Iowa Sports Betting: Best Iowa Betting Sites in 2026
- Top 5 Iowa sports betting sites
- 1. FanDuel Iowa
- 2. bet365 Iowa
- 3. DraftKings Iowa
- 4. Caesars Sportsbook Iowa
- 5. Fanatics Sportsbook Iowa
- Best Iowa sports betting offers and bonuses
- Is sports betting legal in Iowa?
- What sportsbooks are legal in Iowa?
- How to start betting in Iowa
- Responsible gaming in Iowa
- Iowa sports betting conclusion
- Sportsbooks to avoid in Iowa
- Iowa sports betting FAQ
All 13 IA betting sites thoroughly evaluated by experts
48+ hours of hands-on reporting per monthly analysis
Constant updates on Iowa sports betting offers, breaking news, and more
30+ years of industry knowledge and iGaming experienceBest Iowa sports betting sites
21+ and present in IA. Gambling Problem? Call 1-800-BETS-OFF.
FanDuel Benefits
- Excellent user experience
- Best for NFL betting
- World-class mobile platform
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bet365 Benefits
- Excellent pricing
- Gold standard layout
- Best NFL live betting
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theScore Bet Benefits
- Over 150,000 live events
- Generous and lucrative daily promos
- 24/7 live chat support
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DraftKings Benefits
- Lightning fast withdrawals
- Supreme navigation
- Best for grading winners
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BetMGM Benefits
- Do-it-all parlay builder
- Consistent daily NFL promos
- Classy MGM Rewards program
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Fanatics Sportsbook Benefits
- Fair Play on first half injuries
- Unique Squad Bets
- Unlock 100% profit boost tokens
Covers Verdict:
Covers Verdict:
Get up to $250 in Bonus Bets
- Online and retail sports betting is now live
- Legal age for sports betting is 21
- 13 legal online sportsbooks active
- Exclusive welcome offers below
Top 5 Iowa sports betting sites
The top five Iowa betting sites offer enticing sign-up bonuses, competitive odds, and best-in-class mobile apps. Here are our picks for the best Iowa sportsbook promos you can score from legal U.S. betting sites in 2026:
1. FanDuel - Best user experience
2. bet365 - Best live streaming
3. DraftKings - Best for grading winners
4. Caesars Sportsbook - Best rewards program
5. Fanatics Sportsbook - Best for merch rewards
1. FanDuel Iowa
With FanDuel Iowa, you can strap in for a steady flow of odds boosts and unique bet types, including same-game parlays and a comprehensive live betting section. FanDuel also operates a brilliant sportsbook app, fully equipped with all the bells and whistles.
Check out our FanDuel Review for a more in-depth breakdown of the sportsbook.
- App Store rating: 4.9 (iOS); 4.6 (Android)
- Sign-up bonus: Get up to $250 in Bonus Bets
- Payout speed: Within 24 hours
2. bet365 Iowa
bet365 established its Iowa sports betting roots recently, and with it, one of the very best online sports betting apps in North America. Seamless navigation and a neatly packaged menu highlight the bet365 mobile experience.
Iowa-based bettors are treated to frequent regular odds boosts, favorable terms and conditions on bonus bets, and, much like Iowa's vast corn fields, a ton of betting options with fair odds. Use bet365 bonus code COVERS on the bet365 Sportsbook app to learn about its enticing welcome bonuses and promos.
- App Store rating: 4.7 (iOS), 4.6 (Android)
- Sign-up bonus: Bet $10, Get $200 Win or Lose or $1,000 First Bet Safety Net
- Payout speed: Within 24 hours
Bonus bet amounts not returned with winnings. Min. deposit required. Must register with app only. T&Cs, time limits, and exclusions apply. 21+. GAMBLING PROBLEM? CALL 1-800-GAMBLER or 1-800-MY-RESET (AZ, CO, IL, IN, KS, KY, LA, MD, MI, MO, NC, NJ, OH, PA, TN, VA) or 1-800-BETS OFF (IA). 21+ only. Please gamble responsibly. Must be present in AZ/CO/IA/IL/IN/KS/KY/LA (select parishes)/MD/MI/MO/NC/NJ/OH/PA/TN/VA.
