Iowa Sports Betting

Yes! online sports betting has been legal in Iowa since 2019! Residents can choose between the best online sportsbooks in the market!

Iowa Sports Betting Key Takeaways

Here are the key takeaways to note for sports betting in Iowa.

Who Can Bet on Sports in Iowa?

Like in other legal betting states, Iowa follows the standard rules for legalized wagering:

• 21+ years old
• Only use the legal sportsbooks mentioned earlier
• Provide verifiable account information

Who Regulates Iowa Sports Gambling?

 The Iowa Regulatory Gaming Commission (IRGC) oversees all gambling within the Hawkeye State.

Details of the IA Sports Betting Bill

On May 13, 2019, Gov. Kim Reynolds signed SF 617, which officially legalized sports betting in the state. Here are the bill's details below.

• 6.75% tax rate (online and retail casinos), which is the lowest tax rate in the nation tied with Nevada
• Up to 57 online sportsbooks are allowed to operate with a valid license
• Betting on in-state college player props is not permitted

On March 28, 2025, Iowa approved an update to its sports betting laws that will take effect in 2026. The changes focus on new tax withholding rules for winnings. Check the details below.

• Effective January 1, 2026
• Sportsbooks must withhold state tax when federal withholding rules apply
• Applies to winnings over $5,000 and at least 300x the wager
• Withholding rate set at 3.8% (Iowa’s 2026 flat income tax rate)

The 6.75% operator tax rate remains unchanged, and the law’s full impact will be seen next year.

How to Start Betting in Iowa

It's easy to get started sports betting in Iowa. Here's how:

Step 1: Choose a Sportsbook

Before Jan. 2021, Iowa bettors had to physically step into a casino in the state to register for a sportsbook. However, mobile/online registration is now here. Major books like bet365 are among the best books available in Iowa. Pick one, then follow the process for the book. 

Step 2: Sign Up & Verify

Fill out all the required fields for new sports bettor in the state: name, email and date of birth. Your book of choice may ask you for a driver’s license or social security number to verify your identity. These questions and details are all measures sportsbooks take to protect you, the sports bettor.

Step 3: Deposit with Preferred Payment

Many books will take you right to the deposit screen once you’ve put in your personal information.

Select your payment method, then click deposit. Our preference is direct deposit via a bank account. That way when you cash out, the money will be accessible in your checking account right away instead of being credited back to a card.

Step 4: Place an Online Bet

Here’s how to place your first wager. Remember: apps will geo-locate you to confirm you’re truly in Iowa before you’re able to bet.

Depending on your book of choice, the betting process will look something like this:

• Navigate to "Sport" and click the line you want to bet
• Head to your bet slip
• Enter your bet amount
• Submit

Congrats! You’ve just placed your first legal sports bet in Iowa.

Alternatives to Online Sports Betting in Iowa

If you are seeking alternative online gaming options in Iowa, there are some viable options. Continue reading to find out below!

Retail Sports Betting

As mentioned above, Iowa has many retail sportsbook locations for bettors to choose from, with Caesars being the most common option among the state's casinos.

Daily Fantasy Sports

Iowa doesn't offer a vast selection of DFS apps, but residents can play FanDuel DFS, Drafters and DraftKings DFS in the state.

Horse Betting

Iowa has a storied history of sports betting, so residents have racetracks and online racebooks to choose from. Iowa offers TwinSpires, a leading racebook in the U.S.

Lottery

The lottery is legal in Iowa and offers the most common games for residents. Participants must be 21+ to play the lottery, which is uncommon in most states.

With full online betting legal in the state, Iowans have their pick of sportsbooks to choose from with the convenience of being able to register from home. 

bet365

bet365 Iowa offers new users the choice to redeem one of two current promo offers below!

bet365 Promo

Bet $5, Get $200 in Bonus Bets Win or Lose!

OR

Get a First Bet Safety Net up to $1,000 in Bonus Bets!

bet365 Promo Code

TAN365

Terms & Conditions

Deposit Required. Paid in Bonus Bets. Bonus Bets wager excluded from returns. New Customers Only. T&Cs, time limits, and exclusions apply. 21+ (18+ in KY). Gambling Problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER. Available in AZ, CO, IA, IN, KY, LA, NC, OH, VA only. Place a qualifying bet of up to $1000 to be eligible for a matched refund in Bonus Bets if your qualifying bet loses.

