Iowa Sports Betting : Top IA Sportsbooks May 2024

Top Iowa Sportsbooks

Discover the best online sportsbooks to elevate your Iowa sports betting experience. We took in to account the best platforms, each offering a unique blend of features, promotions, and user-friendly interfaces. These are our top picks for the best Iowa sportsbooks in 2024:

1. Caesars Iowa

Joining the league of gambling giants, Caesars Iowa sportsbook boasts a thriving online presence, delighting Iowa sports bettors with a distinctive and entertaining platform. With over 50 gaming properties across the U.S., Caesars has crafted an online sportsbook with a clean, bright design and a touch of humor featuring J.B. Smoove in Roman-inspired costumes.
 

⭐ Best Feature:	Easy to use app
🎁 Welcome Offer:	Double Your Winnings on Your Next 10 Wagers
📲 Promo Code:	CZRDYW
💳 Payout Speed:	1-3 days

$1,000 First Bet on Caesars

Promo Code: IABET1000

Visit Site

Must be 21+ to participate. T&C apply.

2. Fanatics Sportsbook Iowa

Fanatics sportsbook Iowa is the newest operator to join the Iowa sports betting market. The brand is originally known for its famous sports apparel. After years of rapid growth, the brand now looks to tackle the sports betting market.

⭐ Best Feature:	Unique Betting Features
🎁 Welcome Offer:	Get Up To $1,000
📲 Promo Code:	CLAIM NOW
💳 Payout Speed:	1-3 Days

First Bet Safety Net up to $1000

Visit Site

Must be 21+ to participate & present in Iowa. Gambling problem? Call 1-800-BETS-OFF (IA). T&Cs Apply.

3. BetMGM Iowa

BetMGM Iowa is a great place to play. This Iowa sportsbook has an excellent rewards program, a variety of promotions, and an "Edit My Bet" feature. New users can take advantage of Up To $1,500 in Bonus Bets if Your First Bet Loses with the code IABMGM.

🏆 Best Feature	Best Rewards Program
💰 Welcome Offer	Up to $1,500 in Bonus Bets
📲 Promo Code	IABMGM
⭐ App Rating	4.8/5.0

Up to $1500 in Bonus Bets if Your First Bet Loses

Bonus Code: IABMGM

Visit Site

Bonus Bets Expire in 7 Days. One New Customer Offer Only. Must be 21+ to participate & present in IA. Gambling problem? Call1-800-BETS-OFF. Visit BetMGM.com for Terms & Conditions. US promotional offers not available in NY, NV, or Puerto Rico.

4. Bet365 Iowa

The Bet365 Iowa Sportsbook began with an online sportsbook serving New Jersey, and now offers sports wagering in Colorado, Virginia, Ohio and Iowa as well. There are currently two welcome offers you can choose from with this Iowa Sportsbook: Bet $5 and get $150 in Bonus Bets, or a $2,000 First Bet Safety Net. If you're a fan of international or more niche sports, you'll find a lot of options on Bet365.

🏆 Best Feature	User Experience
💰 Welcome Offer	Bet $5 Get $150 in Bonus Bets
💰 Welcome Offer	First Bet Safety Net $1,000
📲 Promo Code	None Needed
⭐ App Rating	4.8/5

Bet $5 and Get $150 in Bonus Bets

Visit Site

21+only or 18+ in KY and present in CO, IA, KY, LA, NJ, OH, VA. Gambling problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER (CO, KY, LA, NJ, OH, VA) or 1-800BETS OFF (IA). T&C’s and restrictions apply.

First Bet Safety Net up to $1000

Visit Site

Must be 21+ to participate & present in Iowa. Gambling problem? Call 1-800-BETS-OFF (IA). T&Cs Apply.

5. Betway Iowa

Discover the Betway IA Sportsbook, available in eight states, including Iowa. As a leading European company, Betway offers a wide range of sports betting options. Established in 2006, they're renowned for sponsoring high-profile leagues and teams.
 

⭐ Best Feature:	Most secure
🎁 Welcome Offer:	Coming Back Soon
📲 Promo Code:	None needed
💳 Payout Speed:	1-3 days

Check Out Betway Here

Visit Site

Must be 21+ to participate & present in Iowa. T&Cs Apply.

