Iowa Sports Betting Guide – Compare the Best IA Sportsbooks

The Hawkeye State is one of the most progressive states when it comes to sports wagering. One of the few that pushed for legalization as soon as the Supreme Court of the United States repealed PASPA, Iowa sports betting became available to residents in 2019. Since then, the industry has flourished. 

In this guide, we fill you in on everything you need to know about IA sports wagering, from the popular sports to bet on to the taxes you can expect to pay on winnings. We also rank and review the top IA online sportsbooks and show you how to sign up and start betting. So, read on to learn more.

Iowa Sports Betting Overview 2024 (Updated: December)

See the table below for a look at Iowa’s current legal sports betting landscape as it is in December, 2024. 

List of the Best Iowa Sports Betting Sites

There are currently over 17 legal, regulated online Iowa sports betting sites and dozens of respectable offshore sportsbooks in the state. While each offers excellent betting options, we have selected a top ten, which you’ll find listed below.

1. BetOnline – Best Iowa Betting Site Overall
2. Bovada – Leading Online Sportsbook for Prop Betting
3. MyBookie – Top Among Iowa Online Sportsbooks for Sports Wagering Contests
4. Everygame – Online Sportsbook with Excellent Parlay Promotions
5. TG Casino – Wager Anonymously via Telegram in IA
6. BetUS – Over 30 Years of Experience in North America
7. BetNow – Claim Back a Percentage of Your Sports Betting Losses Each Week
8. Sportsbetting.ag – High Limits & Re-Bet Functionality
9. BUSR – Premier Racebook in the State
10. XBet – Great Option for Esports Betting Fans in IA

Reviews of the Best Betting Sites in Iowa

To complement our list of the best Iowa sportsbooks, we have reviewed each online sportsbook in detail below, giving key insight into what they offer, what makes them stand out, and whether or not they would be the right option for you.

1. BetOnline – Best Iowa Betting Site Overall

• Established: 2001
• Licensed in: Panama City, Panama
• No. of Sports Markets: 25+
• Live Betting/Streaming: /

Overall Rating: 4.9/5.0

A comprehensive gambling platform, BetOnline offers a wide selection of gambling options, including a casino, a sportsbook, and a standalone racebook. The boasts sharp, competitive odds for Iowans interested in backing local teams like the Iowa Hawkeyes and Iowa Cyclones. Regardless of whether you’re cheering on the Hawkeyes at Kinnick Stadium or rooting for the Cyclones at Jack Trice Stadium, BetOnline has something for you.

Get exclusive benefits, weekly and monthly bonuses, as well as personalized services via BetOnline’s lucrative VIP rewards program.

As a loyal, returning customer in Iowa, BetOnline offers lucrative benefits via one of the strongest-tiered VIP programs. Also, betting contests like Pick’em and Survivor are available. In addition, players can take advantage of bonus bets and boost their balance – just enter the BetOnline promo code when you deposit.

For seamless payments, BetOnline supports several banking methods, including bank wire transfers, credit cards like Visa and Mastercard, gift cards, and several cryptocurrencies, including Bitcoin. Crypto deposits are instant and payouts are completed within seconds or minutes.

When it comes to sports, the sports betting app covers all the favorites, including NCAA sports, the NFL, NBA, NHL, MLB, soccer, rugby, and cricket. Are you a fan of Nate Kaeding’s NFL days or love watching the Cyclones pull off an upset? BetOnline makes it easy to place your bet. With high betting limits, re-bet options, and superb in-game betting, you’ll always be in on the action. Furthermore, crafting parlays, same game parlays, teasers, and if bets is simple on BetOnline: just use the bet slip.

