Best Iowa Betting Sites 2025

Best Iowa Sportsbooks for 2025

We inspected the licensing, certification, and payment options found at Iowa betting sites while not forgetting to look at the markets available on each website. Apart from that, we’ve included the most popular sports to bet on in the Hawkeye State. Look below for the top-rated online sportsbooks in 2025.

Best Iowa Online Sportsbooks by Category

Our Rating Criteria

We ranked the best Iowa betting sites using our criteria for rating sportsbooks. They are what we consider important for judging the quality of online sportsbooks. First and foremost, we put to the test the online safety features and see if the payment procedure stacks up to our safety standards. That is, after we verify the license’s validty.

As we suggested before, some of these factors are more important for some gamblers than others. As reviewers with years of experience, we perceive them as important because each of those features adds to the experience. Live betting rewards seasoned players, bonuses give you more to play with, and keeping your money and information safe is a must.

Security & Licensing

Live Betting Options

Live betting is a sought-after feature in the world of online sportsbooks. Lightning-fast connections enable bookies to employ real-time data feeds showing up-to-the-second odds for events already in progress. Here are the most popular sports in Iowa for live betting:

This method of sports betting is becoming more popular through the platforms of operators like the BetMGM sportsbook. It removes the deadline for placing your wagers. You can bet on the game at any point up until the final whistle.

It’s also becoming increasingly popular because it provides you with alternative strategies that weren’t available before. For instance, a savvy gambler may use their knowledge to get better odds on the underdog than they normally would if they wagered pre-match.

By wagering on the underdog pre-game, then waiting for them to go up early in the first half, it’s possible to get the pre-game favorite as an underdog. In other words, you can take bigger risks with in-play wagering or lesser risks, depending on which you like better.

Best Iowa Sportsbook Bonus Offers

The most commonly-met betting bonus is the one for new customers. These welcome offers are available to new players creating an account for the first time. These promotions are regularly available upon your first deposit and come either as bonus bets or deposit match bonuses.

Before you claim one of the bonuses on offer, though, be sure to read the terms and conditions to see what it requires from you. Things like playthrough amounts, validity periods, and minimum odds can all affect whether you qualify. Here are the best sports betting sites with bonus offers based on the fairness of their terms:

Each of the sports betting bonuses listed above stands out with reasonable playthrough amounts, validity periods, and minimum odds requirements. Plus, you can always find a Iowa sportsbook sports betting bonus you like in the ongoing offers for existing members. Those include odds boosts, bonus bets, and even one-off promotions.

Top Online Betting Apps for Iowa Players

Given that not everyone has the time to place wagers on their computer, the demand for Iowa sports betting apps is quite understandable. The functionality of these apps in comparison to their desktop versions is commendable. Here are the best mobile sports betting apps in the state:

All these apps passed our test and provide a high-quality mobile sports betting experience. They either have standalone Android apps and iOS apps, or let you visit their website using your mobile browser to use an instant wagering platform. One of the best examples in that regard is the BetMGM sportsbook app.

It’s worth pointing out, though, that while you can almost always find sports betting software in the App Store, it is a bit more difficult to do that in Google Play. If this is the case, simply click on the app you wish to download from the above table to go to the operator’s website where you can download the the Android app.

Available Payment Methods – Deposits and Withdrawals

If your primary interest is feeling secure while you gamble, you may want to choose Iowa online sports betting websites that accept a variety of payment methods. While all major sportsbooks accept plastic options like debit and credit cards, you may want the extra security an eWallet or prepaid card provides.

Here are the various payment methods players can choose from:

While you can deposit via any of these options, some aren’t available for withdrawals. If this is the case for you, know that the betting sites that accept VISA always have a widely-used and safe withdrawal option. Others require the use of bank transfers or online banking options.

Be sure to read up on your options in the cashier area of your chosen sportsbook. Often, you must withdraw via the same method you used to deposit.