6. DraftKings Iowa

As the preferred sports betting destination for many across the country, the Draftkings Iowa sportsbook has earned its reputation as a Boston-based daily fantasy giant. Offering competitive odds and an impressive welcome package, it's complemented by daily promos and boosts for existing members.

⭐ Best Feature:	Great user experience
🎁 Welcome Offer:	Bet $5, Get $150
📲 Promo Code:	None needed
💳 Payout Speed:	1-3 days

Bet $5, Get $150 in Bonus Bets + No Sweat NBA SGP Every Day Of The Playoffs

Visit Site

Must be 21+ to participate. T&Cs Apply.

7. FanDuel Iowa

In the world of sports betting, FanDuel Iowa sportsbook stands shoulder-to-shoulder with any Iowa sportsbook. Originating from the DFS realm, FanDuel offers a seamless experience, FanDuel impresses with its user-friendly app, diverse betting options, and competitive odds.

⭐ Best Feature:	Most popular in the US
🎁 Welcome Offer:	Bet $5, Get $150 in Bonus Bets
📲 Promo Code:	None needed
💳 Payout Speed:	1-3 days

Bet $5 Get $150 in Bonus Bets if Your Bet Wins

Visit Site

Must be 21+ to participate. T&Cs apply.

8. ClutchBet Iowa

The ClutchBet Iowa sportsbook is one of the new players to the sports betting scene. ClutchBet provides a unique betting expereience for sports bettors who are looking for something new. New bettors can claim a 100% Bet Match Up to $200 in Bonus Bets when you sign up with our exclusive link.

⭐ Best Feature:	Unique Betting App
🎁 Welcome Offer:	100% Bet Match Up to $200 in Bonus Bets
📲 Promo Code:	CLUTCH250
💳 Payout Speed:	1-3 Days

100% Bet Match Up To $250 In Bonus Bets Paid Over Your First Five Weeks

Promo Code: CLUTCH250

Visit Site

Only persons physically located in the state of Iowa are permitted to wager for real money on https://ia.clutchbet.com or in app. Must be 21 and over to hold a registered ADSW account. If you or someone you know has a gambling problem and wants help, call 1-800 BETS OFF. Visit https://yourlifeiowa.org/gambling to learn more.

9. ESPN BET Iowa

Welcome the newest addition to the sports betting scene, ESPN BET Iowa. ESPN is the world wide leader in sports news and television - and now they take on the betting industry. The highly anticipated brand is making waves with its generous welcome offer of "Bet $10, Get $150 in Bonus Bets" using the code REPORT.

🏆 Best Feature	Newest Sportsbook in IA
💰 Welcome Offer	Coming Back Soon
📲 Promo Code	N/A
⭐ App Rating	4.9/5.0

Up to $1500 in Bonus Bets if Your First Bet Loses

Bonus Code: IABMGM

Visit Site

Bonus Bets Expire in 7 Days. One New Customer Offer Only. Must be 21+ to participate & present in IA. Gambling problem? Call1-800-BETS-OFF. Visit BetMGM.com for Terms & Conditions. US promotional offers not available in NY, NV, or Puerto Rico.

10. BetRivers Iowa

Originating from the renowned Rivers Casinos in Pennsylvania, the BetRivers Iowa sportsbook has rapidly gained popularity among sports bettors across Iowa. While the welcome offer may be slightly lower, BetRivers compensates with daily odds boosts, occasional bet insurance promos, and various "bet and get" deals.

⭐ Best Feature:	Ongoing promotions
🎁 Welcome Offer:	Coming Soon
📲 Promo Code:	N/A
💳 Payout Speed:	1-3 days

Check Out Betway Here

Visit Site

Must be 21+ to participate & present in Iowa. T&Cs Apply.

List of Retail Iowa Sportsbooks

Some bettors still enjoy the charm of placing bets in person at retail sportsbooks. Despite the term "old-fashioned," these spots offer a modern experience with multiple screens displaying various events simultaneously.

At these retail sportsbooks, you can either place bets at the counter or utilize self-service kiosks for convenience. Moreover, many locations provide lounge areas where you can relax, grab a bite, and immerse yourself in the excitement. Here's a list of retail sportsbooks in Iowa:

Iowa Online Sports Betting

Over 80% of bets are now placed on mobile devices.