3. DraftKings Iowa
Iowa sports bettors craving the best mobile experience should check out DraftKings IA. The DK sports betting apps are suitable for both new and seasoned gamblers, featuring a wide range of betting markets and ongoing promos. Iowans can sign-up online or at any of the three DraftKings retail locations in the state.
- App Store rating: 4.8 (iOS); 4.6 (Android)
- Sign-up bonus: Bet $5, Get $150 in Bonus Bets
- Payout speed: Within 24 hours
DraftKings responsible gaming GAMBLING PROBLEM? CALL 1-800-GAMBLER or 1-800-MY-RESET, (800) 327-5050 or visit http://gamblinghelplinema.org (MA). Please Gamble Responsibly. 888-789-7777/visit http://ccpg.org (CT), or visit
Home (MD), 1-800-981-0023 (PR). 21+ and present in most states. (18+ DC/NH/PR/WY). Void in CAN. Eligibility restrictions apply. On behalf of Boot Hill Casino (KS). Pass-thru of per wager tax may apply in IL. 1 per new DraftKings customer. $5+ first-time bet req. Max. $150 issued as non-withdrawable Bonus Bets. Stake removed from payout. Reward issued as $50 in Bonus Bets every 7 days via click-to-claim for 14 days. Bonus Bets and click-to-claims expire 7 days (168hrs) after issuance. Terms: http://sportsbook.draftkings.com/promos . Ends 10/18/26 at 11:59 PM ET. Sponsored by DK.
4. Caesars Sportsbook Iowa
New Caesars customers are winners right out of the gate, courtesy of the 'Bet $1, Get 10 100% Profit Boost Tokens' promo. Caesars' renowned rewards program follows with perks for active bettors. The sportsbook's mobile app is among the best in the business, and its first-class customer support team ensures users receive proper attention and care.
Read our Caesars Sportsbook Review for more on Iowa's best sportsbook.
- App Store rating: 4.7 (iOS); 4.5 (Android)
- Sign-up bonus: Bet $1, Get 10 100% Profit Boost Tokens
- Payout speed: Within 24 hours
5. Fanatics Sportsbook Iowa
Fanatics — a licensed sports merchandiser — launched its online sportsbook in Iowa in February 2024. Hawkeye State bettors can now access Fanatics Sportsbook, which offers a great rewards program, an intuitive mobile app, and competitive betting odds.
Check out our Fanatics Sportsbook Review for more information.
- App Store rating: 4.8 (iOS); 4.7 (Android)
- Sign-up bonus: Get up to $1,000 Matched in FanCash or Bet $20, Get $350 in FanCash
- Payout speed: Within 24 hours
Best Iowa sports betting offers and bonuses
Iowa sports betting sites have come out swinging with generous sign-up bonuses and welcome offers for new Hawkeye State bettors.
BetMGM - Up to $1,500 in Bonus Bets if First Bet Loses: BetMGM allows new users a second chance if they lose their first wager. Should that initial wager lose, you can earn up to $1,500 paid back in bonus bets — delivered by BetMGM as up to five $300 bonus bets (equal denominations of 20% of the total amount of the qualifying bet). Bonus bets expire after seven days. Use the BetMGM bonus code COVERS to activate this offer, which is valid until Nov. 1, 2026.
Caesars Sportsbook - Bet $1, Get 10 100% Profit Boost Tokens: Enter our exclusive Caesars Sportsbook promo code GODYW while registering a new account, make a minimum deposit of $10, and place your first real money wager of $1 within 30 days. Caesars will issue you 10 100% profit boosts. Each boost has a maximum bet of $25 and has a total value of $2,500. New users have 14 days after receiving the bonus, which expires on Mar. 2, 2027.
bet365 - Bet $10, Get $200 Win or Lose: The newest sportsbook in Iowa is providing $200 in bonus bets by simply wagering $10 on any sports market with odds of -500 or greater that settle within 30 days of claiming the promo. Use bet365 bonus code COVERS during registration to activate the promo. Alternatively, new bet365 IA can claim the operator's other welcome promo — '$1,000 First Bet Safety Net' — which applies to the user's initial wager. Both promos must be claimed via the bet365 Sportsbook app and are valid until Oct. 20, 2026, 6:59 AM ET.