• Safety & Security: 4.9/5.0
• Iowa Sports Markets: 5.0/5.0
• College Football Betting Focus: 5.0/5.0
• Live Betting: 4.9/5.0
• Ease of Registration: 4.9/5.0
• Iowa-friendly Payment Options: 5.0/5.0
• Bonuses & Promotions: 4.8/5.0
• Customer Support: 4.8/5.0

 

2. Bovada – Leading Online Sportsbook for Prop Betting

• Established: 2011
• Licensed in: Curacao
• No. of Sports Markets: 25+
• Live Betting/Streaming: / (esports only)

Overall Rating: 4.8/5.0

Bovada is another great choice for sports fans in Iowa, offering loads of ways to bet on popular events. From NBA, NFL, and NHL games to Iowa Hawkeyes’ big clashes in NCAA football, Bovada provides plenty of options to keep the fun going. In fact, you’ll find wagers for less popular sports like NASCAR, lacrosse, Formula 1, and boxing. You can bet on moneylines, spreads, totals, futures, parlays, and countless props. Plus, you can even create your own props on X.com using #WhatsYaWager.

Can’t find your preferred bet on Bovada? Simply head over to X.com and propose any wager of your choosing using the #WhatsYaWager hashtag.

Players can also visit the site’s live betting suite to wager on the aforementioned, plus NCAA games, including the Hawkeyes’. Bovada’s in-play experience is top-of-the-range, keeping you in the game with rapid odds updates, detailed graphical and statistical displays, and even live streaming of esports events.

The platform provides a range of promotions and bonus bets for new and existing players, easily accessed using Bovada promo codes or by simply joining the Rewards program. While the payment options aren’t as broad as some others, Iowans can still easily deposit and withdraw using wire transfers, crypto, and credit cards.

• Safety & Security: 4.7/5.0
• Iowa Sports Markets: 4.9/5.0
• College Football Betting Focus: 4.8/5.0
• Live Betting: 4.7/5.0
• Ease of Registration: 4.8/5.0
• Iowa-friendly Payment Options: 4.9/5.0
• Bonuses & Promotions: 4.7/5.0
• Customer Support: 4.8/5.0

 

3. MyBookie – Top Among Iowa Online Sportsbooks for Sports Wagering Contests

• Established: 2014
• Licensed in: Curacao
• No. of Sports Markets: 25+
• Live Betting/Streaming: / (esports only)

Overall Rating: 4.6/5.0

MyBookie is one of your best sports for online wagering for sports lovers in Iowa. Fans of local legends like Kurt Warner or Dallas Clark can enjoy a range of betting lines, from spreads and moneylines to parlays and live betting.  The sportsbook covers several events, including baseball, basketball, hockey, soccer, football, hockey, and collegiate games involving Iowa’s own Hawkeyes and Cyclones.

Enter Squares and Survivor contests for as little as $1.25 and compete for prize pools of up to $10,000. The fun is unmatched and the potential winnings are massive.

Iowa bettors funding their accounts will discover an assortment of payment options for funding their accounts. Thanks to their transaction speeds and the lack of fees, cryptocurrencies are probably your best banking option at MyBookie. However, you can also use credit cards, gift cards, and bank wire transfers.

Lastly, players visiting MyBookie on mobile via the Iowa online sportsbook app or online with a computer can enjoy several exciting promotions, including a deposit match welcome promotion, cash reloads, horse racing rebates, and more. To unlock them, use the relevant MyBookie promo code on the site’s Promotions page. Regular betting contests are a further strong feature. MyBookie is a top spot when it comes to NBA/NFL Squares, Brackets, etc.

• Safety & Security: 4.5/5.0
• Iowa Sports Markets: 4.6/5.0
• College Football Betting Focus: 4.6/5.0
• Live Betting: 4.5/5.0
• Ease of Registration: 4.6/5.0
• Iowa-friendly Payment Options: 4.7/5.0
• Bonuses & Promotions: 4.5/5.0
• Customer Support: 4.6/5.0

 

4. Everygame – Online Sportsbook with Excellent Parlay Promotions

• Established: 2022 (1983 as “Intertops“)
• Licensed in: Curacao
• No. of Sports Markets: 15+
• Live Betting/Streaming: /

Overall Rating: 4.5/5.0

Although all the Iowa sports gambling sites in this guide offer live betting, Everygame stands out for its in-play wagering offering. Besides featuring a simple-to-navigate interface, Everygame’s in-play suite incorporates multi-screen technology, enabling Iowa bettors to follow the Hawkeyes and Cyclones/online sports bets simultaneously.

