Iowa Sports Betting Apps & Best Promos

Newest Iowa Betting App

ESPN BET Iowa is the newest app in the Hawkeye State and expectations are incredibly high for the newcomer. Armed with built-in brand recognition and a broadcasting platform, this is one of the first betting apps that has a legitimate shot at disrupting the industry. This will be replacing Barstool Sportsbook and if that is any indicator, sports fans will be more than happy with their betting experience here.

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Top Reviewed Iowa Betting Apps In the App Store

• BetMGM It's a brand that's synonymous with gambling, and a few taps in their app will make it clear why. BetMGM is available in most markets that made online sports betting legal. Between the Apple and Android platforms, the app has over 150,000 reviews, and carries a 4.8 out of 5 in the App Store and a 3.7 on Google Play.

  Read our BetMGM Iowa Sportsbook review.

• Bet365 British bookmaker Bet365 is a newcomer to Iowa, but have been running in states like Colorado and New Jersey for quite a while. They know what they're doing, and plan on making a splash in the Hawkeye State. With about 35000 reviews, Bet365 currently has 4.6 stars on Google Play and 4.8 in the App store.
• DraftKings One of the big names that got its start in Daily Fantasy Sports, DraftKings Sportsbook quickly made a name for themselves with their splashy marketing campaigns and top-notch branding. Their sportsbook app is consistently well-rated, with over 600,000 reviews that set it at 4.8 through the Apple App Store and 4.6 on the Google Play store.
• Caesars With about 62,000 reviews in total, the jury has returned on Caesars Sportsbook. It's one of the top online sportsbooks available in Iowa. Their ratings on the app portals reflect this, with a strong 4.3 on the Google Play Store and an excellent 4.6 on the Apple App Store.

  Read our Caesars Iowa Sportsbook review.

• FanDuel None of the online sportsbooks have more reviews to their credit than FanDuel, over 1.2 million. Among the Iowa sportsbooks, FanDuel also stands out with its consistently high scores. On the Apple App Store, FanDuel has a score of 4.8 out of 5, while it carries a 4.7 out of 5 on the Google Play Store.
• Betway Sports bettors in Iowa are finally discovering Betway, an app that has a strong reputation in Europe and South Africa. Betway is also operating in seven other states apart from Iowa. Because each state has its own version of the app, Betway Iowa only has about 65 reviews in total, with a 3.0 for Apple Devices and a 3.8 for Android. Don't let that throw you, though. Betway's international credibility speaks for itself.
• Betfred Like Betway, British gambling house Betfred runs separate instances of its app for each of the states where it currently operates. This is why Betfred Iowa only has around 150 reviews, but the ones they have are strong. Both Apple and Android have a 4.3 rating on their app portals for Betfred Iowa, and similarly high ratings in states like Ohio and Maryland. Betfred has also taken on sports betting operations for ELITE Casino resorts. The ELITE Casino Resorts' retail sports betting is transferring to Betfred, and their legacy digital footprint is encouraging their former users to join Betfred.
• BetRivers If you don't have anything against your neighbors to the southeast, the Illinois-based BetRivers could be a great place to play. Their app comes with highly-rated users reviews, 4.4 on Apple and 3.2 on Android. And that's the opinions of 1700+ users talking.

  Read our BetRivers Iowa Sportsbook review.

Top Mobile Sports Betting Apps in Iowa

Best App For Betting Odds

If you're the type who's always on the lookout for the most competitive odds in the sports betting industry, you'll definitely want to check out Bet365. It's a top notch Iowa sports betting app no matter what you like to play, but their odds on the most popular options are always among the best going and often are the best available in the state. Line shoppers take note.

Best App for Welcome Bonuses

Every one of the legal sports betting operators will offer you a welcome bonus, hoping to get you in the door and using their software. Sometimes it's bonus bets, some offer a boost to your first deposit, and there are other perks for joining a new book. But the bonuses offered by FanDuel Sportsbook Iowa are consistently generous and currently give you a solid batch of bonus bets to use while getting your feet wet on the app.

Best For New Bettors

If you're completely new to the pastime of using an online sportsbook, you'd be wise to consider BetMGM in your decision making. The welcome bonus is solid and the interface is clean and easy to get around. The dedication to responsible gambling is evident, so you can trust that it's easy to stay in control while you have your training wheels on. Best of all, you'll find guides that can help you learn the basics of sports betting in Iowa. You'll want to know the ins and outs of the wagers you make before you lay your money down, and that's where BetMGM is really helpful.

Best App For Bonuses

Betfred understands that Iowa bettors are on the go and want an app that's for Iowans, not just some software that tries to be all things to all people. That's why they've become an official partner of the Iowa Cubs in Des Moines, and that's why their bonuses start strong and stay there. After you've played through the welcome bonus, keep your eyes open for some of the other great promotions they offer.