FanDuel - Get up to $250 in Bonus Bets: Sign up with FanDuel to get up to $250 in bonus bets. Just wager $5 to unlock a $50 daily bonus bet. Repeat this for five consecutive days to maximize the bonus. No FanDuel promo code is required, but the offer expires on Oct. 12, 2026.
Fanatics Sportsbook - Get up to $1,000 Matched in FanCash: Use the Fanatics Sportsbook promo code COVERS during registration to claim its latest welcome offer either of its latest welcome offers. You can receive up to $1,000 Matched in FanCash. Simply place a daily $1 wager on a market with -200 odds or longer. If the wager settles as a win or loss, you'll receive one (1) bonus bet equal to the amount of your wager, up to $100, for your first 10 days using the operator. This offer expires Sep. 30, 2026.
Alternatively, players can claim a bet $20, get $350 in FanCash bonus that is sequenced over a seven-day period.
DraftKings - Bet $5, Get $150 in Bonus Bets: New DraftKings IA users can make a $5 minimum deposit and $5 wager to claim $150 in bonus bets instantly, which arrive as two $25 bonus bets every seven days for 14 days. No DraftKings promo code is required to claim this offer, which is available until Oct. 18, 2026.
theScore Bet - $1,000 Bet Reset: Use theScore Bet code COVERS to qualify. Make a $10 deposit and place a qualifying initial wager of up to $1,000. If your bet loses, you'll get a bonus equal to your losing wager. For wagers over $50, you'll get five (5) bonus bets in equal denominations of the qualifying losing wager. Wagers of $49 or less will get one bonus bet. This theScore Bet promo code offer is available to claim until Oct. 1, 2026.
21+ and present in IA. Gambling Problem? Call 1-800-BETS-OFF. Terms and conditions apply to all bonuses and promotional offers.
Is sports betting legal in Iowa?
Yes, sports betting in Iowa is legal and regulated. Gov. Kim Reynolds signed Bill SF-617 into law in May 2019, and both land-based and online sports betting commenced on Aug. 15, 2019.
What sportsbooks are legal in Iowa?
The Iowa Racing and Gaming Commission has approved the following 13 online sportsbook operators to date:
- BetMGM - Best overall experience
- Caesars - Best rewards program
- bet365 - Best for live streaming
- FanDuel - Best user experience
- Fanatics Sportsbook - Merch rewards
- DraftKings - Best for grading winners
- BetRivers - Best no-frills experience
- theScore Bet - Lots of markets
- Circa Sports - High limits
- Q Sportsbook - Tiered rewards
- DRF Sportsbook - Trusted brand
- Bally Bet - Nice odds boosts
- Sporttrade - Trade wagers
Legal Iowa sports betting sites
Legal Iowa sportsbooks may be found online or at one of the state's licensed casinos. Sports bettors can use a computer or mobile phone anywhere in Iowa or join fellow sports fanatics at a physical sportsbook to place wagers.
Iowa's online and mobile sportsbooks
| Online sportsbook 🏆 | Mobile app 📱 | Odds provider 🔮 | Online casino 🎰 | Retail partner 🤝 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bally Bet | Yes | Kambi | No | Elite Casino Resorts |
| bet365 | Yes | bet365 | Yes | Casino Queen Marquette |
| BetMGM | Yes | BetMGM | Yes | Diamond Jo Casino |
| BetRivers | Yes | Kambi | Yes | Wild Rose |
| Caesars Sportsbook | Yes | Caesars | Yes | Isle Bettendorf, Isle Waterloo, Prairie Meadows, Horseshoe, Harrah's |
| Circa Sports | Yes | Stadium Technology | Yes | Diamond Jo Casino |
| DraftKings | Yes | SBTech | Yes | Wild Rose |
| DRF Sportsbook | Yes | Kambi | No | Lakeside Casino |
| Fanatics Sportsbook | Yes | Amelco | No | N/A |
| FanDuel | Yes | Flutter | Yes | Diamond Jo Casino |
