Online Gambling in

Iowa

Iowa moved swiftly to become the first of America’s mid-western states and the 11th US state to launch sports betting. Bettors in the Hawkeye State can look forward to a regulated industry inclusive of both land-based betting and full-scale mobile betting.

Iowa

Legal Online Gambling Options: Sports Betting

Iowa Online Gambling - At A Glance

Online sports betting: Legal ✅

Online casinos & poker: Not Legal ❌

Land-based casinos & sportsbooks: Legal ✅

Remote sign-up: Yes ✅

Legal online gambling since: August 15th, 2019

Legal IA gambling age: 21+

Online gambling guide
Iowa flag

🥇 Best Online Gambling Sites in Iowa

21+. Gambling problem? Call 1-800-BETSOFF or Text (855) 895-8398

FanDuel Sportsbook

Regulated by IRGC
  • Live in Iowa since September 2020
  • Partnered with Diamond Jo Casino
  • Best mobile betting app
  • Relatively slow customer support
Welcome Offer
Bet $5, Win $200 in Bonus Bets
Claim Go to website
Website: sportsbook.fanduel.comFounded: 2009
Owner: Flutter EntertainmentHeadquarters: New York City
Fanduel Sportsbook App 2024
Fanduel Sportsbook NBA March 2023
Fanduel Sportsbook Live Betting March 2024

Summary

Author: Nick Albert Nick Albert
BONUS OFFER8/10 ⭐
BETTING VARIETY
10/10 ⭐
MOBILE EXPERIENCE
10/10 ⭐
PAYMENT OPTIONS
10/10 ⭐
BETTING EXPERIENCE
10/10 ⭐
SUPPORT
8/10 ⭐
SUMMARY
9/10 ⭐

Available in Arizona, Colorado, Connecticut, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Louisiana, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, New Jersey, New York, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Tennessee, Virginia, West Virginia, and Wyoming.

Read full review

DraftKings Sportsbook

Regulated by IRGC
  • Live in Iowa since February 2020
  • Partnered with Wild Rose Casinos
  • Great for beginners
  • No telephone customer support
Welcome Offer
20% Deposit Bonus up to $1,000
Claim Go to website
Website: draftkings.com/sportsbookFounded: 2012
Owner: Jason RobinsHeadquarters: Boston
Draftkings Sportsbook App 2023
Draftkings Sportsbook NBA Stats
Draftkings Sportsbook Live Basketball Betting

Summary

Author: Nick Albert Nick Albert
BONUS OFFER8/10 ⭐
BETTING VARIETY9/10 ⭐
MOBILE EXPERIENCE
10/10 ⭐
PAYMENT OPTIONS
10/10 ⭐
BETTING EXPERIENCE
9/10 ⭐
SUPPORT
8/10 ⭐
SUMMARY
10/10 ⭐

Available in Arizona, Colorado, Connecticut, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Louisiana, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, Ohio, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Tennessee, Virginia, West Virginia, and Wyoming.

Read full review

BetMGM

Regulated by IRGC
  • Live in Iowa since January 2021
  • Partnered with Diamond Jo Worth Casino
  • Great same game parlays
  • Limited customer support options
Welcome Offer
Up to $1,500 in Bonus Bets if Your First Bet Doesn't Win
Claim Go to website
Website: sports.nj.betmgm.comFounded: 1986
Owner: MGM Resorts InternationalHeadquarters: Paradise, Nevada
Betmgm App 2023
Betmgm NBA Betting 2023
Betmgm Live Tennis Betting 2023

Summary

Author: Nick Albert Nick Albert
BONUS OFFER8/10 ⭐
BETTING VARIETY9/10 ⭐
MOBILE EXPERIENCE9/10 ⭐
PAYMENT OPTIONS8/10 ⭐
BETTING EXPERIENCE8/10 ⭐
SUPPORT7/10 ⭐
SUMMARY9/10 ⭐

Available in Arizona, Colorado, Washington D.C., Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Louisiana, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Mississippi, New Jersey, Nevada, New York, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Tennessee, Virginia, West Virginia, and Wyoming.

Read full review

21+ If you or someone you know has a gambling problem, CALL: 1-800-BETS OFF, TEXT:(855) 895-8398 or visit https://yourlifeiowa.org/gambling

Online Gambling Iowa

At UnitedGamblers, we strive to provide you with the latest and most accurate information about gambling in Iowa. Whether you're here to find out where you can place a sports bet or play at a casino, we have you covered!

Sports betting is now fully permitted across the state. Legal wagers can be made either in-person at land-based casinos or via desktop/mobile devices anywhere within state lines.

Online Gambling in Iowa - FAQs

Here's a quick run-down of the most important nuggets of knowledge about Iowa sports gambling.

Is it legal to bet in Iowa?

Yes. Sports betting is fully legal in Iowa. The Hawkeye State became the 11th state to roll out a regulated industry since PASPA was toppled in May 2018.

When did sports betting become legal in Iowa?