Deposit Required. Paid in Bonus Bets. Bonus Bets wager excluded from returns. New Customers Only. T&Cs, time limits, and exclusions apply. 21+ (18+ in KY). Gambling Problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER. Available in AZ, CO, IA, IL, IN, KS, KY, LA, MD, NC, NJ, OH, PA, TN, VA only. Bet $5 and Get $200 in Bonus Bets at bet365. Minimum odds -500 of greater.

Action Network Score

9.8/10. See our bet365 Bonus Code and review for more sportsbook details and step-by-step instructions on how to sign up.

Category	Star Rating
Bonuses & Promotions
Mobile App & Website
Registering & Cashiering
Betting Options
bet365 vs Other Sportsbooks

Fanatics Sportsbook

Fanatics Sportsbook offers new users in Iowa the chance to choose one of several exciting welcome offers!

Fanatics Promo

1) Bet $50, Get $250 FanCash! *

2) Bet and Get up to $2,000 in FanCash! **

Fanatics Promo Code

1)  ACTION

2) ACTION

Action Network Score

9.7/10. See our Fanatics Sportsbook Promo Code and review for more in-depth information and step-by-step instructions on how to sign up.

Category	Star Rating
Bonuses & Promotions
Mobile App & Website
Registering & Cashiering
Betting Options
Fanatics Sportsbook vs Other Sportsbooks

Terms & Conditions

* New customers in CO, DC, IA, IL, IN, KS, KY, LA, MD, NC, TN, VA, VT, WV, WY. Must opt-in and wager $10+ cash on any market with odds of -500 or longer to receive $50 in FanCash each day for your first 5 days (issued when qualifying wager settles). Your 5 days begin the day you establish your account. See full Promo Terms and FanCash terms in the Fanatics Sportsbook app. 

** New customers in AZ, CO, CT, DC, IA, IL, IN, KS, KY, LA, MA, MD, MI, NC, NJ, OH, PA, TN, VA, VT, WV, or WY (excludes NY). Apply promotion in bet slip and place a $1+ cash wager (min odds -500) daily for 10 consecutive days starting day of account creation. Wager must settle as a loss to earn FanCash equal to losing amount (max $200 FanCash/day). FanCash issued under this promotion expires at 11:59 p.m. ET 7 days from issuance. Terms, incl. FanCash terms, apply—see Fanatics Sportsbook app.  

BetMGM

New BetMGM users can claim the following sign-up bonus with the exclusive bonus code below!

BetMGM Bonus

1) Get a 20% Deposit Match up to $1,500 in Sports Bonus! (10x wagering requirement in terms & conditions)

OR

2) Get up to $1,500 Back in Bonus Bets if Your First Bet Doesn't Win!

BetMGM Bonus Code

1) TANMATCH1500

OR

2) AN1500

Action Network Score

9.6/10. See our BetMGM Bonus Code and review for more in-depth information about BetMGM and step-by-step instructions on how to sign up.

Category	Star Rating
Bonuses & Promotions
Mobile App & Website
Registering & Cashiering
Betting Options
BetMGM vs Other Sportsbooks

BetMGM Terms & Conditions

1) 21+. Gambling problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER. AZ, CO, DC, IA, IN, KS, KY, MA, MD, MI, NC, NJ, PA, TN, WV, WY. Call 877-8-HOPENY or text HOPENY (467369) (NY). Call 1-800-327-5050 (MA). Please Gamble Responsibly. Call 1-800-NEXT-STEP (AZ), 1-800-522-4700 (KS, NV), 1-800-BETS-OFF (IA). Participant must complete the Wagering Requirements and satisfy the (10x) playthrough requirement. Deposit Match unavailable in IL, LA, OH and VA. US Promotional Offers Not Available in MS, NY, ON, or PR. Visit BetMGM.com for Terms & Conditions.