| Q Sportsbook | Yes | IGT | Yes | Q Casino |
| Sporttrade | Yes | Sporttrade | No | N/A |
| theScore Bet | Yes | PENN | No | N/A |
Land-based IA sportsbooks
| Sportsbook 🏆 | Venue 🏛️ | Address 🌎 | Phone number ☎️ | Odds provider 🔮 |
| Betfred Sportsbook | Grand Falls | 1415 Grand Falls Blvd., Larchwood, IA 51241 | (712) 777-7777 | Playtech |
| Caesars Sportsbook | Harrah's Council Bluffs | 1 Harrah's Blvd, Council Bluffs, IA 51501 | (712) 329-6000 | Caesars |
| Caesars Sportsbook | Horseshoe Casino | 2701 23rd Avenue Council Bluffs, IA 51501 | (712) 323-2500 | Caesars |
| Caesars Sportsbook | Isle Casino Bettendrof | 1777 Isle Parkway, Bettendorf, IA, 52722 | (563) 441-7000 | Caesars |
| Caesars Sportsbook | Isle Casino Waterloo | 777 Isle of Capri Blvd, Waterloo, IA 50701 | (877) 475-3946 | Caesars |
| Caesars Sportsbook | Prairie Meadows | 1 Prairie Meadows Dr, Altoona, IA 50009 | (515) 967-1000 | Caesars |
| Draft Day Sports Lounge | Rhythm City | 7077 Elmore Avenue, Davenport, IA 52807 | (563) 328-8000 | Bet.Works |
| Draft Day Sports Lounge | Riverside Casino | 3184 Hwy 22, Riverside, IA 52327 | (319) 648-1234 | Bet.Works |
| DraftKings Sportsbook | Wild Rose Casino & Hotel Clinton | 777 Wild Rose Dr, Clinton, IA 52732 | (563) 243-9000 | SBTech |
| DraftKings Sportsbook | Wild Rose Casino & Hotel Emmetsburg | 777 Main St, Emmetsburg, IA 50536 | (712) 852-3400 | SBTech |
| DraftKings Sportsbook | Wild Rose Casino & Hotel Jefferson | 777 Wild Rose Drive, Jefferson, IA 50129 | (515) 386-7777 | SBTech |
| DRF Sportsbook | Lakeside Hotel and Casino | 777 Casino Dr, Osceola, IA 50213 | 641-342-9511 | Kambi |
| Fanatics Sportsbook | Catfish Bend | 3001 Winegard Dr., Burlington, IA 52601 | (319) 753-2946 | SBTech |
| FanDuel Sportsbook | Diamond Jo Dubuque | 301 Bell St, Dubuque, IA 52001 | (563) 690-4800 | Flutter |
| FanDuel Sportsbook | Diamond Jo Worth | 777 Diamon Jo Lane, Northwood, IA 50459 | (877) 323-5566 | Flutter |
| Hard Rock Sportsbook | Hard Rock Sioux City | 111 3rd Street, Sioux City, IA 51101 | (712) 226-7600 | GiG |
| Q Sportsbook | Q Casino | 1855 Greyhound Park Rd., Dubuque, IA 52001 | (563) 582-3647 | IGT |
Latest Iowa sports betting news
Who can bet on sports in Iowa?
Adults 21 and over are permitted to place a sports bet in Iowa. Wagers can be placed via a legal sports betting website, mobile app, or at one of Iowa’s retail sportsbooks.
The following tips will help you get started with legal sports betting in Iowa.
Legal age
If you are 21 or older, you are allowed to bet on sports in person or on Iowa sports betting sites.
Mobile betting
Place your Iowa sports bets using a computer or mobile device to access an online sportsbook or sportsbook app. The Iowa Racing and Gaming Commission regulates all sports betting activity in the Hawkeye State.
Remote registration
Remote registration has been available in Iowa since January 2021. This option allows Iowans to complete the entire sign-up process remotely with a computer or mobile phone. Previously, Iowa gamblers were required to visit a casino to complete their registration before betting with an online sportsbook.
Within state borders
Legal online sportsbooks use geofencing to ensure all players are physically present in Iowa. Attempts to place bets from out of state will be denied. Therefore, it’s essential for Iowans and those passing through the state to turn on location services when placing online bets.
Retail sportsbooks
Iowa is home to 17 retail sportsbooks found at one of the state’s 19 licensed casinos.
Taxable winnings
Like nearly all other states, gambling winnings are taxable at both the federal and state levels in Iowa.
