Iowa online gambling

1. bet365 Iowa

• Sign-up bonus: Bet $5 Get $150 in Bonus Bets

bet365 is one of the top options in Iowa for live-betting, especially with a live streaming service to supplement in-play wagers. The operator is one of the new kids on the block in Iowa’s gambling scene, first establishing itself in the state in June 2023, but it has already outperformed several other bookies that had an earlier start.

The early cashout option is another popular perk, allowing bettors to collect their winnings before a match goes final.

2. Caesars Iowa

• Sign-up bonus: Second Chance Bet Up To $1000

Caesars’ casino empire will make it one of the major money makers when online casino play launches in Iowa, but even as it sits now, the sportsbook platform in Iowa is doing well.

The sports betting platform is excellent whether you’re using a browser or mobile app, and the welcome bonus offerings are regularly among the most generous available in Iowa.

3. DraftKings Iowa

• Sign-up bonus: Bet $5 Get $200 in Bonus Bets

DraftKings rose to prominence as a daily fantasy sports (DFS) operator, with the first such contests held in 2012. Because DFS contests were considered skill-based rather than luck-based events, DraftKings and top competitor FanDuel were able to operate in many states even before sports betting became legal.

This gave both companies a major advantage when launching their sportsbooks, and DK has since added a casino and racebook to its online gambling arsenal.

4. FanDuel Iowa

• Sign-up bonus: Bet $5 Get $150 in Bonus Bets

FanDuel tends to dominate sports betting markets, regularly alternating with DraftKings for the pole position in virtually every state where both operators are licensed. The popularity of same game parlays (often shortened to SGPs), a betting concept which originated at FanDuel in the U.S., has quickly become a favorite betting type for Iowa gamblers, and with the largest SGP listings available daily, we expect this trend to continue.

Furthermore, FanDuel’s racebook makes wagering on horse races a breeze. Its casino platform has an extensive catalog of slot options as well, which would be a boon for Iowa gamblers once casino betting is permitted.

5. BetMGM Iowa

• Sign-up bonus: Second Chance Bet Up To $1500

BetMGM has one of the best rewards programs available in the gambling industry, offering players betting bonuses, expedited customer service, tickets to MGM concerts, valet service, hotel room upgrades, airfare to Las Vegas, and more! Players earn tier credits for every dollar wagered to climb the ranks and earn more lucrative perks.

While the only available betting platform is the sportsbook, BetMGM’s casino platform will be second to none once Iowa allows online casino play.

BetRivers Iowa

• Sign-up bonus: Second Chance Bet Up To $100

Like Caesars, BetRivers has its roots in casino gaming, beginning its online venture out of the Rivers Casino in Pittsburgh.

Since developing its sportsbook, BetRivers has been able to expand its sports offerings to 14 states, including Iowa. The iRush Rewards program is a must, especially when casino play is part of the Iowa equation.

Betfred Iowa

• Sign-up bonus: $105 Second Chance Bet

Betfred is one of the top U.K. sports betting operators and has more than 55 years of experience in the gambling space.

Its racebook is also quite popular overseas. While Betfred hasn’t seen quite the same success in the United States, the bookmaker is still well-respected among users on both iOS and Android operating systems.

PointsBet Iowa

• Sign-up bonus: No promo

PointsBet surged to popularity with the introduction of PointsBetting, giving massive multipliers to gamblers’ payouts based on the differences between the final statline and the line the operator sets.

However, PointsBet sold its U.S. sports betting operations to merchandise giant Fanatics, and the conversions to the new Fanatics Sportsbook platform are already underway. Be on the lookout for Iowa to convert to the Fanatics branding in early 2024.

Bally Bet Iowa

• Sign-up bonus: Bet $50 Get $50 In Bonus Bets

After a program relaunch in September 2023, Bally Bet’s sportsbook overhaul is already yielding positive results. The new look was much needed, and given Bally's prominence in the iGaming, gambling, and horse race spaces, further development in Iowa is likely on the table. Additionally, by purchasing many regional sports networks (RSNs), Bally’s can uniquely cater its betting products to local markets.

Hard Rock Iowa

• Sign-up bonus: $250 in Bonus Bets

Hard Rock Sportsbook is an excellent option for players looking to make their first venture into the world of sports gambling. The layout of both the app and the website are simple enough to pick up and navigate while still being eye-catching enough to hold your focus, and the customer support is first-rate.

You’ll also find the platform to have lines which are quite player-friendly, if not slightly “juiced” in the bettor’s favor.

