Iowa Sports Betting: Best Iowa Sportsbooks in 2026

Top 5 Iowa Sportsbooks

We really are spoiled for choice in Iowa. It’s tough to pick a favorite out of all the betting sites in the state, and they all have their own strong points. We’ve narrowed it down to five of the best, and here they are:

1. FanDuel App Iowa

FanDuel: Pros & Cons

• Uncluttered and easy to find what you’re looking for.
• More betting markets than any other sportsbook.
• Custom parlays with alternate lines for player props and totals.
• Live player prop stats with real-time results

• Geolocation issues for website users
• Lack of option to cancel your bet before the event starts

The high ratings for this sportsbook app speak for themselves: Sports bettors in Iowa love FanDuel. Apple users rate the product a 4.8, while Android users rate it a 4.7. No other competing brand can match those ratings. To up the proverbial ante, FanDuel is offering new players a ‘bet $5, get $200’ in bonus bets deal. A generous welcome indeed.

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FanDuel Highlights

• Extensive range of sports
• Competitive odds
• Speedy sportsbook platform

2. Caesars App Iowa

Caesars: Pros & Cons

• Eligibility for Caesars Rewards Visa
• Live events highlighted at top of page
• Great range of markets for US and global events

• Page navigation can be difficult
• Online bet slip permanently on screen

Caesars sportsbook has been operational online since sports betting was legalized in 2018. It offers a broad selection of sports, ensuring a diverse betting experience highlighted by its Caesars Rewards program. This loyalty scheme offers unique benefits like discounted Vegas trips. Known for its user-friendly platform, the Caesars sportsbook emphasizes security and customer satisfaction, backed by Iowa licensing.

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Caesars Sport Highlights

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• Awesome sportsbook bonus

3. DraftKings App Iowa

DraftKings: Pros & Cons

• Modern software with tons of interesting features
• Great range of sports and betting markets
• Excellent mobile app

• Navigation can be tricky at first

By most metrics, DraftKings is the most popular sportsbook in the US. It generates the most revenue in the majority of US states where it operates and it has a pre-existing loyal customer base thanks to its experience in the world of DFS. It also features one of the most extensive menus of betting markets available, together with plenty of exciting and exclusive promotions, so be sure to keep an eye out for those.

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DraftKings Highlights

• Diverse sports book
• Generous promotions
• User-friendly betting platform

BetRivers App Iowa

BetRivers: Pros & Cons

• Easy to use and beginner friendly
• Excellent range of on-running promotions
• Stream certain sports live on the site

• Software a little bit outdated

BetRivers software arguably feels a little bit less modern and slick than some other sites, but it’s got some really great features to make up for it. There’s a generous bet insurance deal worth up to $500 for new signups, daily odds boosts and tons of other interesting promotions, and the iRush rewards system is a nice touch. The Quick Pick feature is handy too, where the sportsbook suggests pre-formatted same-game parlays for upcoming games, based on your preferences.

BetMGM App Iowa

BetMGM: Pros & Cons

• Modern and well-designed platform
• Great tool for building same-game parlays
• MGM Rewards is a very interesting feature

• Online casino games are not legal in Iowa

Many of the top US sportsbooks are online platforms connected to some of the top casinos in the country, and BetMGM is one of the best. In states that allow both sports betting and online casino games, BetMGM provides both - but Iowa’s gambling laws allow sports betting only. Still, you can win prizes and experiences at real life MGM Resorts when you use BetMGM sportsbook, thanks to the rewards programme. The depth of betting markets is excellent, and there’s an up to $1,000 insurance bet available for new members.

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BetMGM Highlights

• Hundreds of betting markets for major events
• Live streaming offered
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Best Iowa Sportsbook Bonuses

Bonuses are a huge part of online sportsbooks. They are often the first thing you see, making them the sportsbook’s way of attracting new bettors. A genuinely valuable welcome bonus (not just a catchy headline) is the first step, but we also love sportsbooks that have lots of regular promos and offers for current bettors, like odds boosts and bonus bets. Here are the latest Iowa sportsbook promos we’ve reviewed.