First and foremost, mobile apps let bettors place bets from anywhere, at any time. Out watching a game? Live bets are an option. Visiting a friend? You can still put in a wager. Mobile sports betting apps are also a handy way to track any action you do have, with many featuring real-time stats and game updates. 

With nearly every online sportsbook, the phone or tablet experience will be virtually identical to logging on with a computer. Same options, same odds, same offer and all the same features.

List of Legal Online Sportsbooks in Iowa

Iowa sports betting sites were introduced in August 2019. Here are the 17 sportsbooks that the Iowa Racing and Gaming Commission has approved:

• ESPN BET
• bet365
• FanDuel
• Betway
• BetMGM
• Caesars
• DraftKings
• Fanatics
• Circa Sports
• ClutchBet
• BetRivers
• Q Sportsbook
• Tipico
• DRF Sportsbook
• SuperBook
• Bally Bet
• Betfred

How to Pick the Best Iowa Online Sportsbook

By now, you can probably see that there's a lot to consider when you're deciding what Iowa sports betting platforms to sign up for. Read on and we'll summarize what we think are the top things to look for.

Great Reviews

When a company treats people well, the word gets around. Online sportsbooks are no exception, and people will sing the praises of good experiences and sound the alarms for bad ones. You can visit our site to read reviews of each and every licensed, legal sportsbook in the Iowa sports betting market.

Betting Options

We've touched on this above, but it bears repeating. Different books will have different bet types and even a different variety of sports and leagues you can bet on. Before you sign up for a sportsbook, you may want to make sure the betting options you're looking for are available there. And for the most variety, you can always sign up for multiple platforms.

Betting Lines and Odds 

Competitive odds are important to any bettor, and you'll want to make sure the sportsbooks you're interested in have fair betting lines. We listed some of the apps with the best odds a little further up the page, but you can also check a given app's reviews to get a better idea of how their odds stack up.

Special Offers and Bonuses 

Welcome bonuses and existing player offers can really make or break the experience on a particular sportsbook. Signup deals can help you start off on the right foot, and regular promos can help keep things interesting, or even give you some incentive to try different types of bets. Bonuses can stretch your sports betting budget, take some pressure off and make the entire experience a lot more fun.

Design and Ease of Use

You want to be able to quickly navigate any Iowa sports betting app or website, so it's important to find ones that feel natural when you're browsing and placing bets. Slowdown, crashes and geo-tracking bugs can also be very frustrating, so you'll want to make sure the sportsbooks you sign up for get good ratings for performance and speed.

Customer Support

Let's face it – at some point, you'll likely have a question or minor issue you need help with, and it's nice to know that you can quickly reach a responsive and helpful customer support team. Live chat options are always preferable, but the more ways to get in touch, the better.

How Different Bets Are Settled

It doesn't come into play too often, but sportsbooks will sometimes have different rules for settling or voiding bets. For instance, you might see differences in how they handle ties in golf, rainouts in baseball or players missing games due to injury. You may want to look up this kind of information before signing up, particularly if you tend to make certain types of bets.

Check Out Betway Here

Visit Site

Must be 21+ to participate & present in Iowa. T&Cs Apply.

$1,000 First Bet on Caesars

Promo Code: IABET1000

Visit Site

Must be 21+ to participate. T&C apply.

Why You Should Sign Up For Multiple Iowa Sports Betting Sites

If you're trying to decide which Iowa sportsbook to sign up for, it can be a tricky decision. They all have different strengths and features that make them stand out.

Well, what if we told you that there's absolutely no reason you need to stick to using a single sports betting app? Though placing all your sports bets with one platform can help some bettors stay organized, there are a whole host of benefits you get from signing up for multiple books.

Multiple Welcome Bonuses

The first and most obvious advantage is that you can claim a separate welcome bonus at every single sportsbook you sign up for. When you look at the relatively solid value for new player offers, this can be an excellent way to try to build up a bit of a bankroll, which you should be able to move between the platforms without too much trouble. Clearly, no bonus bet or boosted wager is guaranteed to pay out, but the best Iowa sportsbook bonuses certainly do give you a leg up.