2) 21+. Gambling problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER. AZ, CO, DC, IA, IL, IN, LA, KS, KY, MA, MD, MI, NC, NJ, OH, PA, TN, VA, WV, WY. Call 877-8-HOPENY or text HOPENY (467369) (NY). Call 1-800-327-5050 (MA). Please Gamble Responsibly. Call 1-800-NEXT-STEP (AZ), 1-800-522-4700 (KS, NV), 1-800-BETS-OFF (IA). Participant must complete the Wagering Requirements. Bonus Bets Expire in 7 Days. US Promotional Offers Not Available in MS, NY, ON, or PR. Visit BetMGM.com for Terms & Conditions.

DraftKings

DraftKings is a popular sportsbook with roots in daily fantasy sports. Using lessons they learned through the DFS field, DraftKings has created a reliable and user-friendly sportsbook that is simple to use. This household name provides Iowa sports bettors with both fantasy and sportsbook options to enjoy, as well as a great bonus offer below.

DraftKings Promo

Bet $5, Get $300 in Bonus Bets If Your Bet Wins + 3 Months of League Pass On Us! 

DraftKings Promo Code

No Code Needed 

DraftKings T&C

GAMBLING PROBLEM? CALL 1-800-GAMBLER, (800) 327-5050 or visit gamblinghelplinema.org (MA). Call 877-8-HOPENY/text HOPENY (467369) (NY). Please Gamble Responsibly. 888-789-7777/visit ccpg.org (CT), or visit www.mdgamblinghelp.org (MD). 21+ and present in most states. (18+ DC/KY/NH/WY). Void in ONT/OR/NH. Eligibility restrictions apply. On behalf of Boot Hill Casino & Resort (KS). Pass-thru of per wager tax may apply in IL. 1 per new DraftKings customer. Must register new DraftKings account to receive reward Token. Must select Token BEFORE placing min. $5 bet to get 1 promo code to redeem 3-month NBA League Pass subscription, complimentary of DraftKings, and get max. $300 in Bonus Bets if your bet wins. Min. -500 odds req. Token and Bonus Bets are single-use and non-withdrawable. Bonus Bets expire in 7 days (168 hours) and stake removed from payout. Token expires 11/23/25. Terms: sportsbook.draftkings.com/promos. NBA League Pass: Subscription auto-renews monthly at then-current price (currently $16.99/mo); cancel anytime. Terms, restrictions, and eligibility requirements apply. Redeem League Pass by 12/19/25 at 11:59 PM ET. Addt'l terms: https://support.watch.nba.com/hc/en-us/articles/9165532876183-League-Pass-Terms-of-Use_. Offer ends 11/16/25 at 11:59 PM ET. Sponsored by DK.

Action Network Score

9.2/10. See our DraftKings Promo Code and review for more in-depth information about DraftKings and step-by-step instructions on how to sign up.

Category	Star Rating
Bonuses & Promotions
Mobile App & Website
Registering & Cashiering
Betting Options
DraftKings vs Other Sportsbooks

FanDuel

FanDuel offers one of the easiest start-to-finish registration and deposit experiences in the sportsbook market. Iowa mobile sports bettors have a great option with FanDuel's sign-up offer.

FanDuel Promo 

Bet $5 Get $300 in Bonus Bets If Your Bet Wins!

New players only, 21+. Gambling Problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER. Available in AZ, CO, CT, DC, IL, TN, IN, IA, KS, KY, LA, MA, MD, MI, NC, NJ, NY, OH, PA, VA, VT, WV, WY only. Full T&C apply.

FanDuel Promo Code

There is no promo code required to claim the FanDuel offer.

Action Network Score

9.5/10. See our FanDuel Promo Code and review for more in-depth information about FanDuel and step-by-step instructions on how to sign up.

Category	Star Rating
Bonuses & Promotions
Mobile App & Website
Registering & Cashiering
Betting Options
FanDuel vs Other Sportsbooks

Caesars Sportsbook

Caesars has a strong live betting experience and offer interesting in-game markets in their app, which are becoming more and more popular in U.S. betting.

Caesars Sportsbook Promo

Bet $1, Double Your Winnings Your Next 20 Bets!