Governor Kim Reynolds signed bill SF617 into law on May 13th, 2019, and legal sports betting was officially given the green light as of July 4th, 2019. Many state-licenced casinos had sports betting licences approved in July in anticipation of the sports betting industry’s launch on August 15, 2019, just in time for the start of the NFL season.

How many online sportsbooks are live in Iowa?

Currently, the number of fully legal and regulated online sportsbooks in Iowa is 16. This number is regularly growing as sports betting increases in popularity around the US.

How do I sign up to an online betting site in Iowa?

As of January 2021, Iowans can now set up a betting account online anywhere within state lines. Iowan bettors are no longer required to visit a licensed casino in-person with proof of age and identity, in order to create an account. Bettors are able to deposit funds into their accounts from anywhere in the state once an account is established.

Do I have to be a full-time resident in Iowa to place a bet?

No. It’s possible to create an account and place real money wagers even if you are only visiting the state. However, you can only place a real money wager while you are physically located within Iowa state lines, so don't expect to make an account in Iowa and then place a wager while located in a non-legal state.

Can I place bets outside of Iowa?

No. You need to be within state borders to place a bet with an Iowan betting site/sportsbook. Geolocation technology is used to pinpoint your exact location to enforce Iowa's in-state-only betting law.

Will online casino and poker games be available?

For the foreseeable future, unfortunately not. The current law only allows for sports betting at present.

Is online gambling safe?

Yes. Iowa sports betting is regulated by the Iowa Racing and Gaming Commission. This means players are able to gamble at licensed and reputable sportsbooks, safe in the knowledge that the company will act lawfully and with integrity. With legal accountability and regulation, online gambling in the US has never been safer, to be honest. With each state that introduces legal and regulated sports betting, another nail is hammered into the coffin of risky and illegal offshore betting sites.

Your Guide To Online Gambling In Iowa

Iowa: The Sports Betting Capital of the Midwest

Barely three months after passing legislation, The Hawkeye state officially began allowing sports betting, in doing so they became the first of the Midwestern states to launch a regulated industry.

Under the law, bettors were required to visit a land-based casino in order to prove eligibility and create an account for mobile access. However, the law was amended and as of January 2021, bettors in Iowa are now allowed to set up a betting account online anywhere within state lines, without the need to visit a land-based casino.

How Does Online Gambling in Iowa Shape Up?

Becoming the first Midwestern state to launch sports betting, Iowa has been somewhat of a beacon of inspiration to what sports betting could look like in other states in the future.

States considering the move towards legalizing sports betting can learn from the failures and successes of Iowa's venture into legal sports betting

Iowa Sports Betting

Iowa's betting laws allow anyone in Iowa aged 21 and up to bet on professional sports teams as well as collegiate teams, with the exception of individual player props in college sports. Sports bettors are allowed to place wagers either in-person at a land-based casino or online via their computer or mobile devices.

Iowa Online Casino Gambling

For those of you in Iowa hoping to have access to online casinos, you will have to continue to use one of Iowa's land-based casinos for any non-sports-related gambling until Iowa's betting laws are amended to include online casinos.

Land-Based Casinos in Iowa

Ian Rutherford

To play casino games in Iowa, visit any of the following land-based casinos:

  • Ameristar Casino Hotel Council Bluffs
    -
    Council Bluffs, IA
  • Prairie Meadows Racetrack & Casino
    -
    Altoona, IA
  • Catfish Bend Casino
    -
    Burlington, IA
  • Wild Rose Casino & Resort – Clinton
    -
    Clinton, IA
  • Wild Rose Casino & Resort – Jefferson
    -
    Jefferson, IA
  • Wild Rose Casino & Resort – Emmetsburg
    -
    Emmetsburg, IA
  • Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Sioux City
    -
    Sioux City, IA
  • Grand Falls Casino & Golf Resort
    -
    Larchwood, IA
  • Horseshoe Council Bluffs
    -
    Council Bluffs, IA
  • Harrah’s Council Bluffs Hotel & Casino
    -
    Council Bluffs, IA
  • Isle Casino Hotel Waterloo
    -
    Waterloo, IA
  • Isle Casino Hotel Bettendorf
    -
    Bettendorf, IA
  • Diamond Jo Worth Casino
    -
    Northwood, IA
  • Diamond Jo Casino Dubuque
    -
    Dubuque, IA
  • Q Casino
    -
    Dubuque, IA
  • Lakeside Hotel Casino
    -
    Osceola, IA
  • Rhythm City Casino Resort
    -
    Davenport, IA
  • Riverside Casino & Golf Resort
    -
    Riverside, IA

Online Gambling in Iowa - Where to Bet

With a vast selection of online sportsbooks now operating in Iowa, there is anything but a shortage of options for Iowans when it comes to finding a place to bet on sports.

Bettors in Iowa can choose between any of the 16 online sportsbooks currently operating in the Hawkeye State

In addition to the 16 online sportsbooks that can be found in Iowa, you can always go old-school and visit one of the 18 land-based casinos to place wagers on sporting events.

