stats of each team involved in a sports event the site offers a wager on, making it easier for bettors to make more informed predictions.

Payment Options: 5/5

Bettors will find the payments process straightforward as PointsBet accepts various payment methods, like PayNearMe, eCheck, online banking with Trustly, and a debit or credit card from Visa or MasterCard.

Customer Support: 5/5

Run by a group of helpful staff, PointsBet has a solid 24/7 live chat function populating like any other pop-up page and queries are dealt with swiftly. There is also an email option, but beware that it can take longer for staff to respond to messages. The FAQ section is also more detailed than its competitors, answering a vast range of queries in depth.

Bonuses & Promos: 4.7/5

PointsBet has plenty going for it, as you can locate odds boosts as well as earn points for every bet placed. There is also a special loyalty program, and what’s even better, is that for some bets, there will be no rollover requirements, whereas at other sites, the wagering requirements are much stricter.

5. BetRivers – Offers IA’s Best Rewards Program

Our Verdict: 4.7/5

In addition to DraftKings, BetRivers has also partnered with the Wild Rose Casinos group. As a result, IA bettors can access a downloadable BetRivers app, an online sportsbook, and several retail Iowa sports betting sites. Further, BetRivers ensures all mobile users can access the app by providing a platform compatible with Android and iOS devices.

Although some bettors don’t mind depositing a large sum of money, others are working to a budget, which can be difficult to stick to if the Iowa sports betting site they are visiting imposes a high minimum deposit value. However, BetRivers is one of the regulated Iowa sportsbooks that accepts low minimum bets making it ideal for all bettors, no matter their budget.

Sports Betting Options: 5/5

BetRivers include all-American favorites like the NHL, NBA, and NFL. Additionally, the sportsbook ranks as one of the best MLB betting sites Iowa has to offer. However, bettors can also wager on less common sports like rugby, motorsports, jai alai, boxing, and cycling. Lastly, bettors can place various wagers, from live bets to spreads, moneylines, totals, and props.

Payment Options: 5/5

When it comes to payment options, bettors visiting the BetRivers website or mobile app can use methods like PayNearMe, Vanilla, Play+ prepaid cards, PayPal, eCheck, online banking, bank wire transfers, and credit cards like Visa, Discover, and MasterCard. However, keep in mind that BetRivers does not accept deposits using cryptocurrencies.

Customer Support: 4.2/5

BetRivers excels when it comes to customer support, as it offers a live chat facility – although not 24/7 – and email address, and responses are dealt with swiftly; their customer agents are helpful and knowledgeable. You will also find a robust FAQs section which will answer any tricky topics. There is no telephone option.

Bonuses & Promos: 5/5

BetRivers makes a statement with its outstanding Rewards Program, iRush Rewards. Here, bettors can unlock unique rewards as they advance up the tiers, including VIP dinners, BetRivers Swag, cash prizes, and promos. Besides these rewards, bettors can also use BetRivers promo codes to unlock match deposits and reload bonuses

Frequently Asked Questions about Iowa Sports Betting

Comparing Sportsbooks in Iowa

In addition to a list and reviews of the best Iowa sports betting sites, we have also created a quick comparison chart below, highlighting the top features of each sportsbook:

For more offers or more details about the offers you can have a look at our dedicated guide of the best sportsbooks promo codes for US bettors.

Is Sports Betting Legal in Iowa?

Yes, Iowa sports betting is legal. Hot on the heels of the United States Supreme Court’s repeal of PASPA, IA Governor Kim Reynolds signed sports betting bill HF 2497  into law, legalizing online, mobile, and in-person sports wagering in the state.

However, the legislation stipulated that Iowa sportsbooks must establish a partnership with a land-based casino before legally opening a retail or online sportsbook. Additionally, the state required bettors wanting to create an online sport betting profile to first register in person at a local casino. But following the Covid-19 pandemic, the state abolished this rule permanently in 2021, allowing bettors to register online instead.

Since the legalization of Iowa sports betting, the state has launched 18 regulated sportsbooks that provide bettors with safe, secure sports wagering and the opportunity to place bets on their favorite teams, players, and events.

Who can Legally Bet on Sports in Iowa?

Browsing a sports betting Iowa site is simple, and anyone can do it. However, those looking to sign up, deposit funds, and place wagers will need to meet a few requirements. Most notable is the state-set age limit. The Hawkeye State stipulates that to wager on sports, whether online, over mobile, or in person, a bettor must be over the age of 21.

