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Mitchell South

by Mitchell South

Updated Mar 18, 2024 · 11:03 AM PDT

If you’re an Iowa sports fan, you’ve probably seen an overwhelming number of sportsbook commercials ever since Iowa legalized sports betting in 2019. Betting on your favorite sports is a great way to get closer to the action, but we know it can be a bit confusing to know where to start.

Sports Betting Dime is here to help you get started by providing all the information Iowans need to bet on sports with confidence.

If you’re simply looking for the best IA betting apps, we can help you find the best bonus offers for new players. If you’re ready to start wagering right now, visit one of our trusted partners from the list below.

Looking for a bit more info on the sign-up process, online sportsbook promotions that can give you an edge, or key rules and regulations for sports wagering in Iowa? Find answers to all the key questions about sports betting in the Hawkeye State right here.

ESPN BET Iowa is now live. Copy our promo code DIME, click BET NOW, and paste DIME into the required field to unlock our Bet Anything, Get $250 bonus offer.

Best Iowa Sports Betting Promos for College Football Season

The Iowa Hawkeyes will be back in action this college football season and it’s a great opportunity for college sports fans and regular Iowa sports bettors to get in on some wagering action.

Check out the sports betting sites and apps below to get a better idea of their welcome offers for new users. Once you’ve picked a sportsbook provider of your choosing, you can easily make your first deposit and place bets on the Hawkeyes and other squads in or out of the state.

Best Iowa Sports Betting Apps

  1. DraftKings Sportsbook

    DraftKings Iowa has grown from a household name in daily fantasy into one of the top brands for legal US sports betting. DraftKings is partnered with Wild Rose Casinos, where you can get started with their top-rated betting app.

    Promo: Bet $5, Get $150 in Bonus Bets
    More Info Icon
    Rated 5/5
  2. FanDuel Sportsbook

    FanDuel operates in Iowa under a partnership with the state's Diamond Jo Casino brand. The daily fantasy powerhouse has one of the best sportsbook apps in IA, and offers a free bet bonus for new users who register their account in person.

    Promo: Bet $5 Get $200 in Bonus Bets
    More Info Icon
    Rated 5/5
  3. BetMGM

    BetMGM launched in Iowa immediately following the introduction of remote registration for betting apps in January 2021. BetMGM brings one of the sleekest betting apps and most tantalizing bonus offers to bettors in the Hawkeye state.

    Promo: Up To $1,500 in Bonus Bets Paid Back
    More Info Icon
    Rated 5/5
  4. Bet365

    Bet365 Iowa is one of the most recent launches in the Hawkeye State, and sports bettors will be thrilled with this sports betting site branded as the 'World's Favorite Sportsbook'. Bet365 Iowa partnered with the Casino Queen Marquette to get online sports betting access.

    Promo: Bet $5, Get $150 or $1K First Bet Safety Net
    More Info Icon
    Rated 5/5
  5. Fanatics Sportsbook

    Bet on your favorite sports with Fanatics Sportsbook and use FanCash to make even more wagers or spend on new team swag.

    Promo: Get Up to $1,000 in Bonus Bets
    More Info Icon
    Rated 5/5
  6. ESPN BET

    Type in promo code DIME to claim your exclusive welcome bonus. ESPN BET is powered by the "Worldwide Leader in Sports" and is slated to become a sportsbook powerhouse boasting an excellent range of betting options to choose from.

    Promo: Bet Anything, Get $150 + Up to $500 Deposit Match with Code DIME
    More Info Icon
    Rated 5/5
  7. Caesars Sportsbook

    The world-renowned sportsbook brand, William Hill, has expanded to the US. Iowa sports bettors can now find many promotions and one of the biggest futures, props, and in-play betting markets in the industry at William Hill's sportsbook.

    Promo: $1,000 First Bet on Caesars
    More Info Icon
    Rated 5/5
  8. Betfred

    With over 50 years of experience, Betfred is one of the world's most renowned bookmakers. They're expanding across the US sports betting market, bringing a top-notch online sportsbook and mobile app along with them.

