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Online casinos in Iowa

Iowa continues to prohibit real-money online casinos, but there is a glimmer of optimism with the legalization of sports betting. When or if Iowa legalizes online casino gambling, this will be your one-stop-shop for all things IA online casinos.

Brian Cass By: Brian Cass
Fact checked by: Gary Garry
Table of contents

No, online casinos are not legal in Iowa. The state formally legalized online sports wagering in 2018, but there hasn’t been much movement on the online casino or internet poker front.

Latest events in Iowa online casino legalization

Despite the state's successful efforts in legalizing online sports gambling, there hasn't been a significant legislative drive towards allowing real-money online casinos or online poker in Iowa.

However, as Iowa establishes a solid foundation in the world of legal sports betting, it's plausible to anticipate potential advocacy for the introduction of real-money casino and poker websites in the coming years.

Best Iowa online casinos we expect to launch

As soon as online casino games become legal in Iowa, several renowned operators are poised to make their mark in the state.

Below, we highlight the best Iowa online casinos that we expect to promptly enter the market.

🎰 FanDuel Casino IA ⭐ Comprehensive hub for sports and online casino enthusiasts
🎰 DraftKings Casino IA ⭐ Wide range of classic casino games and unique selections
🎰 ESPN Bet Casino IA ⭐ Poised for market debut with a strong partnership
🎰 BetMGM Casino IA ⭐ Outstanding welcome package with up to $1,025 in bonuses

FanDuel Casino Iowa

Spawning as a daily fantasy sports platform, FanDuel has transformed into a comprehensive hub catering to sports and online casino enthusiasts globally. Their partnership with BetFair Casinos paved the way for FanDuel to expand into the online casino industry.

FanDuel Casino is currently accessible in four states: Pennsylvania, New Jersey, Michigan, and West Virginia. Within FanDuel Casino, you can partake in a diverse array of virtual games, ranging from blackjack and poker to craps and baccarat.

DraftKings Casino Iowa

Founded in 2012, DraftKings has become a prominent figure in the Iowa sports betting scene. As of 2023, DraftKings' online casino is operational and legal in five states: Pennsylvania, Michigan, West Virginia, New Jersey, and Connecticut. Additionally, it is accessible to players in Ontario, Canada, adhering to legal regulations on that side of the border.

DraftKings Casino provides its players with a wide range of classic casino games that are well-known staples, along with a selection of exclusive games that are unique to the platform.

ESPN Bet Casino IA

ESPN Bet is a burgeoning gambling platform poised for an imminent market debut, potentially launching as early as Fall 2023. Following the termination of their partnership with Barstool Sportsbook in August 2023, Penn Entertainment partnered with ESPN, solidifying a decade-long partnership.

This arrangement not only rebrands Barstool Sportsbook as ESPN Bet but also facilitates the rapid entry of ESPN Bet into all the states where Barstool Sportsbook had previously been in operation.

BetMGM Casino IA

BetMGM is a globally recognized gambling giant, ready to enter the Iowa market once regulatory approval is granted. What distinguishes them is their outstanding welcome package, considered one of the best in the industry.

When new players sign up with BetMGM's online casino, they can look forward to a substantial deposit match on their first deposit, with a maximum of $1,000. As an added bonus, BetMGM enhances the offer with an additional $25 casino bonus.

In general, the wide variety of online casino games is too extensive to cover comprehensively. Most online operators offer classic casino games like slots, blackjack, poker, and roulette. However, certain platforms showcase their unique games that are exclusively accessible through their dedicated apps or websites.

These games are typically reserved for the online realm and are not commonly found in traditional brick-and-mortar casinos. Let's take a look at the most prevalent casino games we anticipate will be accessible to users in Iowa once the state officially permits online casino platforms.