How to Bet on Sports Online in Iowa

Generally, Iowa online sports betting sites are simple to use. However, new bettors may find they require a little assistance when registering and funding their accounts for the first time. So, to make this process quick and easy, we have put together a short guide below:

Step One – Register with DraftKings

Begin by launching the DraftKings website and hitting the green “Log In” button on the top right of the screen. Next, select the option to “Sign Up.” Then, fill out the registration page that opens before clicking “Next.”

Step Two – Verify Your Account

Once you’ve registered, it’s time to verify your DraftKings account. So, head to your email inbox and locate the mail sent to you by DraftKings. Then, open the email and click the link inside to verify your new account before signing back into the sportsbook using your new credentials.

Step Three – Fund Your Account

Next, you’ll need to deposit funds into your DraftKings account. So, click the green “Deposit” button on the top right of the screen. Then select your preferred payment method from the options provided and fill in the amount you wish to deposit. Next, add in your bonus promo code and then click “deposit.” Finally, follow the prompts to complete your payment.

Step Four – Start Wagering

Once your funds reflect in your DraftKings account, you can place your first wager. So head to the sportsbook section and find the sport or match you want to wager on. Then, fill in your bet onto the best slip on the right of the screen before clicking “Place Bet.”

Previous Sports Betting Bills in Iowa

Iowa sports betting became legal fairly soon after the United States Supreme Court repealed PASPA. As a result, the state only had one previous sport betting bill introduced before Governor Kim Reynolds signed sports betting into law. So, let’s look at the first bill in a little more detail below:

2018 HS Bill 592 – Iowa lawmakers introduced this bill to set sports betting in motion should SCOTUS repeal PASPA. However, it failed in committee.

Tax on Sports Betting Winnings in Iowa

IA sports betting regulations require bettors whose winnings exceed $600 after deducting the original wager value to pay a 5% tax. Additionally, the IRS requires The Hawkeye State to impose a 24% federal income tax on sports betting Iowa earnings surpassing $5,000.

Bonuses Available at Iowa Sports Betting Sites

Offshore sites for sports betting in Iowa offer a selection of promotions and rewards for IA bettors. In general, sportsbooks offer such promos as a way for new bettors to sign up, and also for existing players to return. The bonuses really benefit bettors too, boosting their bankrolls so they can try new markets without using their deposited funds. With that in mind, we next take a look at a range of promos and free bets provided.

Comparing Sign-Up Bonuses

Each of the top Iowa sportsbooks on our list offers a different sign-up bonus with its own promo funds, wagering requirements, and minimum qualifying deposits. So, to help find the promo that most meets your needs, we created the following comparison table:

Match Deposit Bonuses

Undoubtedly, the most common promotion offered by sports betting Iowa sites is the matched deposit, a bonus given to bettors in return for them funding their accounts. In this case, the IA sportsbook matches a bettor’s deposit up to a specific amount, often doubling their playing funds. For example, a sportsbook offering a 100% matched deposit of up to  $2,000 will give a bettor depositing $1,950 an additional $1,950 to wager.

No Deposit Bonuses

While the matched deposit is a promo offered to players for funding their accounts, the no deposit bonus is awarded to bettors for merely signing up. In this case, the Iowa sports betting site gives a bettor complimentary site credits, allowing them to place free wagers and explore all the offered features. However, bettors often deposit their own funds to continue wagering once the credits run out, securing a new bettor for the sportsbook.

Free Bets

Another common bonus offered by IA sports betting sites is free bets. Generally, the best free bets come as site coupons, credits, or vouchers that allow bettors to place free wagers. In other words, if the bettor plays a free bet and loses, they don’t lose any of their deposited funds. And if they win, they can keep their earnings. An example of a free bet may be DraftKings offering a $50 free bet on the next Mets game.

Types of Payment Methods at Iowa Sports Betting Sites

Bettors visiting IA sports betting sites will find that these online sportsbooks provide several ways for them to deposit and withdraw funds. In addition to offering bettors convenience, US online sportsbooks do this to make it possible for more bettors to sign up and place wagers. So, let’s look at the most common payment options offered by Iowa sports betting sites.

eWallet Betting Options

Another secure payment method that IA sports betting sites do accept is eWallet systems. Since these providers act as an intermediary between a bettor’s sportsbook account and their bank account, they offer a barrier against fraud. As a result, eWallets are popular among bettors, and many regulated sportsbooks work with eWallet providers like Paypal, EcoPayz, Skrill, and Neteller. So for the best PayPal betting site in IL, visit DraftKings.

Traditional Payment Methods

Although new payment options are becoming available, many bettors prefer using traditional methods to fund their sportsbook accounts. As a result, the top Iowa sports betting sites accept options like credit cards, debit cards, bank wire transfers, online banking, checks, and money orders. So, if you want to fund your IA sports betting account using MasterCard or Visa, you’ll find any of the Iowa sportsbooks on our list an excellent option.