    Bonus: No Sweat Bet Up to $105, If Your First Wager Loses
    More Info Icon
    Rated 4/5

Key IA Sports Betting Info

This page contains everything you need to know about Iowa sports betting. If you’re looking for something specific, jump ahead to learn more:

Jump to: Top Iowa Sports Betting Apps / Bonus Offers / Signing Up & Getting Started / Latest News / Rules & Regulations / Licensing & Taxes / Retail Sportsbooks / FAQ / Local Partnerships

Top Iowa Sports Betting Apps

Iowa sports betting apps are the easiest way to bet on your favorite sports from anywhere within the state.

The best sportsbooks in Iowa take a mobile-first approach to their platforms. You can expect to easily navigate the odds and bet types, whether betting from your phone (Android or iOS) or your computer.

The best IA mobile sports betting apps are also optimized to provide the lightning-fast odds updates required to support the pace of live, in-play betting, which is one of the most exciting offerings at the sportsbooks included above.

Our reviewers prefer FanDuel for mobile betting in Iowa. Developed with a simple, mobile-first design philosophy, it’s the most intuitive betting app available. It’s easy on the eyes and equally easy to navigate. Features like a sticky menu at the bottom of the screen and a straightforward bet slip make it effortless to begin using immediately after download.

Plus, you can use the same sportsbook app in all the states FanDuel operates in, so it’s convenient for anyone who travels a lot or wants to roam across state lines to find different wagering opportunities.

Whether you choose to bet with FanDuel or prefer another betting app, make sure you sign up and make a deposit using the unique links below to get today’s best welcome bonus.

It might even be worth signing up for more than one sportsbook account just to take advantage of the lucrative bonuses available to new customers, which you can explore in the next section.

From there, simply download the app(s), log in to your new account(s), and get ready to place your wagers!

Here are the top-rated sports betting apps in Iowa:

Betting App App Store Rating Get Started
draftkings logo 4.8/5 Get App
Caesars Sportsbook logo black font 4.6/5 Get App
fanduel logo 4.8/5 Get App
4.8/5 Get App
3.8/5 Get App

All these apps are available for both Apple and Android users. Follow the links in the table to download the apps and make your first bet today.

Fanatics Sportsbook Iowa

Fanatics Sportsbook went live in Iowa in February 2024, and sports bettors in the Hawkeye State can start wagering with this emerging operator right now. The Fanatics Sportsbook Iowa app is a reliable online platform, and they also operate a retail sportsbook at Catfish Bend Casino in Burlington, Iowa.

FANATICS SPORTSBOOK
Bet & Get Up To $1000!
Must be 21+. GAMBLING PROBLEM? Call 1-800-GAMBLER (CO, KY, MD, OH, MI, PA, TN, VA, VT, WV); (888) 789-7777 or ccpg.org (CT); 1-800-BETS-OFF (IA); 1-800-9-WITH-IT (IN); (800) 327-5050 or gamblinghelpline.org (MA), mdgamblinghelp.org (MD), 1800gambler.net (WV)
Available in CO, CT, IA, IN, KY, MA, MD, MI, OH, PA, TN, WV, VT & VA. 1 sign up offer per user. Must opt in daily & place $5+ qualifying wager for Bonus Bet match (up to $100) each day for 10 straight days. Must place initial wager within 5 days of account opening. Terms apply.
LOCK IN PROMO
SIGNUP PROMO
BET & GET
UP TO $1,000!

SIGN UP NOW

Anyone betting with the now defunct PointsBet Iowa may have noticed that their sportsbook app automatically transitioned over to Fanatics Sportsbook. This took place following the Fanatics Betting & Gaming acquisition of PointsBet in August 2023. Anyone who hasn’t registered with them previously can signup right now and get the latest Fanatics Sportsbook promo code.

ESPN BET Iowa

Look for the ESPN BET sportsbook to touch down in Iowa after it goes live November 14, 2023. Now that it’s fully up and running in Iowa, make sure you claim an ESPN BET promo.

Use code DIME when registering with ESPN BET Iowa:

ESPN BET


Bet Anything and Get $150!

Must manually enter promo code DIME to claim offer.