Iowans must report all winnings on federal tax returns, as this money is subject to the standard 24% tax. Winnings that exceed $600 must be reported to the state and taxed at 5%.
The pros and cons of Iowa sports betting
A major shift in Iowa sports betting took place when remote registration was introduced in 2021. Iowans can now place their first sports bets from the comfort of their own home.
Like many other states with legal sports betting, Iowa does not allow college player prop bets, nor has it yet to legalize action on the NFL Draft.
No NFL Draft bettingNo esports bettingNo college props wagersHow to start betting in Iowa
Now that Iowans can complete the registration process remotely, placing a legal sports bet has never been easier in the Hawkeye State.
Casinos are also an option for those who prefer the atmosphere a retail sportsbook provides.
Select a sportsbook
There are many Iowa sportsbooks to choose from, making research an integral part of the process. Conduct research to identify the options that provide the best sign-up bonuses, lines, and customer support.
Check out some betting site reviews and take a look at the terms and conditions of the Iowa sportsbooks you’re considering before getting started.
Register online
Once you’ve picked out the Iowa betting site that you trust to satisfy your gambling needs, go ahead and fill in your information on their website or mobile app. Be prepared to provide the last four digits of your SSN.
Claim a bonus
The amount of competition in Iowa certainly has its benefits for new users, as Iowa sports betting sites routinely offer some excellent promotions to entice potential customers to try out their platforms.
Common bonuses in Iowa include:
- Second chance bets: If your first bet with a sportsbook is unsuccessful, they may offer to refund the lost amount to your account
- Deposit match: After you add funds to your account, some Iowa sports betting sites may top up your account with the same amount. Playthrough requirements usually come into play here.
- No-deposit bonus: If you’re looking for a way to get started without making a deposit, this may be for you. Upon sign-up, you’ll be given a small amount of cash to place your first bet. Expect playthrough requirements here as well.
Choose your bet
Iowa sports bettors have access to nearly every type of bet imaginable. Betting options are plentiful, and these are the most common bet types:
Betting the moneyline is favored by new sports bettors because you're simply choosing which side will win.
With Over/Unders (totals), you must decide whether the combined score will exceed or fall short of the projected total number set by oddsmakers.
The point spread is considered an equalizer for sports bettors. Oddsmakers apply spread betting to level the playing field since the skill level of teams differs.
Deposit
Iowans have several sportsbook deposit and withdrawal methods available when it comes to adding funds to an account. Keep a watchful eye on transaction fees, however, as these can vary depending on your chosen payment method.
Common payment options in Iowa include debit/credit cards, bank transfers, e-wallets, and prepaid cards. Cash can also be used when visiting a casino.
Start betting
Look at how different sportsbooks’ betting lines stack up against one another before placing your first bet. Glancing over a few different options will ensure you’re not squandering an opportunity to place a more favorable wager.
Withdraw
Iowa sports bettors can withdraw funds from their accounts in a variety of ways. Remember, bank and transaction fees vary here as well, so check to see which method gives you the most bang for your buck.
Odds explained
Iowa sportsbooks use American Odds — aka moneyline odds — to display favorites and underdogs. A minus sign (-) is listed next to the favorite. The number found next to the minus sign specifies the amount players need to wager to be awarded $100 in profit. For example, -155 odds indicate a bet of $155 needs to be placed in order to take home $100 in profit.
Underdogs are accompanied by a plus (+) sign. The number following the plus sign represents the amount of profit that would be realized if a player placed a $100 bet. For example, +170 odds tell us that a winning $100 bet would result in a player profiting $170.
Odds are commonly viewed in decimals and fractions as well. Use our odds calculator to quickly cycle between American, decimal, and fractional odds.
What you can't bet on in Iowa
While Iowans are able to place a wager on nearly any sporting event — locally and internationally — there are a few no-gos in the Hawkeye State.
NFL Draft
Iowa is one of the few states where bettors are legally able to bet on the NFL Draft. Check out our guide for how to bet on the NFL Draft in 2026.
Politics
Iowa law forbids political betting of any kind. Discussing Iowa caucus betting odds around the water cooler is fine, but that’s as far as you can take things. You won't find any politics when browsing new markets at Iowa sports betting sites.