Top IA Online Sportsbooks with Fast Payout Times

All licensed sports betting sites in Iowa have fast and reliable payout times. However, some websites are exceptional in this area and were top performers on our payout time tests. Here are the online sportsbooks in the state with the fastest payout times:

Something to keep in mind is that there are some limitations when it comes to how fast sportsbooks process your payments. Even operators, like the Caesars betting site would require you to play through the entire bonus amount before you withdraw.

Iowa Sports Betting Laws

The bill providing for legal Iowa sports betting sites is Senate File 617. It also legalized daily fantasy sports (DFS), and Republican Governor Kim Reynolds signed it into law in May 2019.

It’s quickly become an incredibly open market when compared to other states. There are 19 land-based casinos in the state, and the law provides them with the opportunity to have two online sports betting partners on their license.

This is great news for sports gamblers, who now benefit from better odds as sportsbooks fight over signups. Anyone over the age of 21 can place bets whenever and wherever they want inside the Hawkeye State.

On top of online sports betting, land-based casinos, and DFS, state residents can also bet on horse racing and the lottery. Legalized horse racing started in 1983, while the lottery has existed since 1985. In combination, the two forms of gambling continue to raise billions in tax revenue for the State.

However, you won’t find horse racing odds at any of the IA betting sites listed here. The state has an exclusive off-track betting (OTB) agreement with TVG, which is a simulcast and online horse racing betting operator.

That being said, there are still plenty of chances to get in on the action. The top sports betting sites in Iowa have thousands of daily markets for both pregame and live betting.

Sports Betting Taxes

If there’s one certainty that comes with gambling, it’s that the government wants its cut. Both the state of Iowa and the federal government tax your winnings when you file your income taxes. Sportsbooks pay the state 6.75% of their net revenues.

By law, operators place a 5% tax withholding rate on all gambling wins, whether you’re a resident or not. It’s worth pointing out that there are situations where you may have to pay more, but you can only figure out how much you owe by filling out the form IA 1040.

In terms of federal income tax, all net gambling winnings from sports betting in the USA are taxed at a rate of 24%. If your winnings meet certain thresholds, sportsbooks withhold this 24% automatically. You should receive IRS form W2-G from all betting sites you cash out from.

Once you get all the forms you’re expecting, use them to fill out your federal income tax return. IRS Tax Topic No. 419 includes everything you need to know about gambling taxes in the US. The IRS suggests keeping a running journal of all your wins and losses for deduction purposes.

The Most Popular Sports to Bet on in Iowa

Iowa online sports betting is a very diverse scene, filled with markets from America’s favorite sports and leagues. On top of the most obvious sports like football, baseball, and basketball, operators provide odds for international sports like soccer, handball, and cricket.

While you can wager on any professional sporting event, you cannot bet on any in-game player props for college events. This is to keep the integrity of the game intact, as collegiate athletes aren’t paid multi-million-dollar salaries.

However, you are allowed to wager on in-state teams, which is banned in several other states. If college sports are your thing, then you will like the state law concerning college sports betting. Here are the most popular sports leagues to bet on:

• NFL
• MLB
• NBA
• EPL
• NHL
• PGA
• NCAAF
• NASCAR

There are several reasons why these sports are the most popular, but the primary reason is the media coverage they receive. Sports media companies like ESPN and league networks like MLB Network and NFL network increasingly put out more content strictly dedicated to sports betting.

Football is the sport most wagered on, with baseball, basketball, and ice hockey following. Even though the state doesn’t have professional sports franchises or major league teams, the sports fans there are known as some of the most die-hard fans of teams from neighboring states.

The St. Louis Cardinals, Chicago Bears, Chicago Cubs, Chicago Blackhawks, and St. Louis Blues all enjoy immense levels of support from their neighbors. While we haven’t seen any offers yet, it wouldn’t surprise us to see Iowa sports betting sites offering special promotions on these teams in the future.