Below is a more in-depth guide as to the payment methods and the process period for transactions:

Deposit Options

Bettors looking to fund their accounts have a range of options, although only some can be used for depositing – for instance, debit/credit cards may be used to deposit funds, but not withdrawing them. And, with that in mind, the following table lists the depositing guidelines:

Withdrawal Options

When it comes to withdrawing funds, then once again, there are options, although they do vary per sportsbook in accordance to the following guidelines:

While bettors visiting regulated IA sports betting sites can’t use cryptocurrencies, they have the option of using another payment format also regarded for its protection against fraud – eWallet systems. Since these systems work as an intermediary between a bettor’s bank account and their online betting account, they minimize the risk of fraud. As a result, this method has gained popularity, and many Iowa sports betting sites now accept eWallets like PayPal, Skrill, Neteller, and EcoPayz. So, for the best PayPal betting sites, head to DraftKings or BetRivers.

Popular Sports to Bet on in Iowa

Betting on sports in Iowa has continued to flourish since being introduced in 2020 – in January 2023, Iowa generated a total revenue of $16.54m from sports betting.

Regulated sites offering sports betting in IA cover a diverse selection of sports markets, from more popular options like the NFL, NBA, and MLB, to less common sports like darts, jai alai, and snooker. Below, we look at some of the most-loved sports offered by Iowa sportsbooks, the types of wagers you can place on them, and the state teams available to bet on.

NFL Betting at Iowa Sports Betting Sites

Unquestionably, one of the most popular sports in the US and Iowa is football. Although The Hawkeye State isn’t home to an NFL (National Football League) team of its own, bettors can still wager on other national teams at leading Iowa sports betting sites like PointsBet and DraftKings. Additionally, they can place a range of bets, from moneylines to props, futures, spreads, and totals – check out our Top 5 NFL Betting Tips.

IA NBA Betting

Unfortunately, Iowa doesn’t have a National Basketball Association (NBA) team, as the state’s original team,  The Waterloo Hawks, folded in 1951. However, there is an IA minor-league basketball team, the Iowa Wolves. But bettors can still enjoy wagering on the sport as sports betting IA sites still offer point spreads, totals, props, and moneylines on other NBA teams from across the US.

MLB Betting in Iowa

Another top sport in America is the MLB (Major League Baseball), and despite Iowa not having an MLB team of its own, the sport remains a favorite in the state. As a result, Iowa sports betting sites cover all the matches and allow bettors to place runlines, moneylines, totals, and props on their top teams, including on the biggest MLB tournaments. So, for the best MLB betting sites in IA, head to DraftKings, FanDuel, or BetMGM.

NHL Wagering at Sports Betting IA Sites

Iowa sports betting fans will be happy to know that The Hawkeye State is home to one NHL (National Hockey League) team, the Iowa Wild, which took up play during the 2013-2014 season. As a result, bettors can visit state-regulated sites like DraftKings and BetMGM to place props, spreads, moneylines, and totals on this team and others and place wagers on significant hockey events like the Stanley Cup.

NCAA Football Betting in Iowa

Iowa is one of the few states allowing legal collegiate sports wagering. As a result, bettors can visit sites like FanDuel and DraftKings to place bets on one of IA’s several college football teams, including moneylines, props, totals, spreads, and build parlays. Further, bettors can place live or pre-game wagers.

Below are some of Iowa’s leading NCAAF teams:

• Iowa Hawkeyes – The gold standard of college football in the state
• Iowa State Cyclones –  Is a member of the Big 12 Conference and competes in NCAA Division I
• Northern Iowa Panthers – The home team of famed quarterback Kurt Warner

NCAA Basketball

When visiting sites like PointsBet or DraftKings, bettors can place spreads, totals, props, and moneylines on Iowa’s NCAAB team, the Iowa Hawkeyes, or other collegiate basketball teams.

Golf

Besides featuring several smaller golf tournaments of its own, Iowa also forms a leg of the PGA tour. And since the state has over 440 golf courses, it becomes clear that this is a much-loved sport in The Hawkeye State. As a result, regulated Iowa sports betting sites like BetMGM cover several golf events.

Horse Racing

Prairie Meadows is Iowa’s only racetrack, and bettors will find the site in Altoona. Annually, the track hosts several Grade Three races, including the Iowa Oaks, the Iowa Derby, and the Cornhusker Handicap. Since IA permits wagering on the horses, bettors can visit DraftKings to place exactas, trifectas, places, wins, and parlays on the races.