Best Iowa Sports Betting Apps

There are a good number of Iowa sports betting apps available We have broken down the top 5 available in the Hawkeye state, together with their best features for you.

• FanDuel: Best for -  A mobile app that is fast, intuitive, and easily navigable, FanDuel Iowa is one of the leading brands in the Hawkeye State.
• Caesars:  Best for - Its generous welcome offer and its loyalty program, Caesars Rewards.
• DraftKings: Best for - has incredibly strong ratings for its app features, app functionality, and total offerings.
• Bet Rivers: Best for - A diverse set of sports betting options, variety of leagues (it’s a great MLB betting site, for example) and types of bets.
• Bet MGM: Best for - Its loyalty program, MGM Rewards, where users can earn freebies at MGM resorts around the US.

How to Sign Up with Iowa Betting Sites

Whichever sportsbook you choose, the process to get set up and start betting in Iowa is largely the same. To register for an account, here is the information you’ll need to provide:

1. Name
2. Date of birth
3. Address
4. Email address
5. Password
6. Phone number

This is enough to create your account, but the sportsbook will also have to cross check your details against info on the public record, to verify your identity. It’s possible that you’ll need to send some additional documentation to complete the verification process, like a copy of your driver’s license, or passport.

Once you are set up, it’s time to deposit some money. Topping up your account is just like making any other type of payment online, and should really take less than a minute. Head to the cashier, choose your preferred method and follow the prompts.

To actually place a bet, you can add your selection to the betslip which normally lives on the right hand side of the screen or pops up when you need it. Type in your stake or add more selections to create a parlay, and when you’re happy with your bet just click the button to confirm.

Is Online Betting Legal in Iowa?

The US Supreme Court overturned a federal ban on sports betting in 2018 and Iowa legalized sports a year later, in 2019. At first, people had to register at one of Iowa’s 19 land-based casinos before they could bet online, but since 2021, registration may be via a licensed Iowa sports betting app. Bettors must be 21 or older to place bets on professional or college sports. Here’s a quick overview for you, but you can also find the information on the official Iowa Racing & Gaming Commission website.

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Latest Iowa Sports Betting News

We are taking a look at the latest sports betting stories from the state of Iowa and across the country to keep you updated on the sports betting landscape:

• Fanatics Sportsbook Entry: Fanatics Sportsbook has taken over from PointsBet in Iowa, marking a significant change in the state's sports betting offerings. This is part of a larger shift by Fanatics following their acquisition of PointsBet US in August 2023.
• Iowa Betting Market Growth: In December, Iowa's sports betting market reported a handle of $282.7 million, a significant uptick from the previous year, showing the state's market is expanding.
• College In-Game Wagering Limits: Iowa has considered amendments that would limit in-game betting on college athletes, though betting on college games remains allowed with certain restrictions.
• College Controversy: Attorneys representing four Iowa State University athletes filed a motion to suppress all evidence in the recent Iowa sports betting investigation.
• Price Drop: Iowa sports betting handle fell to $259.4 million in January, down 8.9% from December.
• Illegal activity: According to a court filing, a special agent with the Division of Criminal Investigation testified that the DCI used an “illegal search” of student online accounts when investigating the Iowa sports betting case.
• Handle Fall: The state announces that Iowa sports betting handle fell slightly to $282.7 in December, down 2% from November.
• Revenue Down: The state announces that Iowa sports betting revenue fell to $14.1 million in November, down 41% from October.
• Betting Increase: The state announces that Iowa sports betting handle rose to $289.6 million in November, a 13% increase from October and 17% increase year over year.

What You Can’t Bet on in Iowa

As in every state there are betting restrictions as to what you can place a wager on. In the state of Iowa this is no different. Below we have listed the events that are not permitted to bet on:

• It’s illegal for those with a close affiliation with leagues or teams to wager on their sports.
• Iowa does not allow wagering on high school sports or entertainment-related events.
• Iowa doesn’t allow prop bets on college athletes.