Ideal for fans of live sports betting. You can keep an eye on the Hawkeyes, Cyclones, and several sports games all at once and place live bets while at it using Everygame’s multi-screen technology.

Whether players sign up using the app or the online site, they can access a range of unique promotions, including several parlay bonus bets. To claim them, players need to input Everygame promo codes when funding their accounts. Several payment methods are listed for depositing/withdrawing, including credit cards from Visa or Mastercard, cryptocurrencies, and Neosurf.

Everygame offers plenty of sports, including the MLB, NHL, NFL, NBA, NCAA, MMA, rugby, and cricket. Iowa sports bettors can enjoy a selection of betting lines whether they place pre-game wagers or visit the live betting suite. For instance, you can wager parlays, moneylines, spreads, totals, teasers, fixed odds, plus player and game prop bets (though the offering is fairly sparse for the latter).

• Safety & Security: 4.4/5.0
• Iowa Sports Markets: 4.5/5.0
• College Football Betting Focus: 4.5/5.0
• Live Betting: 4.4/5.0
• Ease of Registration: 4.5/5.0
• Iowa-friendly Payment Options: 4.6/5.0
• Bonuses & Promotions: 4.4/5.0
• Customer Support: 4.5/5.0

 

5. TG Casino – Wager Anonymously via Telegram in IA

• Established: 2023
• Licensed in: Curacao
• No. of Sports Markets: 35+
• Live Betting/Streaming: / (esports only)

Overall Rating: 4.4/5.0

TG Casino is a modern crypto sportsbook that allows Iowans to wager anonymously via the Telegram messenger app. Getting started on the platform is easy – simply download Telegram, provide your phone number, and start placing bets right away. TG Casino excels in its top selection of promotions for new and existing players.

Sign up to TG Casino and claim a mouthwatering rakeback bonus worth up to 10 ETH to bet on sports and play casino games.

Players can use credit cards and other means to fund their crypto wallets at TG Casino, but transactions are strictly coin-based. Your crypto is converted to $TGC on the platform, which you then use to gamble at the sportsbook and online casino. Interestingly, the value of your $TGC can go up while you hold it, meaning additional value for your wagers. 

Another feature of this anonymous casino & sportsbook that stands out is its extensive sports betting options, which include IA favorites like the MLB, NHL, NBA, NFL, NCAA, UFC, and golf. Niche sports like F1, rugby, cycling, and boxing are also available. Players can place several types of wagers, from live bets to spreads, wins, and totals to props. You can also live-stream select esports matchups, including NBA2K.

• Safety & Security: 4.3/5.0
• Iowa Sports Markets: 4.4/5.0
• College Football Betting Focus: 4.4/5.0
• Live Betting: 4.3/5.0
• Ease of Registration: 4.4/5.0
• Iowa-friendly Payment Options: 4.5/5.0
• Bonuses & Promotions: 4.3/5.0
• Customer Support: 4.4/5.0

Comparing Sportsbooks in Iowa

While reading reviews is one way to pinpoint the best Iowa betting sites for you, comparing the features of each side-by-side can also be helpful. So, we created the table below:

How We Rank the Best Iowa Sportsbooks

We didn’t just stumble on our list of the best Iowa sportsbooks. Our team of experts evaluated hundreds of sites based on certain key metrics and picked the cream of the crop. Below are the factors considered in our selection process.

Is Iowa Sports Betting Legal?

Following the Supreme Court of the United States’ decision to repeal the Amateur Sports Protection Act, Governor Kim Reynolds signed HF 2497, bringing Iowa sports betting into law. This sports betting bill included provisions to legalize in-person, and mobile sports betting.

That said, sportsbooks must partner with an established land-based casino to operate an in-person or online sportsbook in Iowa. Initially, players wanting to wager on sports online had to first register in person at a participating land-based casino. However, in late 2021, lawmakers abolished this measure, allowing players to register online instead.

Iowa is home to more than 18 legal, regulated in-person and online sportsbooks where players can wager on their favorite sports matches, events, and athletes. While betting on pro and college sports is allowed, high school sports and entertainment-related wagers are prohibited.

