Hailing from New Orleans, Lisa Spencer brings together math expertise and gambling know-how as Betting.us' editor. With a Master's degree in Applied Mathematics, she excels in game theory. Using statistical models and game theory, she develops and publishes betting strategies for Betting.us. Outside work, Lisa surfs the web for betting insights and does sports.
IA Sports Betting Sites – Online Sportsbooks Iowa 2024
By Lisa Spencer
Senior Editor
Updated: November 18, 2024
The Best Iowa Betting Sites for 2024
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 2024.
| IA Online Sportsbooks | Welcome Bonus | Bonus Code | Top Sports | Site Rating | Secure Link | Payments | Terms |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Caesars Sportsbook | Up to $1000 First Bet | 1000 | Football Basketball Baseball | ★ out of 5 | Bet Here! |
|
Valid only for new IA players over 21 years of age. Full T&Cs apply. |
| BetMGM | Up to $1500 Back In Bonus Bets | Not Needed | Football Baseball Basketball | ★ out of 5 | Bet Here! |
|
Valid only for new IA players over 21 years of age. Full T&Cs apply. |
The Best Iowa Online Sportsbooks by Category
| 🥇 #1 IA Online Sportsbook | Caesars Sportsbook |
| 🏈 #1 Football Betting Site | BetMGM |
| ⚽ #1 Soccer Betting Site | Caesars Sportsbook |
| 🎁 Top Sports Betting Bonus | Caesars Sportsbook |
| 🎰 Top Sportsbook & Land-Based Casino | BetMGM |
| 📱 Best Sportsbook App IA | BetMGM |
| 🚫 Top Odds Boosts | BetMGM |
One of the best ways to choose a new sportsbook is by testing out the ones that perform the best in the areas you find most important for your gambling style. During our time at the Iowa sports betting sites, we noted down the top choice for each of the categories listed above.
We segment operators like this because sports gamblers have so many different specialties and preferences that there's no one-size-fits-all solution. Baseball players want to find sites offering MLB betting bonuses, while NFL gamblers tend to look for sites offering NFL same-game parlays.
Finding a platform tailored to your preferences is the best way to ensure you have an excellent experience with Iowa sports betting promos and operators in general. What's more, you should be able to move your money easily in and out of your account and bet on the markets you likefthese b.
All the sites presented on this page are licensed by the Iowa Racing and Gaming Commission (IRGC). It's responsible for implementing and enforcing gambling laws. You can see the licensed sports wagering operators for a comprehensive overview of the legal sports gambling market in the state.
Criteria to Pick the Best Online Betting Sites in Iowa
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.
Security & Licensing
Live Betting
Iowa Betting Bonuses
IA Sports Betting Apps
Payments and Payout Times
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
The Iowa Racing and Gaming Commission is the gambling authority in the state of Iowa, and as such, it enforces state gambling law. The Chapter 99F of the Iowa Code titled "Gambling Games and Sports Wagering Regulation" describes in detail how the Commission works.
- Iowa Racing and Gaming Commission
- The Great Seal of the State of Iowa
- Iowa.gov
- 1-800-BETS OFF
For instance, the state requires all licensed Iowa sports betting promos to display clear terms and conditions. Furthermore, licensees must do what's necessary to acquaint their users with the responsible gambling initiatives in the state.
The IRGC makes sure websites implement the proper security measures to protect data and banking information. One of the measures is 128 or 256-bit encryption, serving as a barrier between user data and people looking to intercept or take advantage of that information.
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:
- Football
- Baseball
- Basketball
- Golf
- Ice Hockey
- Soccer
- Tennis
This method of sports betting is becoming more popular through the platforms of operators like the BetMGM Sportsbook in Iowa. 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:
| IA Online Sportsbooks | Bonus Offer | Min. Deposit | Bonus Code | Terms | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Caesars Sportsbook | Up to $1000 First Bet | $20 | 1000 | Claim Bonus! | Valid only for new IA players over 21 years of age. Full T&Cs apply. |
| BetMGM | Up to $1500 Back In Bonus Bets | $10 | Not Needed | Claim Bonus! | Valid only for new IA players over 21 years of age. Full T&Cs apply. |
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:
| IA Sports Betting Apps | Betting Offer | Compatibility | Secure Link | Terms |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Caesars Sportsbook - | Up to $1000 First Bet | Android Compatible , iOS Compatible | Bet Here! | Valid only for new IA players over 21 years of age. Full T&Cs apply. |
| BetMGM - | Up to $1500 Back In Bonus Bets | Android Compatible , iOS Compatible | Bet Here! | Valid only for new IA players over 21 years of age. Full T&Cs apply. |
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 in Iowa.