Entertainment award ceremonies
Much-hyped celebrity and pop-culture events, such as the Academy Awards, are off-limits at Iowa sportsbooks.
esports
Esports betting has not yet been legalized in Iowa, though there does seem to be some momentum building here. Rep. Bobby Kaufmann has sponsored a bill that would regulate esports betting, along with pro sports drafts, and player awards.
What about Iowa college sports?
Iowa sports bettors may place wagers on any college team in the country, meaning you can use the best March Madness betting sites for the 2026 NCAA tournament. However, individual player prop bets involving in-state schools are not permitted.
Iowa sports betting handle
Iowa betting handle eclipsed the $2 billion mark for the fourth consecutive year in 2024, reporting a final tally of $2.77 billion.
Our team tracks and reports on sports betting revenue generated from each legal market, including their respective monthly handle and hold. Iowa’s sportsbooks have posted the following numbers to date, via our Iowa revenue tracker:
Yearly breakdown
| Year | Total handle | Revenue | Hold percentage | Tax revenue |
| 2026 | ||||
| 2025 | $2.84B | $266.7M | 9.6% | $18.5M |
| 2024 | $2.77B | $218.5M | 8.0% | $13.9M |
| 2023 | $2.42B | $198.7M | 8.2% | $13.4M |
| 2022 | $2.34B | $165.5M | 7% | $11.9M |
| 2021 | $2B | $88M | 5.9% | $8.7M |
| 2020 | $575M | $41.6M | 7.2% | $2.8M |
| 2019 | $212M | $19M | 9% | $1.3M |
Monthly handle
| Year | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | Total |
| 2026 | $247.7M | $203.5M | $253.4M | $201.2M | $181.5M | $176.7M | $173.1M | ||||||
| 2025 | $289.7M | $216.5M | $287.8M | $215.6M | $202.6M | $168.2M | $146.7M | $181.6M | $271.1M | $301.9M | $303.1M | $262.6M | $2.84B |
| 2024 | $259.5M | $220.6M | $272.4M | $209.5M | $182.5M | $146.7M | $138.1M | $166.9M | $270.8M | $294.9M | $315.2M | $293.1M | $2.77B |
| 2023 | $233.6M | $193.8M | $232.6M | $172.5M | $147.7M | $115.5M | $109.6M | $141.2M | $245.7M | $255.2M | $289.6M | $282.7M | $2.42B |
| 2022 | $303.3M | $215.9M | $233.5M | $177.3M | $147.9M | $122.4M | $108.5M | $122.6M | $200M | $238.7M | $247.5M | $229.9M | $2.34B |
| 2021 | $149.5M | $143.6M | $161.4M | $118.3M | $114.8M | $111.2M | $88.9M | $108.4M | $210.4M | $280M | $287.2M | $266.5M | $2B |
| 2020 | $58M | $56.9M | $19.5M | $1.5M | $6.9M | $12.7M | $22.8M | $50.3M | $72.3M | $81.9M | $87.1M | $104.8M | $575M |
| 2019 | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A | $8.7M | $38.5M | $46.5M | $59.3M | $59.2M | $212M |
Home team advantage: Iowa sports
Whether they’ve grown up on Vikings football or reveled in the triumphs of the 2016 World Series-winning Cubs, there is no questioning Iowans’ fandom and allegiances to their favorite clubs.
Cheering on your team is one thing, but placing bets at Iowa sportsbooks is an entirely different story. Always be sure to remain objective when placing sports wagers, as these allegiances can quickly cloud your judgment. Read through our how to bet guides for an overview of betting terms and scenarios.
Iowa betting law
When Gov. Reynolds put her signature on Bill SF-617 on May 13, 2019, the Iowa market launch followed in August of that year.
Here's how the legal Iowa betting market looks in 2026:
- The Iowa Racing and Gaming Commission (IRGC) is responsible for the regulation of sports wagering.
- Only individuals 21 and older can legally wager on sports in Iowa.
- Iowa does not limit the number of casinos or racinos permitted in the state.
- 19 casinos/racinos are currently operational and each is authorized three online skins for a total of 57 sites.
- Iowa gambling winnings are treated as taxable income at 6.75%.
- Operators must submit 0.75% of gross gaming revenue (GGR) for charitable causes.