If you want to explore entertainment and politics markets, bigger bonuses, and wager on the Hawkeyes and Cyclones without restrictions, consider our top 10 offshore sportsbooks. These sites are available to Iowans, licensed by reputed authorities, and safe to play.

Who can Legally Bet on Sports in Iowa?

Although anyone can browse state-regulated online sportsbooks in Iowa, those wanting to register, claim promotions, and place wagers must first meet a few stipulations. For instance, players must be of legal gambling age as outlined by the state.

While most states set the limit for online sports betting at 18, Iowa sports betting legislation is a bit stricter, setting the legal sports betting age at 21 or older. So, whether you want to wager in person or online, you must be older than 21.

The Latest Iowa Sports Betting News

Since Iowa sports betting was legalized in 2019, sports bettors have enjoyed placing wagers on their favorite sports teams. However, a few changes have come into effect, as have several well-documented issues, especially concerning collegiate athletes. So, let’s look at the recent timeline of IA sports betting.

• April 2024: 26 Iowa collegiate athletes sue state lawmakers, claiming that an investigation into their mobile sports betting practices infringed on their constitutional rights. The young athletes claim that Iowa-state investigators used geolocation software to track their betting activity. This act resulted in many prospects losing their NCAA status and criminal charges. 
• August 2023: Four Iowa-state football players, including quarterback Hunter Dekkers, accused of tampering with records signing up to sportsbooks under false identities to wager on Iowa football games, according to the Des Moines Register.  
• March 2022: HF 2497, an attempt to legalize esports betting in Iowa, passed in the House.
• March 2022: The Lakeside Casino and Hotel launched a sportsbook in partnership with the Daily Racing Forum.
• Jan 2022: Iowa cleared $2 billion in sports betting via remote registration in 2021.
• 2021: Iowa abolished the requirement that bettors must register for an online betting account at a local casino. As a result, players can now sign up online instead.

Previous Iowa Sports Betting Bills

Since Iowa legalized sports betting soon after the Supreme Court repealed PASPA, not many bills were discussed before sports wagering was regulated. In fact, there’s just the one bill introduced in 2018 that failed.

• 2018 – HS Bill 592 – A bill to legalize sports betting in Iowa should SCOTUS repeal PASPA. However, it failed in committee.

Tax on Sports Betting Winnings in Iowa 

If a bettor’s winnings exceed $600 after deducting the wager amount, the bettor is subject to a 5% tax in Iowa. If the earnings surpass $5,000, they must pay a federal income tax of 24%.

Payment Methods available at Iowa Betting Sites 

Iowa sportsbooks provide bettors several ways to deposit and withdraw funds from their wagering accounts. Besides making things more convenient for Iowa sports bettors, it casts a wider net, allowing more sports fans to sign up. So, let’s look at the most common payment options offered by state-regulated IA sports betting sites:

Crypto Betting Options

Cryptocurrencies like Ethereum, Bitcoin, Ripple, Tether, Dogecoin, and Litecoin all offer players anonymous betting. Additionally, they have no transaction fees since third-party financial institutions like banks do not manage them. However, state-regulated Iowa sportsbooks do not accept cryptocurrencies as a method of payment.

E-wallet Betting Options

Another form of payment that provides players with additional protection against fraud is e-wallets. Since these systems act as a middleman between a bettor’s bank account and an online sports betting account, they offer greater protection from hacking. As a result, many of the best Iowa sportsbooks work with e-wallet providers, including Everygame, which supports eZeeWallet.

Traditional Payment Methods

Since most players prefer traditional payment methods to fund their betting accounts, sites offering sports betting in IA accept several fiat currency payment options. As a result, players can deposit funds using options like credit cards, debit cards, checks, online banking, and bank wire transfers. So, to fund your IA betting account using Visa or Mastercard, visit any sportsbooks on our list.

Bonus Bets Available at Iowa Sports Betting Sites

Iowa sportsbooks provide bettors with a selection of generous promotions. Generally, these bonus bets encourage new players to sign up and existing bettors to keep visiting the site. However, these rewards come in all shapes and sizes, so it’s good to familiarize yourself with the best types of bonus bets IA sports betting sites offer before you register.