SuperBook Iowa

• Sign-up bonus: Up to $250 in Bonus Bets

SuperBook has one of the widest selections of soccer markets available to Iowa gamblers, with 11 distinct sections dedicated to the sport. Launching in IA in October 2022, SuperBook is available in just five other states: Nevada, Colorado, Arizona, New Jersey, and Tennessee.

With competitive lines across its sports selection, SuperBook is a reliable option for line shopping to find the most favorable odds and the highest chance of profitability.

Tipico Iowa

• Sign-up bonus: Bet $25 Get $100 in Bet Credits

Tipico is one of the most respected international gambling operators in the industry, but its U.S. impact is limited to Iowa, Colorado, New Jersey, and Ohio. However, despite the small reach, Tipico consistently delivers in major ways.

Our experts have found Tipico’s payout times to be consistently among the most prompt and punctual in the state, regardless of the withdrawal method we chose. The process of placing your wagers is straightforward, the lines are competitive with other bookmakers, and bettors are also able to request a betting line if they don’t see the option listed on the site.

Betway Iowa

• Sign-up bonus: Up to $250 Free Bet

Betway’s presence in the casino space somewhat overshadows its sports betting operation, but after its 2021 Iowa launch at the Diamond Jo Casino, the bookie has found favorability with Hawkeye gamblers.

The 15 sports available with the bookmaker constitute one of the larger lists of odds offerings among Iowa platforms. Keep an eye out for Betway boosts, which are odds boosts made available daily on the website and in the app.

Q Iowa

• Sign-up bonus: None

Q Sportsbook is a gambling option by IA bettors for IA bettors. Headquartered at the Q Casino in Dubuque, Q is an Iowa-only option and has no plans to expand its offerings to other states. It launched in 2019 and has been a reputable option ever since.

However, one major concern with Q is the lack of promotions available on the betting app and website. Despite having a “Promos” tab in both locations, there aren’t any Iowa betting bonuses listed, and there haven’t been any for some time. This will likely need to change for Q to grow in popularity around the state.

ClutchBet Iowa

• Sign-up bonus: $250 in Bonus Bets

ClutchBet is another Iowa-exclusive gambling operator, and while the platform may seem rather ordinary, the bookmaker has done a superb job of catering its gambling services for Hawkeye players. It is very easy to navigate, making finding your favorite players, teams, and leagues on ClutchBet a breeze.

ClutchBet shares the same color scheme as Australian-based parent company BlueBet, and it shares an in-person betting location with Q Sportsbook.

Circa Iowa

• Sign-up bonus: None

Unlike many of the other gambling operators on this list, Circa is only available to Iowa bettors through an iOS mobile device. While Circa does have Android options available in other states, it hasn’t yet brought that service to IA.

Still, what it lacks in mobile availability, Circa makes up for in its higher-than-normal betting limits, allowing maximum bets that are well beyond what other Iowa sportsbooks let players make. Circa doesn’t offer any bonuses either, instead counting on the quality of its high-stakes platform to be the reason players choose the site and keep returning for more.

DRF Iowa

• Sign-up bonus: $150 Deposit Match + $25 Bonus Bet

Last, but certainly not least, DRF runs a sportsbook as a subsidiary of the Daily Racing Form, a horse race betting and news publication that has operated since 1894. DRFBets.com operates one of the top racebooks in Iowa, and the sportsbook is also an Iowa-only option (though unlike the others on this list, there is planned expansion to six other states).

DRF’s sportsbook is easy to navigate and has plenty of promotions available to its gamblers. You’ll also notice the emphasis on upcoming and in-play sporting events, where the lines are quite cutthroat against its competitors.

ESPN Bet Iowa

• Sign-up bonus: Bet $5, Get $150

In August 2023, PENN Entertainment announced it would no longer list Barstool as the front-facing brand of its sportsbook platform. It also sold the Barstool company back to its founder, Dave Portnoy, for $1 after an unsuccessful gambling endeavor.

Immediately after, PENN announced a 10-year, $2B partnership with ESPN and that it would be reworking its sportsbook to reflect the new branding. The new sportsbook features exclusive content from ESPN’s on-air personalities and seamlessly integrates with ESPN’s existing programming channels, including on-air, print, and streaming. ESPN Bet launched in November 2023.