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:
- eCheck
- PayNearMe
- Online Banking
- Visa
- Mastercard
- Discover
- American Express
- PayPal
- Play+
- Pay with Cash
- Bank Transfer
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:
| IA Betting Site | Min. Deposit | Payout Times | Recommended Payment Method | All Deposit Options | Secure Link: | Terms |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Caesars Sportsbook | $20 | 1-3 Days |
|
8 | Bet here! | Valid only for new IA players over 21 years of age. Full T&Cs apply. |
| BetMGM | $10 | 1-4 Days |
|
5 | Bet here! | Valid only for new IA players over 21 years of age. Full T&Cs apply. |
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 Iowa 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
- 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:
| Sports Betting Options | Description | Recommended Online Sportsbook |
|---|---|---|
| Moneyline |
Moneyline wagers are the most straightforward. All you need to do is correctly predict which team will win straight up. |
Try at Caesars Sportsbook IA |
| Point Spread |
Point spreads are handicaps where underdogs get points added and favorites have points subtracted from their total score. You must cover the spread to win. |
Try at BetMGM IA |
| Totals |
Totals bets are predicting whether the final joint score will be over or under the total the bookmaker provides. This is also known as the over/under. |
Try at Caesars Sportsbook IA |
| Props |
Props or proposition bets are wagers that are usually specific to a player or team, like how many touchdowns a team scores or how many free throws a point guard takes. |
Try at BetMGM IA |
| Live Betting |
Live betting is placing a wager on any match that has already started. It requires knowledge of how to use the in-play betting console to keep up with the action. |
Try at Caesars Sportsbook IA |
| Parlays |
Parlays are combined bet selections that provide higher payouts than single wagers. However, all your bets must be graded as winners, or the entire wager is lost. |
Try at BetMGM IA |
| Futures |
Futures bets are betting on the outcome of something in the future. Choosing a team to win the championship before the playoffs is a common one. |
Try at Caesars Sportsbook IA |
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.
Exclusive Sports Betting Deals in Iowa
While pro sports teams in many other states have agreements with operators, that's not possible in this state. To compensate for this, Iowa betting sites have offers on specific leagues and championships like the Super Bowl or March Madness. Keep an eye out for these in the promotions section of your preferred bookmaker.
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:
Online Betting
- Better odds
- Open 24/7
- Larger market selection
- Mobile apps
- No food or drink service
- Longer withdrawal times
- No social engagement
Land-Based Betting
- Food and drink service
- Cash transactions
- Opportunity to socialize
- Personalized service
- Lower odds & payouts
- Fewer live betting options
- Limited opening hours
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
Which operator has the best IA online sportsbook?
There's no single thing that can point you to the best IA online sportsbook. It's a combination of things that build up the best betting sites Iowa has to offer - proper licensing, safe platform, high odds, multiple markets, and others.
Are online sports betting sites legal in Iowa?
Yes, online sports betting sites are legal in the state. While the gambling laws in Iowa allow for it, you need to make sure your website of choice is licensed by the IRGC. A clear sign of that is if the website has a clickable banner with the logo of the Commission.
What are the best online betting bonus offers in Iowa?
Most operators offer welcome bonuses, but a few stand out from the pack for low playthrough requirements, low minimum odds, and long expiration periods. This is what defines the best online betting bonus offers in Iowa. To make the right pick, you need to compare bonuses according to these characteristics.
Do all online sportsbooks in IA offer live betting?
In-play is currently a huge trend in sports gambling because of the flexibility it provides. Almost without exception, the sportsbooks in IA offer live betting. You will be hard-pressed to find a platform that doesn't have in-play odds. When it comes to live streaming, though, it's a completely different story.
Which online sportsbooks in Iowa offer the fastest payouts?
Payouts at all licensed online sportsbooks in Iowa are usually done in a reasonable amount of time as required by the IRGC. However, the payout times at IA sportsbooks depend on the method you choose, the amount you want to take out, and your player status.
Conclusion – Play at the Best Legal Betting Sites in Iowa for 2024
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.
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.