Hard Rock Sportsbook joined the IA sports betting scene in December 2019, seven months after online betting was first permitted in the Hawkeye State. As one of 19 sportsbooks in Iowa, the platform tried to keep up with the other top operators in the state, though that was a tall order with FanDuel and DraftKings also in the market.
Still, Hard Rock was well-positioned in the state because of the retail access through its casino in Sioux City. By offering both in-person and online options, Hard Rock’s multiple avenues appealed to bettors of all backgrounds and experience levels.
Joining Hard Rock Iowa didn't take very long; in fact, most users completed the signup process in about five minutes. Here’s how you could join and claim the promo.
Hard Rock Sportsbook Iowa was only running a signup bonus promotion on its platform, which was quite surprising. Here are some of the popular Iowa betting promos we would have liked to see added.
Hard Rock Iowa brought many of the top features you would expect from a top Iowa sportsbook, but it also continued to innovate to keep things fresh for returning players and break through the clutter of a crowded market. Here are some of the best traits you would find with Hard Rock Sportsbook.
Hard Rock’s betting app in IA
Hard Rock’s betting app was unique to Iowa players, as the bookmaker released a new version of the app in each state where the company held a gambling operator’s license. This meant accessing the bookie in a web browser might have been easier while traveling, but for bettors who were within the state borders, the Iowa sports betting app was likely the best way to play.
The app was free to download and was accessible on both iOS and Android devices. While app store ratings, good or bad, should always be taken with a grain of salt, it was worth noting Android reviewers tended to be more favorable of Hard Rock.
One of our personal favorite features, a dark mode display, was available through the app, with the distinctive neon purple to accent the screen. The aesthetic sheen was only surpassed by the speed of navigation through the menus, making the process of placing wagers a breeze.
How to download the Hard Rock app on iOS
Downloading the Hard Rock app on iOS required a stable internet connection and didn’t take very long, even at slower bandwidth speeds. Here’s how you could get it installed.
Once you had completed the download process, you could log into your account, make a deposit, place your first bet, and claim the Hard Rock bonus.
How to download the Hard Rock app on Android
Android users loved the Hard Rock app and found it a superior way to use the platform. Here’s how you could download the app.
After the app was downloaded, you could create a new Hard Rock Sportsbook account or log in with your existing account credentials.
Top sports leagues you could bet on using Hard Rock Bet
Hard Rock offered betting markets for 10 sports on the platform, with multiple leagues available across those sections. Here are the top sports leagues in terms of handle that you could bet on using Hard Rock.
Could you bet on Iowa college sports with Hard Rock Bet?
Yes, you could bet on Iowa college sports with Hard Rock Bet. Because Iowa did not have any teams representing the “Big Four” sports leagues that called the state home, it was important to allow betting on in-state programs to provide bettors with a local angle. Each of Iowa’s four NCAA Division I schools (Iowa, Iowa State, UNI, and Drake) was fair game at Hard Rock Sportsbook.
Hard Rock IA banking options
You would find fast payout times with Hard Rock IA regardless of the banking options you chose to use. Here were the available methods.
Customer support at Hard Rock Sportsbook Iowa
The customer support at Hard Rock Sportsbook Iowa was some of the best you’ll find in the betting industry. Assistance over the phone was almost always available, and email and chat support were accessible 24/7.
Additionally, the FAQ pages were detailed and helpful. The pages were organized into eight categories (General, Account, Deposits, Withdrawals, Bonuses, Security, Sports Betting, and House Rules) for easy navigation.
Our expert opinion of Hard Rock Iowa
In our expert opinion, Hard Rock Iowa was an excellent choice to alternate from sites like FanDuel and DraftKings, and it was certainly worth adding to your sportsbook repertoire. The impressive betting app, generous welcome bonus, and vast array of in-play betting options made Hard Rock worthy of your time and betting interests.
Especially of note was the live streaming service. There were several options for watching live streams of select sporting events within the app or in a web browser, especially after you had made an in-play wager. While we would have loved to see this area continue to expand, the options as they sat were competitive and commendable.
However, every rose has its thorns, and Hard Rock was no exception. The lack of promotions was a big drawback, and with only 10 sports to choose from, a larger list of available sports and leagues was a limit on the bookie’s potential.