- Iowa law does not allow esports betting or wagers on the NFL Draft.
- Betting on college sports is allowed, except wagers on Iowa-based teams.
Other types of gambling
Iowa is home to 23 licensed casinos and four tribal casinos. Two of the state’s casinos offer live racing.
Casino
Each of Iowa’s commercial, riverboat, and tribal casinos offers players the full range of table games, slots, and more.
Real money online casinos are illegal in Iowa, as they were not included in Bill SF-617. National brands Chumba Casino and LuckyLand Slots offer a limited number of casino games and use “sweeps coins” to remain legally compliant in Iowa.
Poker
With 421 tables in the state, there’s no shortage of poker action in Iowa.
For those looking for an online alternative, Global Poker’s sweepstakes model remains the only option. Iowa has yet to make any progress on an online poker bill.
Horse racing
Live and simulcast horse racing can be found at Iowa’s lone horse racing site — Prairie Meadows. A number of off-track betting sites can be found throughout the state as well. Pari-mutuel bets can be placed online in Iowa at the best horse racing betting sites.
Iowa is also home to one greyhound racetrack — Iowa Greyhound Park.
Daily fantasy sports
Daily fantasy sports (DFS) has been a popular option in Iowa since the state passed its sports betting law in May 2019. DraftKings, the first operator to enter the market, was joined by fellow industry titan FanDuel soon after. Additionally, you can sign-up and claim the ProphetX promo code today.
Predictive sports trading
Predictive-based sports trading is becoming one of the most popular alternatives to traditional betting in 2026. You can use to best prediction market sites to buy, sell, and trade 'Yes' or 'No' contracts based on the speculative outcome of sports and various unique events, such as politics, pop culture, weather, and more. Register with the Kalshi promo code COVERS to access the top predictive-based platform today.
Quick facts: Iowa sports betting
Iowa sports betting is red hot with monthly total handle numbers up across the board, thanks to a mature retail sportsbook environment and a blooming online sports betting sector.
To learn the key takeaways about IA sports betting, examine our table below:
| Launch date | August 2019 |
| Legal age for betting | 21 |
| Online sports betting | Yes ✅ |
| Number of betting licenses | 19 |
| Number of betting sites | 13 |
| Remote registration | Yes ✅ |
| Retail sportsbooks | Yes ✅ |
| Online casino sites | Yes ✅ |
| Online poker | No ❌ |
| Retail casinos | Yes ✅ |
| Betting on college sports | Yes ✅ |
| Betting on esports | No ❌ |
| State population | 3.19 billion |
| Total handle (2025) | $2.84 billion |
| Tax rate | 6.75% |
| State regulator | Iowa Racing and Gaming Commission |
| Last Verified | Sept. 26, 2026 ✅ |
Responsible gaming in Iowa
The Iowa Racing and Gaming Commission has taken preventative measures to ensure programs and resources are available for individuals who feel as if their gambling activity is getting out of hand. Helplines, treatment centres, and self-exclusion lists have all been established to curb the effects of problem gambling in Iowa.
Fifteen of Iowa’s 19 licensed casinos now offer self-exclusion programs. Not all online sportsbooks offer these programs, but sites do provide players with a number of options to manage their betting activity. These tools include deposit and betting limits, timeouts, and self-assessments.
Legal online sportsbooks also allow users to place a wide range of restrictions on themselves. Players can set deposit and betting limits or permanently join the self-exclusion list.
Legal U.S. sports betting markets
Iowa mobilized on legalizing sports gambling following the Supreme Court's decision to overturn the federal ban on sports gambling. Outside of Iowa, these U.S. jurisdictions have all introduced sports betting laws:
Legal U.S. sports betting launches
Missouri sports betting went live in December 2025.
North Carolina sports betting legalized online wagering on March 11, 2024, at 12 p.m. ET. Tar Heel State bettors can now register with several of the top betting sites in 2026, such as FanDuel, DraftKings, and bet365.
Legal Vermont sports betting went live on Jan. 11, 2024, with FanDuel, DraftKings and Fanatics Sportsbook all available on launch day.
Maine sports betting launched on Nov. 3, 2023, with DraftKings and Caesars Sportsbook partnering with local tribes to offer online sportsbook services.