Match Deposit Bonus Bets

Unquestionably, the matched deposit is one of the most common IA sports betting promos. Offered as a welcome or reload bonus, the matched deposit rewards bettors for funding their accounts by matching their deposits to a specific amount. For example, an Iowa sports betting site offering a 100% matched deposit of up to $1,000 will give a player depositing $400 an additional $400 to wager.

No Deposit Bonus Bets

In contrast to a match deposit that requires players to fund their accounts first, the no-deposit bonus rewards them for simply registering with the sportsbook. In this case, the Iowa sports betting site gives a player complimentary credits that allow them to explore the site and place risk-free wagers.

However, bettors often deposit their own funds to continue betting once the credits run out, scoring a new player for the sportsbook. While these bonus bets are a great way to encourage more skeptical players to sign up, they are rare.

Free Bets

Another form of bonus bet that Iowa sportsbooks offer bettors is free bets. Generally, the best free bets come as site credits, coupons, or vouchers that allow bettors to place wagers risk-free.

In other words, if players place a bet and lose, they don’t forfeit any of their funds. But if they win, they can keep their earnings. Other free bets players can enjoy include odds boosters and sports-specific rewards. For instance, BetOnline may offer a $50 free bet on the NFL.

Popular Sports to Bet on in Iowa

Sites offering sports betting in IA cover a wide range of sports that range from more popular options to less common sports like snooker, darts, and rugby. Below, we look at some of the most-loved sports offered by Iowa sports betting sites:

Live Betting with Iowa Online Sportsbooks

At regulated Iowa sportsbooks, players can place pre-game wagers as well as live or in-play wagers. The sportsbook allows players to place bets on games already in play, offering an action-packed and nail-biting experience. 

Besides providing in-play betting, these IA sports betting sites (the ones on our list anyway) allow players to live-stream specific sports games as they play out, making it easier for players to keep tabs on their teams and wagers. So, for the best live betting, head to BetOnline.

Bets that are Illegal in Iowa 

Although Iowa is a relatively progressive state when it comes to wagering, there are a few things bettors cannot wager on. Firstly,  bettors cannot place bets on politics since IA law prohibits wagering on all political events and outcomes. 

Another event players cannot wager on in Iowa is awards shows like the Grammys and Academy Awards. Finally, bettors in the state are prohibited from wagering on the NFL Draft, one of the league’s major offseason events. Unfortunately, Iowa is among the few states that classify wagering on the Draft as illegal. Esports wagering via native platforms is also prohibited. 

How Iowa Sports Betting Compares to its Neighboring States

Since Iowa is one of the most progressive states in the US, bettors can enjoy legal in-person, online, and mobile sports betting. However, bettors in surrounding states are less fortunate. Let’s take a look at the sports betting situation in neighboring Iowa states.

Minnesota

Despite multiple attempts in recent years to change the narrative, Minnesota sports betting remains illegal. Residents had high hopes during the 2024 legislative session but no bills were successful in the end. Now, Minnesotans will have to wait until at least 2025 for new legislation.

Missouri

Like the North Star State, Missouri is yet to legalize sports betting. In truth, legislators, citizens, and other prominent members are interested in regulating sports wagering, but it just hasn’t materialized yet. Residents will have to take a trip down to Iowa and Illinois to bet on sports. That said, DFS pick’em and social sportsbooks are legal in the state.

Illinois

Illinois sports betting is live and legal online and at retail sportsbooks. Around nine sportsbook apps are available, and there are several locations accepting sports wagers in the state. Unlike in Iowa, Illinois doesn’t allow wagering on local college teams, and collegiate betting is limited to moneylines, spreads, and totals.

Nebraska

Home to the world-famous gambling hub – Las Vegas – you would think all forms of gambling are legal in Nevada. This isn’t the case, however, as bettors are restricted to in-person sports betting only at four retail locations. Unfortunately, the 2024 legislative session ended any formal discussion about Nebraska online sports betting.