Best App for Live Streaming

Most of the top Iowa sports betting operators offer streaming video to enhance the live betting experience, and for the most part, they're pretty good. But Betway makes finding the live streaming games easy, and delivers quality video content in sports betting markets around the world, without a lot of hiccups or other irritating interruptions. This is crucial, since you know the oddsmakers are working with the most up to date information, you need to be sure you are too.

Iowa Betting App With The Best Prop Bets

The prop bets on offer from the major Iowa sports betting sites and apps run the gamut from team props on whether either MLB team drives in a run in the first inning, to player props around who will have the most assists in an NBA game. But Caesars Sportsbook always delivers a great selection of prop bets for Iowa bettors to pick from, but there's more. Taking a look at their daily odds boosts, you'll see plenty of those are around prop bets. so if you're shopping for props, give them a look.

Best Iowa Sports Betting App for In Game Betting

The race to be the best at live betting might be the determining factor in where you take your gambling dollar. Whether you're watching at home, on a TV at a bar, or from your seat at the game, being able to place bets during the game keeps every moment exciting. And DraftKings Sportsbook features an easy to follow and intuitive live betting interface, and the Flash Bets feature is as exciting as it gets.

Iowa Betting App With the Best Customer Service

In the pastime of sports betting, knowing you can get technical and other problems handled quickly and efficiently is critical. These are complicated pieces of software, and things can go wrong. We like a customer support staff we can reach 24/7 on email or live chat to make sure everything runs as smoothly as possible or gets fixed past. That's what BetRivers delivers and that's why they made our list.

Best Legal IA Sports Betting Apps for Each Sport

The NFL attracts the most money when it comes to betting action so it's no surprise that all the Iowa betting apps have a great NFL betting process. But if you prefer some less popular sports you may have to check out several apps to find the best, most convenient way to bet on your sports. Promotions for minor sports can also be different from app to app.

• Best NFL Betting App With the NFL reigning as the most popular market for sports bets in Iowa, the fact is that NFL betting is the bread and butter of most of the sports betting sites. So you could go with any of the eight sites we've mentioned, and there's a good chance you're going to get what you want. But for our money, FanDuel stands out as an app with seemingly limitless sports betting options, great promotions around parlays, and enough exclusive streaming video to help you make the best picks.
• Best NBA Betting App You might not expect an app from overseas to have a great betting experience for the NBA, but bet365 brings the fire when it comes to pro basketball. They've got your parlays, they've got your futures, they've got more prop bets that we can comfortably count. And you can build a Same Game Parlay on any basketball game.
• Best MLB Betting App BetMGM is a one-stop shop for all things related to MLB betting. Like the rest of their sports betting markets, there's as clean a layout as you'll see. And the nightly promos and easy to build Same Game Parlays are a great way to get started with those featured. You can also get MLB news, analysis and predictions on their in-house blogs.
• Best NHL Betting App Like the rest of the major sports in the US, you'll probably be satisfied with the hockey betting experience you'll get at any of the Iowa online sportsbooks. But DraftKings stands out from the pack when it comes to the NHL. This is owing to their live betting which update frequently and run so smoothly, you'll feel like you're the one on ice. And you don't know excitement until you're live betting in playoff hockey during overtime.
• College Betting App First off, betting on Iowa college sports teams while in Iowa is prohibited. You won't find betting odds on any Iowa college sports teams on a legal online betting platform. But if you want to bet on out-of-state teams, it's hard to beat Caesars Sportsbook as the place to do it. They've got plenty of action on NCAA Football and Basketball for starters. And the array of promos, especially around parlays can't be beat.
• Horse Racing App Trick question, sports bettors in Iowa will need a different app entirely to bet on horse racing. Advance Deposit Wagering apps do exist for playing the ponies, but they're not regulated the same way as online sportsbooks. Take it up with the Iowa Racing and Gaming Commission. Until then, apps like AmWager, TVG, and TwinSpires can bring the horses to you, figuratively.

Iowa Sports Betting Apps that Get Updated Frequently

BetMGM

It's no surprise that an industry leader like BetMGM is constantly adding to their portfolio. Just in 2023, they have opened instances of their online sportsbook in Ohio, Maryland and Puerto Rico. Maybe more importantly, they have received top accreditations from the Responsible Gaming Council. They're constantly improving the experience, recently pushing out a new launch screen and notifications for live alerts.

Bet365

The newest of the Iowa sportsbooks to open up shop, Bet365 comes from England with over twenty years of experience making bets for players across Europe. While the notes on their updates aren't especially transparent, they update with "bug fixes and improvements" several times a month.