  • Slots: When players enter a casino, slots often become their go-to option. This preference primarily arises from the simplicity of slots, which have a nearly non-existent learning curve compared to games like blackjack. Additionally, slots are renowned for their captivating visuals, effectively immersing players and enticing them to keep playing. Fortunately, the risk of losing a substantial amount of money while playing slots is relatively low, unless one spends an extended period at the machine.
  • Blackjack: Blackjack, sometimes referred to as 21, is a cornerstone of traditional brick-and-mortar casinos. For those who are used to playing blackjack in physical casinos, transitioning to the virtual setting can be a bit disconcerting. Initially, the lack of face-to-face interaction with the dealer and other players can be somewhat unsettling. However, it's important to keep in mind that all licensed online casinos take extensive measures to ensure the fairness of every card game they provide.
  • Poker: Poker, another enduring classic, is often the first game that comes to mind when one thinks of casinos. It distinguishes itself as the most skill and strategy-intensive game among all casino offerings. Nevertheless, trying your hand at low-stakes online poker can be an excellent way to grasp the basics before delving into high-stakes play. When it comes to online poker, there's a diverse range of variations offered by different operators. Furthermore, each variant may have subtle rule variations, so it's prudent to thoroughly acquaint yourself with the specific rules before fully immersing yourself in the game.

How to sign up for an Iowa online casino

Once IA grants permission for online casinos to operate within the state, players in Iowa will have the opportunity to register on any licensed online gambling platform available in the state.

Fortunately, for those eager to join in on the gaming experience, the registration process for these online casino sites is generally quite straightforward, typically taking approximately 10 minutes to complete before you can start enjoying the games. Here are all the key steps to take.

  1. Choose an online casino site and grab a bonus: To get started, your initial action is to check this page for welcome promotion access. Then, visit one of the online gambling platforms operating in Iowa. Upon arriving at the platform's homepage, you will typically find a prompt inviting you to create an account. Occasionally, you might also come across the option to enter a promotional code, although this is not consistently required.
  2. Begin sign-up: Throughout the registration process, you will be required to furnish various pieces of information, which may include your full legal name, date of birth, the last four digits of your Social Security number, and your residential street address.
  3. Deposit money and start betting: After you've supplied all the required information and successfully completed the account setup procedure, you will gain the ability to add funds to your account and begin your gambling activities. To initiate this process, simply access the online cashier page. On this page, you will have the opportunity to select a suitable payment method and make a deposit into your account.

Online gambling bonuses that will be available in IA

Once online gambling operators in Iowa establish themselves, a wealth of promotions and bonuses will become available for players in the state. Many, if not all of these promotions, have the potential to yield significant rewards if you make strategic use of them.

  • Reload bonus: Reload bonuses are typically offered to players who have previously deposited funds into their online casino accounts, as a token of appreciation for their loyalty. Consequently, if you've made multiple deposits into your account, you may qualify for a reload bonus, which will grant you extra bonus funds to bolster your gambling experience.
  • Sign-up bonus: A sign-up bonus offered by an online casino in Iowa is often considered their most coveted promotion. This incentive is exclusively reserved for new users and can come in various forms, including free spins, additional credits added to your account, or deposit match bonuses.
  • Matched deposit bonus: When you decide to take advantage of and qualify for a deposit match bonus, you'll receive a bonus that matches the amount of your deposit. The details of the deposit match can differ based on the operator you're utilizing. It might be a 50 percent match, meaning you'll receive half of your deposited amount as a bonus. Alternatively, they may offer a 100 percent match on your deposit, which results in bonus funds equal to your initial deposit.

Probable deposit and withdrawal methods for online casinos in IA

Usually, online gambling operators provide a diverse range of banking options for players to deposit and withdraw funds. However, it's important to note that these payment methods are not standardized across all platforms.

While there may be some common options shared by online casinos, they tend to differ to some extent. Here are some of the most prevalent payment options that we anticipate will be available to users in Iowa.

Deposit/withdrawal methods may include:

  • Online banking
  • Debit/credit cards
  • PayPal
  • Venmo
  • Wire transfer
  • Cash in person at a retail location

FAQ

Who will most likely oversee online casinos in Iowa?

All online gambling in the state of Iowa at the present time is regulated by the Iowa Racing and Gaming Commission.

Should I use offshore online casinos in Iowa?

No, you should not use offshore online casinos in Iowa. Any offshore casinos that might attract Iowa gamblers are operating illegally and without regulation. This implies that there is no financial protection for players, and there is no regulatory authority overseeing the security of personal information and data.

Are sweepstakes casinos legal in Iowa?

Yes, sweepstakes casinos are legal in Iowa.

Author Details

Brian Cass

Brian Cass

Brian Cass is a researcher and author at IA Betting. With a deep passion for the NFL, he's spent years offering insightful sports coverage. With years of experience in sports journalism, he not only covers the action on the field but also has a keen interest in analyzing sportsbooks and their offerings.

Fact checked by: Gary Garry