Iowa Sports Betting Sites 2023 – Compare Top 5 Best IA Online Sportsbooks

khadijabilal

Betting Expert

Updated: 9 November 2022

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Iowa sports betting earned legal status shortly after the United States Supreme Court repealed PASPA.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 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.

Best Sports Betting Sites in Iowa List 2023

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 – Best Iowa Sports Betting Site
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:

• March 2022: Iowa’s attempt at legalizing Esports betting, bill HF 2497, passed in the House.
• March 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.

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 – Best Iowa Sports Betting Site

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.

DraftKings made it onto our list for several reasons. Firstly, bettors can unlock DraftKings bonus codes that allow them to access unique and often generous rewards. Additionally, bettors can enjoy a variety of sports markets to wager on, from the NBA and NFL to the MLB, MMA, and NHL. Further, when betting on their favorite sports, teams, or athletes, bettors can enjoy various betting lines, including props, parlays, totals, spreads, and moneylines.

However, while this Iowa sports betting site offers various promos and sports, it has a limited banking section. As a result, bettors only have a few options to choose from, including bank wire transfers, credit cards like Visa and MasterCard, DraftKings gift cards, PayPal, and cash which players can use to fund their accounts by depositing at select locations.

2. BetMGM – Leading Online Sportsbook for Speedy Withdrawals

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, including NASCAR, Formula1, lacrosse, the NBA, MLB, NFL, and NHL. Further, bettors can also bet on other less-common sports like golf and boxing.

Bettors will discover that BetMGM offers pre-game wagering and live in-play betting that offers a unique and action-packed betting experience. Additionally, bettors can place several types of wager, from moneylines and totals to spreads, props, futures, and parlays. Further, to assist bettors in making more of their favorite bets, BetMGM offers bonuses and promotions designed to boost bettors’ bankrolls. However, bettors must have a BetMGM promo code to claim these rewards.

Although BetMGM has a fairly limited selection of deposit and withdrawal methods, bettors can still find the more popular options, including online banking, Apple Pay, PayPal, Bank Wire Transfers, and credit cards like Visa, MasterCard, and Discover. But despite the limited options, bettors will find that the sportsbook processes withdrawal requests efficiently, leading to some of the speediest payouts in IA.

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

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.

Further, bettors can wager on these sports using various betting lines, including spreads, totals, moneylines, a parlay builder, and a live betting suite. However, FanDuel’s most impressive feature is its exceptional selection of props betting options, providing a range of exciting bets that offer more ways to win big.

FanDuel ensures bettors visiting the site find it simple to fund their accounts by providing a selection of banking options. As a result, players can pick between credit cards, PayPal, FanDuel gift cards, Green Dot MoneyPak, PayNearMe, money orders or checks, and bank wire transfers. However, a bank wire will incur a $15 fee, and the sportsbook stops short of accepting cryptocurrencies. Finally, bettors accessing FanDuel online or using mobile can claim generous bonuses using FanDuel promo codes.

4. PointsBet – Online Sportsbook with the Best Downloadable App

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.

Bettors using the sportsbook online or over mobile will find a plethora of bonuses that they can use to boost their betting funds. However, to access these rewards, bettors must use a PointsBet promo code when funding their accounts. Further, IA bettors have several ways to deposit and withdraw funds from their accounts, including PayNearMe, eCheck, online banking with Trustly, and a debit or credit card from Visa or MasterCard.

When reviewing the sports this Iowa sports betting site offers, we discovered plenty, including the MLB, NHL, NFL, NBA, NCAA, darts, MMA, cycling, Aussie Rules, and cricket. Additionally, bettors can use a selection of betting lines to place pre-game wagers or when visiting the live betting suite. For example, IA bettors can wager parlays, moneylines, spreads, totals, teasers, fixed odds, player props, game props, and lightning bets. Lastly, PointsBet keeps bettors up to date on the latest sports news and stats by providing a blow-by-blow bulletin of each sports team’s latest news.

5. BetRivers – Offers IA’s Best Rewards Program

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. However, the sportsbook 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.

When funding their accounts, IA bettors will discover BetRivers covers more options than its competitors, including PayNearMe, Vanilla, Play+ prepaid cards, PayPal, eCheck, online banking, bank wire transfers, and credit cards like Visa, Discover, and MasterCard. Another diverse feature of this sportsbook is its extensive sports markets, which cover favorites like the MLB, NHL, NBA, NFL, NCAA, MMA, and golf. Further, bettors can wager on other sports like motorsports, rugby, jai alai, cycling, and boxing. Lastly, bettors visiting this Iowa sports betting site can place several wagers, from live bets to spreads, wins, and totals, and even stream several matches live.

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 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 an Iowa online sports betting 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 earnings surpassing $5,000.

Payment Methods available 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.

Crypto Betting Options

Cryptocurrencies like Bitcoin, Litecoin, Bitcoin Cash, Ethereum, Ripple, and Dogecoin are all decentralized digital currencies. In other words, they move money separately from third-party financial institutions like banks. While this means that crypto comes with little to no transaction fees, it also means bettors can make anonymous transactions, making it tricky for state-regulated sportsbooks to track and withhold taxes. As a result, regulated Iowa sports betting sites do not accept cryptocurrencies.

eWallet Betting Options

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.

Traditional Payment Methods

Although eWallets are becoming popular, most bettors prefer funding their accounts using traditional methods like credit cards, debit cards, online banking, bank wire transfers, money orders, and checks. As a result, most Iowa sports betting sites accept these payment methods. So, if you want to fund your account using Visa or MasterCard, head to any of the IA sports betting sites highlighted on our list.

Bonuses Available at Iowa Sports Betting Sites

Iowa sports betting sites offer a selection of generous promotions to encourage new bettors to sign up and existing bettors to continue returning. Additionally, these rewards make it simple for bettors to try out bets they wouldn’t usually place risk-free. Below, we look at the best bonuses offered by IA sports betting sites.

Match Deposit Bonuses

Undoubtedly, the most common promotion offered by Iowa sports betting 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 risk-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 risk-free wagers. In other words, if the bettor plays a risk-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.

Popular Sports to Bet on in Iowa

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.

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. 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.

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, 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

Iowa sports betting hit the scenes in 2019 when Governor Kim Reynolds signed it into law. Since then, the industry has flourished in the state, and bettors now have 18 regulated sportsbooks to enjoy, with our top five recommended sites sitting at the head of the list.

However, if you still need to decide which site to sign up with, 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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