Caesars Sportsbook Promo Code

ACTION2220X

Caesars Terms & Conditions

Must be 21+ and physically present in AZ, CO, IL, IN, IA, KS, KY, LA, ME, MD, MA, MI, NJ, NY, NC, OH, PA, TN, VA, WV, WY or Washington, DC. New users only. Must register using eligible promo code. Min. qualifying bet amount: $1. Tokens max. bet amount: $25 per token. Tokens bet max. add'l winnings: $2,500 per token. Token(s) expire 14 days after receipt. Void where prohibited. See Caesars.com/promos for full terms. Know When To Stop Before You Start®. Gambling Problem? CO, IL, KY, MD, MI, NJ, OH, TN, VA, WV, WY, Washington, D.C., KS, LA , ME, NC, PA (Affiliated with Harrah's Philadelphia): If you or someone you know has a gambling problem, crisis counseling and referral services can be accessed by calling 1-800-GAMBLER (1-800-426-2537) or MD: visit mdgamblinghelp.org or WV: visit 1800gambler.net; AZ: Call 1-800-NEXT-STEP; IN: Call 1-800-9-WITH-IT; IA: Call 1-800-BETSOFF. ©2024, Caesars Entertainment 

Action Network Score

9.4/10. See our Caesars Sportsbook Promo Code and review for more in-depth information about Caesars and step-by-step instructions on how to sign up.

Category	Star Rating
Bonuses & Promotions
Mobile App & Website
Registering & Cashiering
Betting Options
Caesars vs Other Sportsbooks

ESPN BET

ESPN BET is available, Hawkeyes! Continue reading below to redeem its new user offer!

ESPN BET promo

Bet $10, Get $100 in Bonus Bets + 30 days of ESPN+!

ESPN BET Terms & Conditions

New users only, 21+. Gambling problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER. Must be physically present in AZ, CO, D.C., IA, IL, IN, KS, KY, LA, MA, MD, MI, NC, NJ, OH, PA, TN, VA, or WV in order to wager. Players must sign up using a specified Promotion code and then place an Eligible Wager on an Eligible Game during the Promotion Period. Bonus Bets will be credited upon making the first bet. Please Gamble Responsibly.

Action Network Score

9.1/10. See our ESPN BET Promo Code and review for more in-depth information about ESPN BET and step-by-step instructions on how to sign up.

Category	Star Rating
Bonuses & Promotions
Mobile App & Website
Registering & Cashiering
Betting Options
ESPN BET vs Other Sportsbooks

Sportsbooks Partnered with Iowa Sports Venues

Iowa sportsbooks must partner with a retail casino in order to operate legally in the state.

Here are the current partnerships below 🤝 

Banking with IA Sports Betting Sites

Legalized Iowa sports betting operators offer the standard deposit and withdrawal options available in other states. Take a look at them below!

Legal Retail Sportsbooks in IA

Iowa is home to over a dozen retail sports betting locations. Here's a list of in-person betting locations below:

• Wild Rose (Clinton, Emmetsburg, Jefferson)
• Catfish Bend Casino
• Hard Rock Sioux City
• Q Casino
• Prairie Meadows Racetrack & Casino
• Isle Casino Bettendorf
• Isle Casino Waterloo
• Rhythm City Casino
• Riverside Casino
• Grand Falls Casino
• Ameristar Casino Hotel Council Bluffs
• Casino Queen Marquette
• Diamond Jo Casino
• Diamond Jo Casino Worth
• Harrah's Council Bluffs Casino & Hotel
• Horseshoe Casino Council Bluffs

Iowa has an extensive college sports history, so betting options are plentiful; except college prop betting, which is not permitted in Iowa.

Pro Sports Teams

While there are currently no pro sports teams in Iowa, residents can still place legal wagers on any team of their choosing.

NFL Betting in Iowa

Despite not having an NFL team of their own, Iowans tend to favor the Minnesota Vikings, Green Bay Packers, Kansas City Chiefs, and the Chicago Bears.

Recommended resources to help you bet smartly on football in Iowa:

• How to Bet on Football Guide
• Check our Expert NFL Picks
• Keep an eye on betting activity and bet/money distribution with our NFL Public Betting data

NBA Betting in Iowa

NBA fans in Iowa are diverse when it comes to favorite teams, but many tend to support nearby franchises such as the Minnesota Timberwolves, Chicago Bulls, and Milwaukee Bucks. While the state does not have its own NBA team, the Iowa Wolves, the G-League affiliate of the Minnesota Timberwolves, play their home games at Casey's Center in downtown Des Moines.