Daily Fantasy Sports

DFS is recognized as a legal and regulated activity in the state. DFS is classified as a game of skill rather than gambling, providing a solid framework for its operation. The Iowa Racing and Gaming Commission is responsible for overseeing DFS operators.

With this legal status, players in the state can participate in DFS competitions with confidence, knowing that the industry operates within a well-defined and controlled environment. The recognition and regulation of Daily Fantasy Sports offers players a secure and enjoyable environment with Iowa sports betting apps and websites.

Iowa Online Sports Betting Markets

After you figure out which sports and leagues you want to bet on, you need to decide the types of bets you will make. Each game can have hundreds of markets, all based on different outcomes, player performances, or team statistics.

Many markets are sport-specific, though some are the same across all sports. Three of them, the moneyline, point spread, and totals markets, are the most basic bet types and provide the basis for all the other markets in the game. Here are the types of bets accepted at online sportsbooks in Iowa:

All the wager types above are available at major Iowa betting sites. However, some are more commonly used for certain sports. Moneyline wagers are usually best suited for low-scoring sports like baseball or ice hockey, while point spread betting is usually done on high-scoring sports like basketball or football.

If you’re a beginner, we suggest sticking to the three basic types, which are moneyline, point spread, and total bets. We find that specializing in a few markets helps you understand odds fluctuations and find value more consistently.

Online vs. Land-Based Sportsbook in Iowa

If you’ve ever visited a land-based sportsbook, you should be aware of the differences they have compared to their online counterparts. As with anything in life, there are upsides and downsides to both options. The main advantage of Iowa sports betting apps and sites is that they are available 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

That’s not to say land-based sportsbooks don’t have areas where they excel too. Looking at the map of retail sportsbook locations in Iowa, we can see there are many conveniently placed venues in the state, where you can get paid in cash for your winning wagers. Here are the main pros and cons for both land-based and online sportsbooks in the state:

Problem Gambling Help

There are quite a few organizations that deal with responsible gambling in the US. Thanks to that, the best sports betting sites in the state are able to take care of their players and support problem gambling initiatives. You will also find adjustable deposit limits, voluntary cooling-off periods, and age verification protocols.

We encourage our readers to stay vigilant and reach out for help if you or someone you know is experiencing any of the following gambling-related issues:

• Constantly talking or thinking about gambling.
• Owing gambling related debts.
• Gambling more often with more money to get the same thrill.
• Becoming irritable when one is not gambling.
• Gambling is affecting relationships with other people, a job, or schoolwork.
• Thinking about stealing money to gamble with.

We want to reiterate that there is no shame in admitting you have a problem. If you decide you need support, here is responsible gaming resources available in Iowa:

• Iowa Gambling Treatment Program
• Your Life Iowa 1-800-BETS OFF website
• National Council on Problem Gambling Iowa Chapter
• IRGC Self-Exclusion Program

You can stay ahead of gambling addiction by remembering to bet with your head and not over it. Please stay within your limits and gamble responsibly.

FAQ

Conclusion – Play at the Best Betting Sites in Iowa

After concluding our tests, the results clearly show all online platforms talked about here are not only legitimate but offer diverse welcome bonuses and high-quality platforms. Therefore, you can’t go wrong choosing any of them. Each operator excels in particular categories, so you won’t have difficulty picking the site that suits you best.

Born in New Orleans, Lisa Spencer is a professional gambler and editor for Betting.us with a Master's in Applied Mathematics. Known for her strategic gambling approaches, she is an expert in game theory and statistical modelling. Lisa also enjoys surfing, running, and writing reviews on betting sites in her spare time.

Lisa Spencer, Senior Editor

When you’re looking for new Iowa sports betting sites, it’s worth opening accounts with a few so you can take advantage of the state’s regulated market and friendly tax rate. Plus, there are so many sports to choose from that it’s one of the best states with legal sports betting sites in the USA in terms of choice.