BetFred

As Iowa sports betting continues to add more operators, some are taking their business elsewhere or closing up shop entirely. That's what happened to ELITE Sportsbook, which is in the process of moving all their sports betting action to Betfred. They've also recently added more sports betting markets, beefed up their rewards program, and improved their Single Game Parlay options.

What To Look For In legal IA Sports Betting Apps

The bonus bets or other Iowa sportsbook promos are great, but they're only part of the battle. Even the best welcome bonus will run out eventually, and then where are you? That's why we're on the lookout for apps that reward experienced players with plenty of promos and ideally a strong rewards program for loyal users. When you're deciding which sportsbook app to use, make sure you're also keeping an eye on what kind of promos and rewards are on offer.

• Mobile Speed One of the first things we look for in sports betting apps in Iowa is software that does what you tell it to do, when you tell it to do it. Lag can absolutely kill the fun of the betting experience, especially if you're live betting on an in-progress game. If you try to lock in a wager and the odds change because the app is slow, that's going to ruin your plan. So we start by looking for an Iowa sports betting site that's responsive and fast.
• Frequent App Updates We want to know that the app is updating frequently. If the operator is improving the software regularly, that can only be a good thing. That's especially when it comes to things like data security and staying a few steps ahead of people who want to compromise your personal or financial info. But regular updates also can bring new features, a smoother interface, or even just getting rid of bugs that gum up the works. Even the best Iowa betting apps are constantly improving. You don't stay on the top of the heap long if you're fine with coasting once you've got there.
• Exclusive App Only Promotions The bonus bets or other perks when you join a sportsbook are great, but they're only part of the battle. Even the best welcome bonus will run out eventually, and then where are you? That's why we're on the lookout for apps that reward experienced players with plenty of promos and ideally a strong rewards program for loyal users. When you're deciding which sportsbook app to use, make sure you're also keeping an eye on what kind of promos and rewards are on offer.
• Sports Betting App Security Hand in hand with the frequent app updates is the need for security within the software. Keeping the app and website encryption up to date, maintaining a multifactor authentication, and strong password protocols are all industry standard. If you think your data is at risk with a sports betting app, you're not going to want to use it, simple as that.
• Positive App Reviews Every one of the apps we recommended above have plenty of good reviews. We spend day after day poring over sites and apps to stay on top of things from an expert's perspective, and our reviews bear that out. But don't ignore what the everyday user says in their reviews on the App Store or Google Play. If you see a review from someone with a similar playstyle to yours, that can tell you a lot about what you can expect. And if nothing else, the more reviews are out there, the more complete the picture you're getting will be.
• Incredible Betting App Interface The layout and overall appearance can make a huge difference when you're shopping among the best IA sportsbook apps. If the app makes it difficult to find the betting markets and options you want, or otherwise hard to navigate, it's going to be a frustrating experience. Also, if there's no thought given to the visual design, the information might look right, but the whole experience will be dull and dreary. At that point, you may as well be looking at a spreadsheet.
• Flexible Payment Options Because Iowa sports betting is for real money and not "just for fun", your ability to use the sites and apps hinges on your ability to get money to and from the operator. That means banking options that are compatible with the way you play, and for our money, the more available options, the better. This includes having a variety of ways to deposit and withdraw money, but also has to do with speedy withdrawal methods that get your winnings to you as quickly as possible after the transaction processes.
• Sportsbook Customer Service We want to know that our issues will be seen to if something goes wrong. A dedication to customer service is a must when choosing from the best Iowa sports betting sites. We look for a service department that operates 24/7. And we've also got an eye out for the operators who present the most ways to reach their support staff. At the very least, it's essential to field a customer service team that can be reached by live chat and email.

Mobile Iowa Sports Betting Apps Compared To In Person Sportsbooks

The main advantage to between using sports betting apps vs. sites is obviously the portability. With the app, you can have all the action on your device, whether that's your phone or your tablet. You can go nearly anywhere in the state and have all the sports betting action you crave at your fingertips.

The edge that the websites tend to have over the mobile sports betting apps comes down to the displays. The fact of the matter is that even a small laptop is going to have a bigger screen than your phone. You can use that to your advantage by seeing more information, from the betting lines to any outside research you're doing. And the websites are ideal for line shoppers, since it's just a matter of tabbing over in the browser.

But whether you like the website experience or the one in the apps, the online betting experience has a real advantage over the retail sports betting lounges in the casinos. The gas money you'll save by not going out on the road is one thing. But if you don't like the odds on the game you wanted to bet on, you've either got to drive to a different casino, or you're of of luck. Best of all, since you don't have to go anywhere, you can do it in your mancave or she shed, even in your bathtub.