Here is a recommended resource to help you bet on the NBA in Iowa:

• How to Bet on Basketball Guide

MLB Betting in Iowa

While there are no MLB teams based in Iowa, there are plenty of franchises located in bordering states. These include the Chicago Cubs, Chicago White Sox, Minnesota Twins, and Kansas City Royals. 

Here is a recommended resource to help you bet on the MLB in Iowa:

• Tips to Bet on Baseball 

NHL Betting in Iowa

Like other professional sports, hockey fans in Iowa often support teams in nearby cities. The closest NHL teams are the Minnesota Wild and Chicago Blackhawks.

While Iowa does not have an NHL franchise, the state is home to a minor league affiliate. The Iowa Wild, owned by the Minnesota Wild, play in the American Hockey League and have called Casey's Center in Des Moines their home since their inaugural 2013 season.

Here is a recommended resource to help you bet on the NHL in Iowa:

• How to Bet on Hockey Guide

College Sports Teams 

Iowa has proud sports traditions and longstanding rivalries inside and outside the state. We expect big bets to be placed on these Iowa college games moving forward.

College Football Betting in Iowa

Iowa has two top college football teams to bet on — the Hawkeyes and Cyclones.

Iowa Hawkeyes Football

The Iowa Hawkeyes football team and head coach Kirk Ferentz are coming off an 8-5 (6-3 Big Ten) season and a Music City Bowl appearance. Ferentz, in his 27th season, is the all-time winningest coach in Big Ten history. The Hawkeyes compete in the West Division of the Big Ten Conference and play home games at Kinnick Stadium.

Hawkeyes Odds

Iowa State Cyclones Football

Iowa State Cyclones football finished the 2024 season with an 11–3 record, including a 7–2 mark in Big 12 play, and a 42–41 Pop-Tarts Bowl win over Miami. Head Coach Matt Campbell, in his 10th season, became the winningest coach in program history. The Cyclones play home games at Jack Trice Stadium in Ames.

Cyclones Odds

College Basketball Betting in Iowa

Iowa has several top college basketball teams to bet on — the Hawkeyes, Bullodgs, Cyclones, and Panthers.

Iowa Hawkeyes Men's Basketball

Fran McCaffery's Iowa Hawkeyes finished the 2024–25 season with a 17–16 record (7–13 Big Ten). The Hawkeyes play home games at Carver–Hawkeye Arena in Iowa City, Iowa.

Hawkeyes Odds

Iowa State Cyclones Men's Basketball

T.J. Otzelberger's Iowa State Cyclones finished the 2024–25 season with a 25–10 record (13–7 Big 12) and an NCAA Tournament second-round appearance. The Cyclones play home games at Hilton Coliseum in Ames, Iowa.

Cyclones Odds

Drake Bulldogs Men's Basketball

The Drake Bulldogs finished the 2024–25 season with a 31–4 record, winning the MVC Tournament and reaching the second round of the NCAA Tournament. The team plays home games at the Knapp Center in Des Moines.

Drake Bulldogs Odds

Northern Iowa Panthers Men's Basketball

The Northern Iowa Panthers finished the 2024–25 season with a 20–13 record (14–6 MVC) and participated in the NIT, where they were eliminated in the first round by SMU. The team is led by longtime head coach Ben Jacobson and plays its home games at McLeod Center on campus in Cedar Falls.

Panthers Odds

Other Events

Iowa has a range of "other'" sporting events that draw local and national interest:

• The Drake Relays. Drake Relays are a track and field event held annually in April. Many Olympic Gold medalists have competed in this relay.
• Iowa Shrine Bowl. The Iowa Shrine Bowl is an all-star football game featuring Iowa’s most talented high school/pre-college football players. It's held every July in Cedar Falls.

These are a few of many events held throughout Iowa annually. 

Learn more about the available sportsbooks and promo codes in Iowa:

bet365 Sportsbook Promo Code | Fanatics Sportsbook Promo Code | BetMGM Sportsbook Promo Code | FanDuel Promo Code | Caesars Sportsbook Promo Code | ESPN BET Promo Code | DraftKings Promo Code | Bally Bet Promo Code

If you or someone you know has a gambling problem and wants help, call 1-800-BETS-OFF.

• Must be 21 years or older
• Learn about Iowa Voluntary Self-Exclusion Program
• For free information and self-exclusion support, click here to visit the NVSEP website.