Experiment With What Works for You

Creating an account on multiple platforms also gives you a chance to see which one(s) you prefer, and gives you access to more overall bet types and sports to bet on. The user interface, layout and look of a site or app can definitely enhance or take away from your experience, so it's important to find one you like.

You may prioritize certain features over others, like the daily boosts from the DraftKings Sportsbook or the early cash-out option from BetMGM. In terms of variety, one sportsbook might really emphasize certain prop bets or prop betting in general, while another just gives you more overall options to bet online.

You might find an operator that makes a big splash during college sports tournaments, with special boosts and bonuses you can use with your favorite Iowa teams, like the University of Iowa or Iowa State. But another might have more secondary leagues available year-round, with the best betting options for the Canadian Football League, European basketball or Japanese and Korean baseball.

Shop Around for the Best Odds

Finally, being able to place bets with different books lets you shop around for the best odds you can find. One Iowa sports betting app may have a moneyline at +120, but you might find that same team at +140 in another online sportsbook. You can also build the same parlay or same-game parlay in multiple apps to see how the odds compare. The bottom line is that with more places to bet, you give yourself the best chance at finding the most favorable odds for a bet you may well already be set on making.

Promotions for Existing Users

Iowa sportsbook promos help take some of the pressure off new players. There are also ongoing promotions to help existing players extend their sports betting budget and generally keep the experience varied and interesting.

If you have already taken advantage of a welcome offer, there are plenty of ongoing promotions to take advantage.

Second Chance Bets

Also known as "sweat-free" or "second-chance" bets at many sportsbooks, risk-free bets guarantee you a bonus bet refund of your initial stake if the bet loses. When you use the bonus bet on a wager, you'll get any winnings from the bet, but the bonus bet amount is not returned to you as part of the payout. 

These take some of the pressure off the wager they're used on, and they ensure you have a second chance at getting in the win column, without putting down any more cash. 

Deposit Match

Deposit match bonuses are an easy way to boost your bankroll a bit, without being tied to a specific bet or type of bet. With these offers, sportsbooks match a stated percentage of your initial (or for existing players, next) deposit with bonus bets. 

Typically, the percentage will be 100% for new players and 50% for existing players, though we have seen lower and higher numbers – they're few and far between, but there have been matches over 100%! 

If you're committed to placing more than a bet or two, these offers are a great way to get started. Just be sure to read the terms, as your bonus bets will likely need to be used in 30 days or less.

Referral Bonuses

Most online sportsbooks give you an incentive for telling friends and family about them. If anyone you refer makes a qualifying deposit and reaches certain betting requirements (they differ from book to book), both of you can get a little something extra. 

This usually comes in the form of bonus bets, typically ranging anywhere from $25 to $100 in total value.

Odds Boosts

Some of the most frequent offers you'll find are odds boosts, and there are a couple of types you'll find – daily deals and special promos. 

For example, the DraftKings Sportsbook and Caesars Sportsbook both feature daily odds boosts on pre-packaged parlays, where you just select the boosted wager and your betslip will already be filled out, showing you both the original and boosted odds and payout. 

All you have to do is decide on the amount you'd like to bet. Most betting apps will also occasionally have special offers that let you decide what bet you'd like to change the odds for. 

These boosts will sometimes be for a specific sport or type of bet, but generally, you do get a lot of freedom on what wager you want to apply them to.

Parlay Insurance

If you're a fan of parlay betting, insurance promos are a great way to take some of the sting out of a bad beat. With these offers, you'll typically get your stake back if only one leg of a parlay loses. 

These are particularly useful if you plan on being fairly conservative with most of your picks, with one underdog pushing up the overall payout. 

While parlay insurance can't change the results, it can lessen the frustration and financial hit of a near miss.

100% Bet Match Up To $250 In Bonus Bets Paid Over Your First Five Weeks

Promo Code: CLUTCH250

Visit Site

Only persons physically located in the state of Iowa are permitted to wager for real money on https://ia.clutchbet.com or in app. Must be 21 and over to hold a registered ADSW account. If you or someone you know has a gambling problem and wants help, call 1-800 BETS OFF. Visit https://yourlifeiowa.org/gambling to learn more.