South Dakota

Although South Dakota hasn’t had legal sports betting for as long as Iowa, it has regulated the activity since September 2021, though in a limited context. Currently, only retail sportsbooks are available, with several locations in the city of Deadwood. Additionally, residents can place bets at any of the tribal casinos offering sports betting.

Casinos with Iowa Sports Betting

When Iowa sports betting became legal in 2019, the legislature included the legal operation of retail sportsbooks provided they partnered with established land-based casinos. There are more than 15 casinos that house sportsbooks in Hawkeye. However, below, we look at just the top five most popular brick-and-mortar locations in the state:

Wild Rose Jefferson

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

The Wild Rose partnered with several sportsbook operators, including DraftKings and BetRivers. However, players can enjoy a DraftKings sportsbook onsite. Besides a sportsbook, the casino offers 518 slots, 11 table games, and a luxury hotel. 

Harrah’s Council Bluffs

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

Bettors visiting Harrah’s Council Bluffs will find that this extensive casino, which sits near the border to Nebraska, features a Caesar’s Sportsbook. Additionally, bettors can enjoy over 500 slots, ten table games, several restaurants, and a stylish hotel.

Diamond Jo

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

Owned by Boyd Gaming, Diamond Jo operates 24 hours a day. It offers players over 800 slot machines and several high-action table games. However, the real drawcard here is the FanDuel Sportsbook, which provides bettors exciting ways to back their favorite sports teams.

Catfish Bend Casino

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

If you’re looking for a PointsBet sportsbook, Catfish Bend Casino in Burlington, Iowa, is the place to go. Here, bettors can wager bets on sports or visit the casino to enjoy over700 games, including slots, table games, and a private poker room.

Prairie Meadows Casino and Hotel

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

Prairie Meadows is a large betting complex located in Altoona. Here, players will find the state’s only horse racing track, a hotel, Caesar’s Sportsbook, and a casino that operates 24/7. When visiting the casino, bettors can enjoy 1,900 slot machines and a large variety of table games.

The Best Sports Betting Site for Iowa

Iowa is progressive in sports betting and has offered bettors legal online, mobile, and in-person sports wagering since 2019. The state has improved its offerings at every turn, leaving bettors with a prime pick between excellent offshore and state-regulated sportsbooks that provide top-notch betting experiences. 

While we recommend visiting any of the regulated sportsbooks on our list, our top pick goes to BetOnline. In addition to offering exciting promotions, generous rewards, and a wide selection of sports and betting markets, the sportsbook offers excellent odds and an outstanding reputation. So, don’t miss out. Instead, sign up with BetOnline and claim your $250 in free bets.

Iowa Sports Betting FAQ

What is the legal gambling age for Iowa sports betting?

Those wanting to legally wager on sports in the Hawkeye State must be 21 years or older. While most states reserve this age limit for in-person sportsbooks and casinos that serve alcohol, Iowa also applies it to its online sportsbooks and sports betting apps.

Is online Iowa sports betting legal?

Yes. Iowa sports betting became legal in 2019 after the Supreme Court of the United States repealed PASPA and Iowa Governor Kim Reynolds signed sports betting into law. Furthermore, sports betting became active in the state in early 2020, so several online and in-person sportsbooks like DraftKings launched.

What organization oversees online IA sports betting?

Iowa sports betting, be it in-person, online, or over mobile, is governed by the Iowa Racing and Gaming Commission. As a result, this organization is responsible for issuing licenses and managing the operation of sportsbooks in the state.

Is mobile Iowa sports betting legal?

Yes. When Governor Kim Reynolds signed sports betting into law in 2019, this covered in-person, online, and mobile sports betting. As a result, many native sportsbooks offering online betting also have downloadable Iowa sports betting apps that players can utilize.

Where can I bet on sports in IA?

Presently, bettors in IA can place wagers online from home, anywhere in the state using a mobile app, or by visiting a regulated in-person sportsbook at one of the affiliated casinos.

Problem Gambling Resources

• National Council on Problem Gambling
• GamTalk
• Gamblers Anonymous