DFS

Governor Kim Reynolds legalized wagering on Daily Fantasy Sports as part of the overall sports betting bill signed in 2019. As a result, bettors can legally wager on their fantasy teams by visiting DFS sportsbooks like FanDuel and DraftKings.

Popular Markets at Iowa Betting Sites

Live Betting with Iowa Sports Betting Sites

When visiting regulated sites that provide sports betting in IA, bettors can place several types of pre-game bets, like moneylines, runlines, spreads, totals, parlays, and props. However, many of the top Iowa sports betting sites, like those on our list, offer bettors the opportunity to place these same bets on games already in play. This is called live or in-play wagering. While the odds are more volatile, the bets offer greater excitement.

Additionally, the best live betting sites like DraftKings make it simple for bettors to place this type of bet by live-streaming sports matches as they play out and allowing bettors to watch the game.

Bets that are Illegal in Iowa

Despite taking a progressive stance towards sports betting, Iowa draws a line when it comes to specific betting markets and types of wagers. For instance, The Hawkeye State prohibits wagering on political figures and events. Additionally, some Iowa sportsbooks may not accept wagers on awards events like the Grammys or Oscars.

Finally, the state prohibits bettors from wagering on the NFL Draft, one of the league’s major offseason events, and classifies wagering on the drafts as illegal.

How Iowa Sports Betting Compares to its Neighboring States

While Iowa offers bettors legal in-person and online sports betting, avid bettors may want to try the options neighboring states offer. Although bettors can enjoy the best Nebraska sportsbooks since the state also provides legal retail and online sports betting, those traveling to other states may not be as lucky.

For instance, bettors may only visit land-based Wisconsin and South Dakota sportsbooks as these states prohibit online sports betting. However, Missouri and Minnesota classify all forms of sports betting as illegal.

Casinos with Iowa Sports Betting

The Iowa sports betting bill that legalized wagering in The Hawkeye State included the establishment of legal land-based sportsbooks. However, the state required these sportsbooks to form a partnership with casinos established within IA to gain a license to operate. Below, we look at five of Iowa’s best retail sportsbooks and their relevant associations.

Harrah’s Council Bluffs

• Address: 1 Harrah’s Blvd, Council Bluffs
• Opening hours: 24 hours

Harrah’s Council Bluffs provides an extensive casino and sits near the border with Nebraska. In addition to offering over 500 slots, ten table games, several restaurants, and a stylish hotel, Harrah’s features a sportsbook after partnering with Caesar’s.

Catfish Bend Casino

• Address: 3001 Winegard Dr, Burlington
• Opening hours: 10am – 2am

Bettors looking to try out PointsBet’s sports betting offerings in person may want to head to the Catfish Bend Casino in Burlington, Iowa. Besides wagering on their favorite sports teams, bettors can visit the casino to enjoy over 700 games, like slots and table games, and try out the private poker room.

Diamond Jo

• Address: 301 Bell St, Dubuque
• Opening hours: 24-hours

Diamond Jo operates 24 hours a day, offering players around-the-clock gaming at its over 800 slot machines and several high-action table games. However, this establishment, owned by Boyd Gaming also features a FanDuel sportsbook that offers bettors the opportunity to back their favorite sports teams.

Wild Rose Jefferson

• Address: 777 Wild Rose Drive, Jefferson
• Opening hours: 10am – 12am

While most casinos partner with only one sportsbook operator, The Wild Rose partnered with two, DraftKings and BetRivers. However, players can enjoy onsite DraftKings sportsbooks or visit the casino to play the 518 slots and 11 table games.

Prairie Meadows Casino and Hotel

• Address: 1 Prairie Meadows Dr, Altoona
• Opening hours: 24 hours

Based in Altoona, Prairie Meadows is a large betting complex where players will find the state’s only horse racing track, a hotel, and a Caesar’s sportsbook. Additionally, the casino operates 24/7 and features over 1,900 slot machines and a large variety of table games.

The Best Sports Betting Site for Iowa

Still undecided, and need to choose which site to sign up with?…well, we suggest DraftKings. Since the sportsbook offers over 20 sports markets, exciting betting lines, competitive odds, live betting, and live-streaming of sports matches, it ranks as our best Iowa sports betting site. So, don’t settle for mediocre sports wagering. Instead, sign up with DraftKings and claim your exciting welcome bonus.

khadijabilal

Betting Expert

Khadija is an accomplished author with over a decade of experience under her belt. Having developed a versatile writing style that allows her to tackle a wide range of topics, Khadija has several publications to her name. Khadija's expertise includes in-depth guides and how-to articles.

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