Legal Kentucky sports betting arrived on the scene on Sept. 7, 2023, with the launch of retail sportsbooks. Online sports betting arrived on Sept. 28.
Potential legal U.S. sports betting markets
There are still a considerable number of states moving toward legal sports betting.
Here are those which may potentially legalize the practice in the near future:
Iowa sports betting history
The speed with which Iowa sports betting became a reality was the result of a bi-partisan push in the state legislature. Gov. Reynolds's signature made it official in April 2019 and Iowans began placing legal wagers in August.
2024: Fanatics Sportsbook launches its online sportsbook in Iowa.
2023: The Iowa Racing and Gaming Commission (IRGC) fined three operators, Rush Street Interactive, Diamond Jo Worth, and Horseshoe Council Bluffs, for credit card, underage gambling, and self-exclusion violations respectively. Hard Rock leaves the online sports betting market in Iowa.
2022: The Iowa sports betting handle tops $300 million for the first time.
2021: Iowa's in-person registration requirement expires, allowing Iowa sports betting customers to register and fund an account online.
2020: IRGC adopts permanent regulations for sports wagering.
2019: Governor Kim Reynolds signed into law Senate File 617, a bill that allows land-based and mobile wagering via casinos and racetracks.
Iowa sports betting resources
Review some of our favorite Iowa sports betting resources to further your industry knowledge:
- Iowa Racing and Gaming Commission (IRGC): Regulatory body tasked with administering Iowa sports betting laws and rules
- Approved Iowa Sports Wagers: Complete list of approved sports wagers in Iowa
- Iowa sports betting revenue: Access sports wagering revenues in Iowa
- Iowa self-exclusion program: Allows individuals to exclude from all casino, racetrack, sports wagering, and fantasy sports operators licensed by the state.
Iowa sports betting conclusion
Once required to travel to a retail locale just to register with a sportsbook, Iowa sports bettors now have access to one of the more competitive U.S. markets in 2026, thanks to remote registration. Not only are there 13 online Iowa sportsbooks to choose from, but the opportunity to wager on college sports and the favorable lines induced by low tax rates for operators makes the experience fun and accessible.
While there are a few drawbacks for players — such as the inability to bet on the NFL Draft — Iowa sports betting covers all of the major areas of interest and does so well.
Sportsbooks to avoid in Iowa
See all blacklisted sportsbooks 
Bettors should also steer clear of unregulated offshore betting sites. These blacklisted sites are not authorized to take your bets, and you’ll have no legal recourse if your funds disappear from an offshore account.
- Allegations of withdrawal issues
- No license information available on site
- Poor customer service
- Multiple reports of slow payments
- Allegations of non-payments
- Risk of account closure simply for winning bets
- Reports of confiscated winnings
- Slow customer support response times
Iowa sports betting FAQ
Is sports betting legal in Iowa?
Yes, Iowa offers legal sports betting for adults 21 and older. Iowa’s efforts to regulate sports betting pre-dated the Supreme Court’s (SCOTUS) disposal of the Professional and Amateur Sports Protection Act (PASPA) of 1992.
Where can I bet on sports in Iowa?
You can make a sports bet by using legal Iowa sports betting sites or visiting a retail sportsbook in person.
Can you bet on Iowa-based teams in Iowa?
Yes, you can bet on Iowa-based teams with the exception of prop bets on college players.
Do you have to live in Iowa to bet online?
You do not have to reside in Iowa to place an online bet. As long as you have both feet on the ground in the Hawkeye State you’ll be able to bet online.
How much money does Iowa make on sports betting?
Iowa reported $13.9 million in sports betting tax revenue in 2024.
How do you place a sports bet in Iowa?
To place a sports bet in Iowa, you can visit an online sportsbook or download an app. Physical wagers can be placed at any of Iowa’s 17 retail sportsbooks.
What are the biggest sports betting cities in Iowa?
The biggest sports betting cities in Iowa are Des Moines, Council Bluffs, Davenport, and Dubuque.
Is DraftKings legally allowed to operate in Iowa?
Yes, DraftKings is legally allowed to operate in Iowa. The online sportsbook joined the Iowa sports betting market in February 2020 and can be found at three Wild Rose Casino locations in the state.