Top 3 Gambling Sites in Iowa

  1. FanDuel Sportsbook → Best betting app
  2. DraftKings Sportsbook → Best for beginners
  3. BetMGM → Best for same game parlays
How Do They Compare?FanDuel SportsbookDraftKings SportsbookBetMGM
Bonus offer8/108/108/10
Betting variety10/109/109/10
Mobile experience10/1010/109/10
Payment Options10/109/108/10
Betting experience10/1010/108/10
Customer Support8/108/107/10
Summary9/109/109/10

How To Start Gambling Online in Iowa

Although the exact sign-up process may slightly vary from operator to operator, they typically require the same information.

We've created a guide for you so you can know what to expect when registering for a new betting site.

1

Find the right betting site for you

Visit our Sports Betting Sites in Iowa page to find the right betting site for you.

Once you've found one that you like, press one of the green 'CLAIM' or 'JOIN' buttons to make sure you don't miss out on your welcome offer on your way there.

2

Enter your email and create a password

Upon entering the site, find the button to begin the registration process, this is typically done by clicking on the 'Join' or 'Register' button.

Once you've begun the registration process you'll most likely be prompted to provide your email address and create a password for your account.

3

Provide personal information

Betting sites require some personal information to ensure safety and security for both themselves and for you.

It's not uncommon to be asked for any of the following:

  • Full name
  • DOB
  • Address
  • The last 4 digits of your SSN
  • Proof of identity
  • Establish security questions
4

Select your preferred payment method

Select your preferred payment method (We recommend using PayPal when it is an option)

Make your first deposit to add funds to your account.

5

Have fun and bet responsibly!

After following all the steps to set up your account, you should now be ready to begin betting on your favorite sports!

Iowa Betting & Gambling Laws

Ever since the Federal Ban on sports betting, otherwise known as PASPA, was lifted on May 14th, 2018, Iowa made no hesitations to become one of the first states to fully legalize in-person and online sports betting. In fact, they were the 11th state overall to legalize sports betting and the first of the Midwest states.

Originally, bettors in Iowa were required to visit one of Iowa's land-based casinos to complete an in-person registration in order to partake in online sports betting. However, in January 2021 this rule was changed and bettors in Iowa are now allowed to register remotely, eliminating the need to visit a casino in order to register for an online betting site.

Iowa Sports Betting Rules

Take a look below to find out all the crucial information you need to know in regards to Iowa's sports betting rules (Iowa State Bill SF617).

Iowa sports betting and gambling bill SF617:

Ian Rutherford

  • Sports Betting:
  • Mobile Sports Betting:
  • Online Casinos: ❌
  • Wager on Pro Sports:
  • Wager on College Sports: ✅ *(NO betting on individual player props)
  • Must be at least 21+ years old to bet
  • Online sportsbooks must be partnered with a licensed land-based casino
  • Iowa Racing and Gaming Commission (IRGC) to regulate the industry

Iowa Online Casino Gambling Laws

As you can see, online casino gambling is still illegal in Iowa. Fortunately, there are 18 different land-based casinos that can take care of any casino gambling needs until online casino gambling is allowed.

Betting on Iowa Sports Teams

One might think that because there are no professional sports teams in Iowa that betting in Iowa may suffer from that.

However, that is anything but the truth.

Iowa is still home to a plethora of sports teams that have loyal fan bases, even if they aren't in a 'major professional' league like the NFL or NBA.

Iowa College Football Betting

One of, if not the most beloved sports teams in Iowa is the Iowa Hawkeyes.

For those in Iowa hoping to bet on their beloved Hawkeyes, they'll be happy to hear that betting on college football is legal in Iowa.

Fans of the Iowa Hawkeyes (and all other college football teams for that matter) will be happy to hear that you can bet on your favorite team in a number of different ways, including:

  • Moneyline
  • Totals
  • Point spread
  • Parlay
  • Teaser
  • Round Robin
  • Futures
  • In-game

However, there are some special limitations on how you can bet on college sports in Iowa.

Iowa lawmakers have placed a strict ban on placing wagers on individual player props for any in-state college sports events.

Betting On The Iowa Field Of Dreams Game

Baseball fans in the state of Iowa may not have a home-state MLB team to root for, however, they still play host to arguably the best regular-season game in the MLB.

Beginning in 2021, the MLB has taken our second-favorite baseball movie, 'The Field of Dreams' (I mean c'mon, nothing beats The Sandlot), and quite literally brought it to life.

Throwback jerseys and all (yes, even the players enter the field from the corn-field 'bleachers') this game puts a smile on any baseball fan's face. What makes it even better is the fact that you can bet on this ground-breaking special event.

You can expect to find all the standard ways to bet on a baseball game, including:

  • Moneyline
  • Run Total
  • Run Line (spread betting)
  • Parlays
  • Teasers
  • In-game
  • Player Props
  • 'Field of Dreams' Specials and Promotions