LOCK IN PROMO
CODE: DIME
CODE: DIME
SIGNUP OFFER
USE PROMO CODE
DIME

GET OFFER NOW

Bet365 Iowa Is Now Live

Another top-notch sportsbook is now available in the Hawkeye State, as Bet365 is live as of June 5, 2023. Branding themselves as the ‘World’s Favorite Sportsbook’, Bet365 Iowa is a reliable sports betting platform that brings a ton of experience as a new entrant in this developed sports betting market.

BET365
SPORTSBOOK IA
Bet $5 & Get $150 in Bonus Bets from Bet365!
Must be 21+. Deposit required. Bonus Bets winnings are added to Bonus Bets balance. Bonus Bet wager excluded from returns. T&Cs, time limits and exclusions apply. Gambling Problem? Call 1-800-BETS-OFF.
LOCK IN PROMO
CODE: SBDXLM
CODE: SBDXLM
SIGNUP PROMO
BET $5
GET $150

CLAIM OFFER

New customers can hit the link in the banner above to take advantage of a Bet $1, Get $200 in bonus bets offer from Bet365 Iowa. This is a perfect way to get started with a new sportsbook, and with a 4.6-star rating on the App Store, the Bet365 app won’t let you down.

Get the Best Iowa Sports Betting Promos

Do you remember the last time you watched a Hawkeyes game or Monday Night Football and didn’t see a sports betting commercial? Yeah, we don’t either.

There are a huge number of options when it comes to choosing an online betting site in Iowa, and they’re all spending millions of dollars on advertising to try to catch your attention.

The truth is the sportsbooks mentioned on this page are desperate for your business. The biggest brands are all competing for your loyalty, and we encourage you to take advantage of this! The sports betting promo offers available in Iowa can add thousands of dollars to your bankroll.

Sign-up offers for new customers are typically the most lucrative promotions, but you can also find free bet credits, boosted odds, referral bonuses, and more at IA sportsbooks. You can use multiple accounts to cash in on various Iowa sports betting promos and compare daily boosted odds, which offer higher payouts on popular events.

You want to get the most bang for your buck when wagering on your favorite sports, but we know it can be hard to keep track. To make your experience easier, Sports Betting Dime has partnered with Iowa sportsbooks to bring you the best offers available.

Here are the best IA sports betting bonus offers:

Betting Site IA Bonus Get Started
ESPN BET Bet Anything, Get $250 Bet Anything, Get $250
DraftKings Sportsbook Bet $5, Get $150 Bet Now
Bet365 Bet $1, Get $200 Bet Now
Caesars Sportsbook Up to $1,250 on Caesars Bet Now
FanDuel Sportsbook Bet $5, Get $150 in Bonus Bets Bet Now
BetMGM $1,000 First Bet Offer Bet Now
Betfred Risk-Free Bet up to $250 Bet Now
BetRivers $250 Deposit Match

Don’t sign up for an Iowa sportsbook without using one of the unique links above. This is the easiest way to ensure you’re getting the best bonus offers available today. You can find more information about these offers and a slew of other ongoing promotions available via our Iowa bonus page.

The DraftKings promo code and FanDuel promo code are both great ways for new users to take a dip into sports wagering without a large financial commitment. If you want to get a little more funds to play with, I would personally suggest using the Caesars Sportsbook promo code or BetMGM promo code.

Sign Up and Get Started

Once you’ve chosen a sportsbook, it’s incredibly easy to get started and redeem the full value of your sign-up bonus. Thanks to remote registration, most adults who are at least 21 years old can sign-up online from anywhere in the state.

Here are step-by-step instructions to place your first legal sports wager in Iowa today:

  1. Create a new account with a top-rated Iowa sportsbook. Click here to sign up at FanDuel.
  2. Follow the on-screen instructions. You’ll need to have some basic info ready for verification, including your:
    1. Full name
    2. Address
    3. Date of birth
    4. Social Security Number
  3. Once verified, you’ll be prompted to make a deposit using your payment method of choice. Complete this process right away to take full advantage of the sign-up bonus on offer. These are the most common and convenient deposit methods accepted at the majority of Iowa sportsbooks:
    1. Credit Card
    2. Debit Card
    3. ACH eCheck
    4. PayPal
    5. Prepaid Card
  4. Remember that the amount you deposit will often determine the value of your sign-up bonus.
  5. Place your wager(s)!