Advanced Sports Betting Strategies

There's absolutely nothing wrong with recreational betting, and placing bets here and there on events you're interested in. However, there are also several strategies you can use to give yourself the best chance of coming out on top. Seasoned sports bettors may be familiar with most of these, but here are some strategies you can use to try to push the odds in your favor.

Using Home Team Advantage

In almost every sport, teams play better at their home stadium, arena or park. Before betting, you can research how big an edge this gives a particular team, and generally how big of an edge it is for a particular sport.

Matched Betting

Matched betting involves taking bonus bets from sportsbooks and using them to bet on all outcomes of an event, increasing your chance of a profit. This normally won't work on a single site. You would need to use at least two different sportsbooks with varying odds to place wagers on opposite sides of a line.

Arbitrage Betting

Often shortened to "arb" betting, arbitrage requires a bettor to review lines and odds at different sportsbooks until they find a pair of lines on opposite sides of an outcome that guarantee profit when bet together.

An example would be if the moneyline for Team A is at -110 at one book and +115 at another. With very large bets in the correct amounts, a small profit can be made betting both sides. Sportsbooks have discouraged this by monitoring and changing lines rapidly, so when lines move, they often do so across many sites and apps almost simultaneously. Still, shopping for the best odds on a bet will always be to a bettor's advantage.

Other Software Features at Iowa Sportsbooks

The software that powers the different sports betting platforms is very similar across the board. Almost all sportsbooks have game-tracking technology for most sports, which is particularly useful for live betting. Every book will show odds and results in real time, and you can actually see the numbers change right in front of you. All licensed platforms have encrypted and secure banking transactions, and your account will usually be protected by multiple levels of security, including optional two-factor authentication.

Sports to Bet on in Iowa

It is legal to bet on almost any sport in Iowa, here are the most popular:

NFL Betting

The NFL is the most popular sports league in the U.S. and it sees an enormous volume of bets every season. Point spreads and over-under bets are some of the most popular, but the sport lends itself to prop betting on players and team stats. Annually, the Super Bowl is the biggest sports betting day of the year.

NBA Betting

The second-most watched sport in the U.S. offers a similarly large variety of betting options. There are so many different official statistics that you can bet on, and parlays are an increasingly popular choice for hoops fans. Live betting is also popular, as big swings and runs are fairly common, and the odds can and do change frequently during a game.

MLB Betting

With 162 regular season games and multiple playoff rounds, baseball gets a lot of viewers just from the sheer amount of it that's played. It's yet another great betting option for stat hounds, with plentiful hitting and pitching props. Futures bets are also a big hit (pardon the pun), as bettors settle in for the long game of watching how their season win total bets are faring.

NHL Betting

Everyone loves the NHL playoffs, and people love betting on hockey, too. Odds can swing very quickly because of the relatively low scores of games, and moneylines tend to be most commonly bet. Still, newer bet types like GIFT (goal in first 10 minutes) and separate period props are a favorite of many bettors.

College Sports Betting

 College sports have always been extremely popular in Iowa, and it's no surprise that college sports betting is popular, too. Whether you want to bet on University of Iowa or Iowa State games, you've got plenty of options. One thing to keep in mind, however, is that prop betting on college athletes is not allowed under Iowa sports betting law.

Horse Racing

Betting on horse races is legal online and in person in Iowa. To do so, you must at the Prairie Meadows track or one of the at several off-track betting locations, many inside casinos.

Daily Fantasy Sports

DFS competitions are 100% legal in Iowa, essentially adding a gambling component to traditional fantasy sports. You see how your lineups and picks stack up against other players, with cash prizes at stake.

Elections

The Iowa Electronic Markets, created for research and teaching purposes is one of the only places you can bet on U.S. government elections. You'll still need to fill out some information and meet certain criteria to be granted access.

Prohibited Bet Types in Iowa

There are some types of bets that are not legal in Iowa. That consists of the following markets:

• ❌ Youth Athletics
• ❌ Collegiate Player Props
• ❌ Pop Culture Ceremonies
• ❌ eSports

Bet $5 Get $150 in Bonus Bets if Your Bet Wins

Visit Site

Must be 21+ to participate. T&Cs apply.

Deposits and Withdrawals from Iowa Sports Betting Sites

You'll find very similar banking options across all of the licensed Iowa betting sites, summarized above. In our experience, transactions were timely and accurate for every method listed.