• Sports betting: Online sports betting in Iowa launched in August 2019, which was also the first month that retail wagers were accepted in the state. For nearly two years, bettors had to register in person to verify they were of legal age to gamble in the state, but in light of complications from the COVID-19 pandemic, the state has since reversed this decision. Players can now register online or through a mobile betting application.
• Horse and dog racing: The Iowa Racing and Gaming Commission first allowed online betting on horse races and dog races in 2011, giving the go-ahead for both pari-mutuel racing and advance deposit wagering. Pari-mutuel wagering was previously allowed in an in-person-only capacity, but this decision enabled the online practice.

1. Register with the operator: Regardless of the site or app you choose to use, you’ll need to register an account with the platform. This will include sending in some identifying information, including your legal name, address, date of birth, and the last four digits of your social security number. That info will be used to verify your gambling eligibility.
2. Look for any available bonuses: IABetting.com will list available bonuses for sports betting sites, along with any requisite promo codes that may be needed to access the offer. While these won’t include day-to-day odds boosts or parlays with profit boosts, we’ll cover the longer-running promotions that can help enhance your winnings or mitigate your losses.
3. Make a real-money deposit: To win money, you’ve got to put some at risk. Whichever deposit method you choose, you’ll want to be sure you deposit enough to qualify for any applicable bonus offers. Also, practice responsible gambling and only deposit what is in your means to do. If a bonus offer requires a hefty deposit to maximize your reward but it causes financial hardship, it’s better to sit and wait for a more favorable and realistic offer.
4. Study the markets: Before placing a wager of any type, you should always study the markets and do homework to make sure you’re placing a smart bet. Different platforms can offer varying odds or payouts, meaning a bet on Site A may not pay out as much as Site B for a winning wager of the same stake. The more information you can gather before placing a bet, the more likely you are to come out on top.
5. Place your bet and have fun: Finally, once you’ve got a bet you’re confident making, go ahead and place your wager. Remember that gambling is supposed to be fun, so if you aren’t having a good time for any reason, it’s always better to walk away than to try to stick it out and risk burning through your bankroll.

• Credit/debit cards: Credit and debit cards are incredibly convenient and a secure way to finance your online gambling bankroll, especially for sports betting. Any operator that accepts plastic payments will take Visa and Mastercard, but American Express and Discover aren’t quite as common.
• E-wallets: E-wallets are online programs that allow you to move money from your bank account to another online operator or e-wallet user. These would include sites like PayPal, Google Pay, Apple Pay, Venmo, and Skrill. Most operators will accept at least one or two of the e-wallets from this list, but it’s rare to see more than that.
• Play+ prepaid card: Play+ cards perform in a similar manner to gift cards and ATM cards. You can load the card up with funds through your Play+ account and choose from a menu of options where the card could be accepted, including many betting operators. Additionally, you can use the card at an ATM to get your winnings paid out in cash.

• Check for a review on IABetting.com: On our website, we’ll list all legal, licensed Iowa gambling operators, along with reviews of their sites and betting apps, bonus codes, signup details, and more. If the site isn’t legit, you won’t find it here!
• Click on the website’s “Legal” button: Legit operators won’t hide the fact that they hold a license. Most of the time, these sites will have a “Legal” or “License information” button available at the bottom of their homepage. You can click on that to review any relevant info, but if you can’t find it, that should raise a red flag.
• Run a search with the IRGC: You can also utilize the Iowa Racing and Gaming Commission (IRGC) website to review revenue reports and license information, as well as submit a FOIA request through a support form.

• 1972: Iowa repeals Article III, section 28 of the 1857 Constitution of Iowa, paving the way for the establishment of a state lottery and the expansion of other forms of gambling.
• 1983: Pari-mutuel wagering is permitted at Iowa horse racing and dog racing tracks.
• 1992: Iowa prohibits video lottery machines.
• 1994: Iowa’s racetracks are permitted to have slot machines.
• 2011: The IRGC allows online and phone wagering for horse and dog racing.
• 2012-2015: The state legislature makes multiple efforts to legalize online casino gambling, but all such measures were shot down.,
• 2018: The U.S. Supreme Court overturns the Professional and Amateur Sports Protection Act of 1992, which had outlawed sports betting throughout much of the U.S. The overturn allowed states to decide whether to legalize sports betting on their own.
• May 2019: Gov. Kim Reynolds signs SF 617 into law, allowing sports betting throughout the state and affirming the legal status of DFS sites.
• August 2019: The first in-person and online sportsbooks in Iowa begin accepting wagers.
• January 2021: Iowa’s in-person sports betting registration rule ends, allowing players to register online or through a betting app.
• June 2022: Gov. Kim Reynolds enacts a two-year moratorium on the issuance of new retail casino licenses, creating another roadblock to online casino gaming legalization.