Iowa Sports Betting Local News

While legal sports betting has been around in Iowa for some time, the market continues to develop, with new sportsbooks opening their doors and regulations shifting frequently.

  • June 5, 2023: Bet365 Iowa has now launched across the Hawkeye State. New customers in Iowa can sign up with Bet365 to claim a Bet $1, Get $200 in Bonus Bets promo code.
  • November 2, 2021: Barstool Sportsbook has officially launched in the state of Iowa.
  • August 2, 2021: William Hill’s popular sports betting app is rebranded as Caesars Sportsbook in Iowa and several other states.
  • June 29, 2021: Bally’s launches the beta version of its mobile sportsbook app, Bally Bet, in Iowa. The retail betting giant gained market access in IA through a partnership with Elite Casino Resorts.
  • June 9, 2021: Australian brand PlayUp gains market access in Iowa, Indiana, and New Jersey through a partnership with Caesars.
  • April 8, 2021: Iowa’s sports betting industry continues to climb, with $161,439,561 wagered in March. The March Madness basketball tournament helped drive the Hawkeye State to new monthly records in handle and gross revenue ($13,454,158).
  • February 5, 2021: Figures from the Iowa Racing and Gaming Commission show a huge increase in the state’s sports betting handle following the removal of the in-person registration requirements for online betting. Iowa reports its highest ever monthly handle in January 2021 with $149 million in wagers placed. This is a 158% increase from January 2020.
  • January 1, 2021: In a much-anticipated moment, Iowa has lifted the in-person registration requirement for online sports betting in the state. Bettors anywhere in Iowa can now sign up and bet with online sportsbooks and wagering apps without leaving the comfort of their own home or neighborhood sports bar. The rule change is expected to increase the size of the Iowa sports betting market significantly.

Iowa Sports Betting Rules & Regulations: What the Law Says

It’s no surprise that Iowa sports betting laws strike the middle ground between strict consumer protections and business-friendly legislation that cuts costs and red tape for operators. Iowa is the nation’s original political bellwether, after all.

Iowa lawmakers took a common-sense approach to the state’s sports betting regulations. Sports betting is authorized under Iowa SF617 and codified under Iowa Code Chapter 99. The Iowa Racing and Gaming Commission outlines sports betting rules in the state.

You can find the full letter of the law in this document containing rules regulating the sports betting industry in Iowa.

Read on for a summary of the most important info everyday bettors need to know.

Remote Registration Allowed as of January 2021

Gov. Kim Reynolds required in-person registration at the outset of legal IA sports betting, forcing fans to visit a casino before betting with a mobile app. This requirement was lifted on January 1, 2021, meaning Iowans can register for sports betting online.

Geolocation Required

Online bets can be placed from anywhere within the state, with betting apps and online sportsbooks required to use approved geofencing software to prevent their services from being accessed beyond state lines.

When using a betting app, your phone’s location will be integrated to provide geofencing services. Make sure you enable it when prompted by your app. If betting from a computer, you’ll generally need to download a software package directly from the sportsbook. Frequent geo-checks are a great signal that you’re using a site licensed to operate in Iowa.

Despite the physical presence requirement, you do not need to live in Iowa to bet on sports there. You only need to be within the state lines to place a wager.

With no online sports betting in South Dakota or Nebraska, bettors in the Sioux Falls area, Omaha, or even Wisconsin’s Driftless Region can quickly drive across the state line and log in to their favorite Iowa betting app to place a few wagers.

Coaches, Players, and Others in Sports Are Prohibited

Section 13.2 (7) of the Iowa sports betting rules bans several categories of people from wagering on sports in the state:

  • Coaches, athletic trainers, officials, players, or other individuals who participate in an authorized sporting event that may accept wagers
  • Persons employed in a position with direct involvement with coaches, players, athletic trainers, officials, athletes, or participants in an authorized sporting event that may accept wagers

It’s worth noting that these restrictions apply to all events – not just those with a direct link to the prohibited individual.

Which Events Can I Bet on in Iowa?