Using A Mobile Sportsbook App

Both websites and apps devoted to Iowa sports betting are focused on getting you the wagers you want at a price you can live with. But there are important differences between the two. At its simplest, an online sports betting app is a discrete piece of software that you download onto your phone or tablet and place your wagers through. Basically any Apple or Android smartphone or tablet that can run the current operating system should be able to handle a betting app.

Once you get inside, you'll find that the entire experience is tailored to online sports betting in a way that even a website can't rival. Pro tip: Put your favorite betting app on your tablet. The bigger screen combined with the portability is the best of both worlds. Just make sure it's not the tablet you let the kids use.

Reasons To Use Sports Betting Apps

• Increased Usability: The difference between an online sports betting app and a retail sportsbook is basically the difference between your banking app and going to see a teller. The intuitive interface on the app makes it easy to find what you want and see if it's priced to your liking. And since you can use the apps just about anywhere in the state (not to mention many other states), it's as easy as it gets.
• Accessible Sports Wagering: Since online sports betting gives you access anywhere you can get an internet connection, you're only limited by how much battery life you have left on your phone. The laws around college sports may keep Iowans from betting from their seats at games. But if you're at the bar watching the Bears game and you want to put some money on the line, you can make it happen on your phone, without even calling that shady guy your brother-in-law introduced you to.
• Account Funding Is Easier: It's a cinch to get money into your Iowa sports betting account from your phone, especially if you deal with an operator that takes digital wallets, such as PayPal or Apple Pay. With just a couple of taps on your phone, you can reload your bankroll and get right back to placing bets on your favorite sports.

How to Download a Sports Betting App

Getting started with an online sportsbook is easy - in fact the hardest part may be choosing which one to use. But we'll even make that easier for you - just remember you can have accounts at more than one sportsbook, and if you hate one, it's easy enough to end your business with them. See? No problem. Now, to get started.

1. Choose the app you want to start with.
2. Search for it inside the portal where you get your apps (Apple App Store or Google Play)
3. After double checking to make sure it's the one you want, download it as you would any other app.
4. Open the app and register your new account.

How to Sign up and Place a Sports Bet on a Mobile App

After you've got the app on your device and opened, you'll see a button to the effect of "sign up" or "register", that's the one you want. At that point you're moments away from getting started. Individual sportsbooks vary, but the process will ask you to do this or something very close to this:

1. Enter your email address, and come up with a user name and a unique password.
2. Give the operator your full name, address, phone number, and last four digits of your social security number.
3. Enter our exclusive promotional code if applicable. Our site reviews can help you get one.
4. Verify the information is correct and that you are at least 21 years old. The accept the terms and conditions of the sportsbook to create your account.
5. Using your preferred banking method, make your first deposit into your new Iowa sportsbook account.
6. Find the sports betting market, game, and betting option that appeals to you an place your first bet.

We strongly advise you to use the responsible gaming tools available. You control your gambling not vice-versa!

Iowa Sports Betting Law

While the sheer amount of betting apps make it look like the wild west, the fact is the Iowa sports betting law and guidelines around operators keep the action on the level. And the app stores that support the betting software also have an interest in keeping it all above board.

Ever since 2018, when the U.S. Supreme Court overturned the Profession and Amateur Sports Protection Act of 1992, the power to legalize sports betting has been handled at the state level. States have gone through rigorous and tedious legislative processes to ensure that the games are being run fairly and responsibly.

Get Started Betting At Iowa Betting Apps

That's a top down view to familiarize yourself with Iowa Sports betting apps. Any of the operators we recommended above can give you a solid experience, but we also have full reviews of many of the best Iowa sportsbook apps to check out if you want to go deeper. Those reviews are also a great place to pick up promo codes that can make your first few times with a new sportsbook even more fun.

We also have guides and other Iowa sports betting resources if you're new at this. If you need to know the basics of betting, how parlays work, or which teams work with which books, we've got you covered.

Responsible Betting on Iowa Sports Betting Apps

It's important to keep your head on straight when you're placing your wagers. Sports betting sites can enhance the fan experience, but staying within your limits it crucial. You can rest assured knowing that all the legal sports betting operators are bound by law to promote responsible betting in Iowa with "guardrails" added to the software.

Typical features you'll see to stay on track include the ability to set limits for time and money spent on the software over a period of time. You'll generally also be able to set a short term "cool off" time where your account will be frozen, or a long-term self-exclusion period where your account is locked.

And if you think it's all gone too far, you'll be able to get to free resources that can help you.

Author

Brian Dermody

@BrianDermody

Brian Dermody cut his teeth professionally in the world of UFC marketing but has since turned his attention to the booming sports betting industry in the US. He now spends his days relentlessly testing and reviewing the top betting apps available to ensure bettors know exactly what they are getting into when they sign up with a bookie or casino.