Betting Taxes in Iowa

Yes, betting winnings are considered taxable income in Iowa. It’s up to each individual to include their gambling winnings when they file their tax returns at the end of the year if they are over $600.

For wins of over $600, depending on the total payout, the sportsbook is obligated to withhold 24% for federal tax and create a W2-G form acknowledging the payment, with a copy sent to both you and the IRS. The remainder is then paid out in wins.

For wins that don’t reach the required $600 threshold there is no need to report your winnings to the IRS.

How We Rate the Best Iowa Sportsbooks

When evaluating sportsbooks, several key factors determine their worthiness for your betting needs. These aspects not only ensure a secure and enjoyable betting experience but also maximize your chances of success. Here are critical criteria to consider:

When evaluating sportsbooks, several key factors determine their worthiness for your betting needs. These aspects ensure a secure and enjoyable betting experience. Here are critical criteria to consider:

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What Sports Are Available for Betting in Iowa

Bettors can indulge in a wide range of sports betting, with local sites covering numerous popular events and markets. However, the state sets clear boundaries on what can be bet on. Notably, Iowa prohibits those with close ties to sports teams or leagues from placing bets on their matches. Additionally, wagering on high school sports, entertainment events, and prop bets on college athletes is not allowed, maintaining a regulated and responsible betting environment.

Betting on Iowa's Top 5 Sports Teams:

Iowa does not host any major league sports teams from the NFL, NBA, MLB, NHL, or MLS. Instead, it's known for its strong collegiate teams like the University of Iowa Hawkeyes and the Iowa State University Cyclones, which are major draws for sports fans in the state. The state also has minor league teams and semi-professional teams in sports like baseball, basketball, and soccer, but these do not have the same profile as major league franchises.

Payment Methods at Iowa Betting Sites

The best sportsbooks have a range of different options for deposits and withdrawals, enough so that everyone who wants to play will have an option that makes sense for them. Here are some of the most popular methods:

• Bank Cards - A simple payment with a Mastercard or Visa credit card or debit card is the most universally popular way to pay for anything online, and the same goes for topping up your online sportsbooks. Although very convenient for deposits, you normally need to choose a different way to withdraw your winnings.
• Bank Transfers / EChecks - A direct transfer from your bank account to your sportsbook is also pretty convenient, even if it’s not quite as widely used as bank card payments. In this case, your winnings can normally be sent back in exactly the same way.
• E-wallets (PayPal, Skrill etc) - E-wallets are a great option if you want to keep your sports betting totally separate from your bank account, since it means you’ll never have to make a direct payment between the two.
• Play+ Cards - These are like using prepaid debit cards at a Visa sportsbook, in that you can top up online, use in stores and even withdraw cash from ATM. Some sportsbooks and online casinos have their own branded Play+ Cards, and if you sign up for one you’ll usually qualify for special deals like instant withdrawals.

Sports Betting Across the USA - Where Is It Legal?

As of March 2024, sports betting is legal and operational in a number of US states and territories, providing a wide array of options for enthusiasts. The states where this form of betting has been legalized include:

Arizona, Arkansas, Colorado, Connecticut, Delaware, Florida, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Louisiana, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Mississippi, Montana, Nebraska, Nevada, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New Mexico, New York, North Carolina, North Dakota, Ohio, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, South Dakota, Tennessee, Vermont, Virginia, West Virginia, Washington, Washington D.C., Wisconsin, and Wyoming.

This diverse list signifies a broad acceptance and integration of sports betting into the legal and regulatory frameworks across the country, reflecting the growing trend towards embracing this form of entertainment and the potential revenue it generates for state economies.

Conclusion

Engaging with sports betting in Iowa starts with selecting the right platform, with FanDuel sportsbook highlighted as a top choice for new bettors. Your decision should align with your betting preferences, goals, and the types of sports you prefer to wager on. Always choose a licensed and regulated sportsbook in Iowa, use our guides and reviews to compare the leading brands and make sure that you thoroughly understand the bonus terms before you start betting.

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