• Credit/debit cards: The most convenient option because most people have one. But be aware that some banks will not process gambling transactions and others may charge high fees. Credit/debit cards are not commonly accepted for withdrawals.
• Play+/Prepaid cards: Most online casino operators offer their own branded prepaid card, often through Play+. Players can usually apply for one directly from the operator’s website. A player can load a Play+ card with a credit card or bank account and transfer the funds to a sportsbook account. Winnings can be transferred back to the Play+ card and the cash accessed at an ATM.
• E-wallets: PayPal is the most widely accepted, with Neteller and Skrill also popular options. Setting up an e-wallet account allows you to transfer money to and from your online sportsbook account quickly for low fees.
• ACH/bank transfer: Deposits and withdrawals are made to your online account through e-checks and wire transfers.
• Cash, check, money order: Cash deposits can be made at the casino partnered with your online sportsbook operator. Cash deposits can also be made via PayNearMe, available at Iowa 7-Eleven, CVS Pharmacy or Family Dollar stores. Checks remain a viable withdrawal method. Simply make a request and a check will be mailed to you.

Using Venmo at Iowa Betting Sites

You can use Venmo at most of the state's online sportsbooks, with the exceptions noted above. The fast and reliable payment system is a solid choice for secure transactions.

Types of Bets At Legal Iowa Online Sportsbooks

• Moneyline Choose which team or athlete is going to win, with different odds for the favorite and underdog.
• Parlays Parlays are single bets on multiple outcomes – with the bet winning only when every result is picked correctly. Generally, parlays are less likely to hit, but can have much bigger payouts.
• Totals Also called over/unders, these are bets on whether the total number of points scored by both teams will be higher or lower than a preset number.
• Point Spreads Unlike moneylines, point spreads are meant to handicap a game so that both sides can be bet at very similar odds. You're trying to pick which will be higher – the favorite's total minus the points they're giving or the underdog's total plus the points they're getting.
• Futures Futures are longer-term bets that involve a team's performance over the course of a season or playoff run. You can place these bets during a season, too, and the odds will change depending on whether the team is riding high or slumping.
• Prop Bets Prop bets are wagers that don't directly relate to the overall result of a game or event. You can bet on random things like the coin toss or length of the national anthem, or choose more relevant props like what team will score first or how many points an individual player will have.
• Live Bets Live bets (also known as in-game bets) are wagers placed during an event. The odds will update constantly as the game or match progresses, and you can often watch or track the action right in a sportsbook app.

Bet $5, Get $150 in Bonus Bets + No Sweat NBA SGP Every Day Of The Playoffs

Visit Site

Must be 21+ to participate. T&Cs Apply.

Iowa Sports Betting Tax Rate

The tax rate for gross profit from Iowa sports betting is 6.75%, which is tied with Nevada for the lowest tax rate that online betting operators are required to pay. (Sportsbooks must also set aside 0.75% of gross gaming revenue for charitable causes.) Comparatively, the tax rate for sports betting revenue in New York is 51%, a full 7.5 times higher.

Nonetheless, the state has still made significant proceeds from expanded online betting, as mentioned in the sections above. And the low tax rate makes the state an attractive destination for legal sportsbooks looking for new customers. Sports betting apps get to pay fewer taxes, regardless of the overall Iowa sports betting handle, and sports bettors get access to more sports wagering options.

If you have made money betting on sports, check out our Iowa Gambling Tax calculator to see how much you owe.

How Iowa Compares to Other States with Legal Sports Betting

While there were initially some restrictions (i.e. in-person signup even for online accounts) in place for legal sports betting in Iowa, it's now a very simple and streamlined process to place sports wagers in person or online.

Three William Hill retail sportsbook locations and several more throughout the state (like the Diamond Jo, Riverside Elite Sportsbook or Lakeside Casino Sportsbook) provide everything you'd expect from a traditional sports betting experience. Signing up for Iowa sports betting apps is also just as quick and easy as you'd hope, and similar to what you'd find in any other state with legal sports betting.

There are no noteworthy restrictions on bet types or the events you can bet on, so Iowa bettors get the full suite of sports wagering options. And as we mentioned in the section just above, the low tax rate on sports betting revenue means more operators are likely to enter the Iowa sports betting market in the future.