Sportsbooks must receive approval for every type of sporting event they plan to offer wagering on. The Iowa Racing and Gaming Commission maintains a comprehensive list published here. This list is updated very frequently.

There are a few categories of events that are not eligible for wagering.

No Wagering on Player or Coaches Awards

Futures wagering on player awards such as Rookie or Player of the Year is explicitly prohibited in Iowa. While other forms of futures betting are fair game, the wagers must be tied to a sporting event itself (such as picking the Super Bowl winner) rather than on awards decided by a panel or the public.

You Cannot Bet on the NFL Draft

The rules also ban wagering on the NFL Draft. While other drafts have not been approved nor banned to date, there’s no reason to suspect sportsbooks in Iowa will be allowed to offer wagers on draft events for any sport. This is unfortunate as betting on drafts is fun. Iowans who wish to do so will have to head elsewhere such as IL or MI.

Only the Biggest Leagues Are Allowed

With the exceptions of the Olympics and NCAA collegiate competition, both amateur and “tier 2” or “minor league” events are off-limits.

In their own words: “Wagers are only allowed to be placed on the ‘premiere’ leagues for respective sports and NOT subordinate developmental leagues. I.e., MLB wagers are permissible, MiLB wagers are NOT permissible; NBA wagers are permissible, NBA G-League wagers are NOT permissible.”

Sports Betting Only: No Politics, eSports, or Entertainment

The list of approved wagers and general guidelines clarifies that Iowa sportsbooks are not authorized to offer odds and a proposition on non-sporting events. Unfortunately, this also applies to the burgeoning world of eSports betting.

While looking at Presidential election odds is always interesting, it remains a spectator sport for Americans. Like all other states with legal sports betting, political outcomes are off-limits.

Which Types of Wagering Are Allowed on These Events?

Iowa allows all the most popular wagering types found at online betting sites.

Want to back the Packers against the Bears? You’ll find moneylines, spreads, and totals lines.

Think Iowa native Nick Nurse can coach the Raptors to another title next year? Put money on it with NBA championship futures.

Got a feeling Hawkeyes point guard Caitlin Clark will go off for 35 points against Drake in the NCAA tournament? Look at prop bet options.

Watching the Royals take on the Dodgers? Give live betting a try.

If you seek more risk and more reward, parlays, pleasers, and teasers may be your thing.

All of this to say, there are plenty of betting options available at Iowa sportsbooks. However, there are a few restrictions on prop betting you should be aware of:

  • No props determinable by one person in one play
  • No officiating-related props
  • No “inherently objectionable” props (Will any player suffer an injury, will any player be arrested during the off-season, how many games will an injured player miss, etc.)

Otherwise, expect to see a wide range of wagering types available at IA betting apps and online sportsbooks.

Licenses and Taxes: The Business of Iowa Sports Betting

In Iowa, sports betting permits are only issued to existing casinos. Online operators must partner with these Iowa-based businesses to offer services in the state.

The state has a well-developed casino industry, and each licensed casino can partner with up to two online brands or “skins” under a single license. Online operators can also partner with multiple license holders. This means there is ample room in the market for both major online operators like DraftKings and William Hill and smaller sports betting providers.

Licensing fees and taxes for sports betting in Iowa are both very affordable for operators. New sports wagering licenses cost just $45,000. The tax rate on sports betting is 6.75% of gross gaming receipts – or the amount of remaining revenue after winning bets have been paid out.

These exceptionally low barriers to market entry and low ongoing overhead costs also benefit consumers. After all, lower operating budgets mean more profit, which translates into better odds and juicier bonuses for bettors.

Low licensing fees and tax rates also promote a competitive marketplace where sports bettors in Iowa have many in-person and online betting options to choose from.

William Hill remains the most popular sports betting app in Iowa, significantly outpacing its opponents and accounting for over 1/3 of the state’s overall mobile handle in the past fiscal year. As of August 2021, the betting site was rebranded as Caesars Sportsbook.

Iowa consistently punches above its weight in terms of sports betting handle. Stay tuned to see how the market develops as mobile registration comes into play in 2021. See all the latest sports betting revenue numbers and market insights from Iowa.

Iowa Retail Sportsbooks

Plan to do most of your betting online, but want to mix things up with occasional visits to a retail, in-person sportsbook?

Luckily, you have plenty of choices in Iowa. The Hawkeye State has long allowed in-person gambling at both land-based tribal casinos and riverboats docked in the Mississippi River. Many of these existing casinos now include betting kiosks and classic Las Vegas-style sportsbooks. We’re big fans of the flexibility and convenience that comes with betting online, but it’s hard to beat the electric environment on the sportsbook floor during major events like March Madness.

In Iowa, you can have the best of both worlds. We recommend signing up for an Iowa sportsbook like DraftKings, which offers an excellent sign-up bonus for new customers. You can take advantage of these promotions and bet on the go while also planning a few weekend trips to soak up the atmosphere of a room full of bettors.

When deciding between in-person betting locations, consider their integration with an online platform. Retail locations partnered with an active online operator will often allow you to use the same bankroll, whether betting in-person or over the internet.

Here are the current Iowa sports betting license holders and their online betting partners:

License Holder Online Betting Partner(s)
Catfish Bend Casino PointsBet
Diamond Jo Casino FanDuel & BetMGM
Diamond Jo Worth FanDuel
Grand Falls Casino Resort BallyBet
Harrah’s Council Bluffs Casino & Hotel Caesars
Horseshoe Casino Council Bluffs Caesars
Isle Casino Hotel Waterloo Caesars
Isle of Capri – Bettendorf Caesars
Lakeside Hotel Casino Caesars
Prairie Meadows Racetrack & Casino Caesars
Wild Rose Casino & Resorts – Clinton DraftKings & BetRivers
Wild Rose Casino & Resorts – Emmetsburg DraftKings
Wild Rose Casino & Resorts – Jefferson DraftKings & BetRivers

Physical sportsbooks in Iowa are located throughout the state. Reference the map below to find the location closest to you. As you can see, many sportsbooks are located near the border or, in the case of riverboats, on the border.

Sports bettors from neighboring states such as Nebraska, Illinois, Minnesota, and Wisconsin are welcome to wager at any Iowa casino or online sportsbook.

Iowa Sports Betting FAQs

Looking for more answers to your Iowa sports betting questions? We got you.

Can I bet on sports in Iowa?

Yes. Iowa legalized sports betting in 2019.

Is online sports betting available in Iowa?

Yes. You can bet both online and at retail locations within the state of Iowa.

Can I use DraftKings Sportsbook in Iowa?

Absolutely. DraftKings is one of the sportsbooks we recommend using if you are placing bets in Iowa.

How old do I have to be to bet on sports in Iowa?

You must be at least 21 years old to legally bet in Iowa.

Local Teams Worth Betting On

After finding an Iowa sportsbook or betting app from the list above, it’s time to start thinking about placing some bets.

Betting with your head and not your heart is a cornerstone of responsible gambling, but we also understand that fans want to support their favorite teams. In Iowa, bettors have backed local college teams, the Iowa Hawkeyes and Iowa State Cyclones, consistently since sports betting went live in the state.

At the professional level, Iowans essentially get to be free agent fans. Without any in-state pro teams, you’re unrestricted from following various sports teams in neighboring states and beyond.

Unfortunately, the lack of pro teams means Iowans also miss out on partnerships between hometown teams and sportsbooks that often result in special promos and odds boosts.

Regardless, whoever you support, Sports Betting Dime can provide the data and analysis you need to bet confidently and intelligently. Our betting tools and editorial coverage allow you to quickly gauge the betting value of your favorite teams when betting on NCAA, NBA, NHL, NFL, MLB, or more.

Find the Best Sportsbook in Any State

Iowa’s sports betting industry is growing faster than its cornfields, but it’s far from the only state that offers legal sports wagering.

Sports Betting Dime will help you find the best places to bet across the country. Check out our list of the top betting apps and reviewed online sportsbooks for the best safe and legal options.

If you want to stay on top of the latest sports betting updates or find yourself wondering where sports betting is legal, we track all new legislation and developments on a state-by-state basis.

Whether betting in Iowa or beyond, enjoy the action out there!

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