Iowa Sports Betting Promotions
Since sports betting became legal in the United States in 2018, it has become massively popular. Over 33 states have legalized sports wagering in the country, while some are in the pipeline to be fully legal.
Iowa became the 11th state to legalize sports betting in August 2019 and has been thriving exponentially. In Dec 2023, the state reportedly earned over $172.5 million as revenue from this industry.
With the Supreme Court overturning a federal ban on sports gambling in 2018, the industry has thrived quickly within a few years, even more with online sportsbooks where accessibility to wagering has become easier and hassle-free.
It should be noted that not all states have legalized sports betting. Even if it’s legal, sportsbook companies must get licensed by the state authority to conduct their gambling business.
So, which sportsbooks are popular or legal in Iowa? Find out below as we dive deep into some of the best sports betting sites in the state.
Sports Wagering In Iowa
With Governor Kim Reynolds passing Bill SF-617 into law, sports betting became legal for both online and land-based wagering. The bill was signed in May 2019 but started functioning in August 2019.
It is regulated by the Iowa Racing and Gaming Commission, ensuring sportsbook companies adhere to the law set by the authority. Initially, one needed to register in person for an online wager, but the rule was declared null on 1 January 2021.
The law allows online sportsbooks to establish their business under the condition that they cooperate with one of the state’s land-based casinos.
Here are some of the highlighted points of sports betting law in Iowa:
- The sportsbook license fee is $45,000.
- It allows sportsbooks to register online entirely.
- The state taxes sports betting revenue at a rate of 6.75%.
- Sports betting is legal only for 21 years or older.
The sports betting scene in Iowa is pretty massive. As per reports, sports bettors have wagered over $165 million on bouts and matches in 2022. Online sports wagering has also become popular in the state. Over 91.7% of November wagers in Iowa came through online sportsbooks.
You can find numerous online sportsbooks in Iowa or at casinos licensed by the state. Iowans can sign up for one of the sports betting sites with just a simple click in the comfort of their homes.
Best Sportsbooks In Iowa
In order to make your task easier, we have scoured some of the best legal sports betting sites in Iowa.
DraftKings
- Sign-up bonus: Bet $5, get $150 Plus No Sweat SGPs
- Payout Period: 1 to 7 days
- Standout feature: Excellent live betting section
- Main Takeaway: Provide same-game parlays
The online sportsbook is one of the most popular and well-known sites for sports betting. DraftKings is pretty huge in Iowa and has set a new handle record of $ 100.1 million in November 2023. Whether new or experienced bettors, this online sportsbook is perfect. It features a variety of betting markets and promos. You can sign up without a hassle or visit one of the three retail locations in Iowa.
FanDuel
Another massively popular sportsbook in the state is FanDuel. It’s an excellent app offering unique wagering types like comprehensive live betting sections and same-game parlays. If you’re a football enthusiast, this app might just be the perfect one to wager.
- Sign-up bonus: Bet $5, Win $150 in Bonus Bets
- Payout period: 1 to 7 days
- Same-game parlays
- Main Takeaway: User-friendly interface
Bet365
Bet365 is one of the most well-known sportsbooks in Europe. It has exploded onto the North American market with the legalization of sports betting. The app offers a comprehensive menu of regular promos, betting options, and live wagering features. You can also customize the display and edit bets.
- Sign Up Bonus: $150 in bonus bets or $1,000 First Bet Safety Net
- Payout period: 0 to 5 days
- Standout feature: Good live betting
- Main Takeaway: Live streaming variety of events.
Caesars
Another sportsbook that has taken Iowa by storm is Caesars. It has become quite popular due to its regular promos and rewards program. The app is also known for its loyalty program, providing some of the best offers for its existing customers.
- Sign-up bonus: $150 in bonus bets or $1,000 First Bet Safety Net
- Payout period: 0 to 5 days
- Standout feature: Regular promotions
- Main Takeaway: Competitive odds
BetRivers
Compared to other sportsbooks, BetRivers is pretty new, as it was launched only in 2020. Regardless, it has gained traction among sports bettors within a few years. The online sportsbook holds over $34.4 million in wagers behind DraftKings and FanDuel in Iowa.
BetRivers consistently provides excellent promos and good odds. It’s also well-known for its loyalty program, offering users bonuses and loyalty points for placing wagers on real money.
- Sign-up bonus: $100 2nd Chance Bet
- Payout period: 1 to 14 days
- Standout feature: iRush Rewards Program
- Main Takeaway: Availability of sports and features you won’t find in other sportsbooks
BetMGM
BetMGM is also one of the well-known sports in Iowa and is commonly known as the ‘King of Sportsbook.’ The app is user-friendly and efficient to use. If you’re planning to bet on a variety of sports, BetMGM is the answer. You won’t find snooker or surfing in most online sportsbooks to bet.
- Sign Up Bonus: $1,500 back in bonus bets
- Payout period: 2 to 7 days
- Standout feature: Editing bet
- Main Takeaway: wagering on a wide range of sports
Betfred
Another European sportsbook that has a good reputation in North America is Betfred. It is available in a few states, Iowa being included in the list. The online sportsbook provides a wide range of sports to bet on and offers daily odds boosts and special promos.
- Sign-up bonus: Up to $105 in bonus bets
- Payout period: 2 to 6 days
- Standout feature: Experienced European sportsbook
- Main Takeaway: Excellent range of sports market
Betway
If you’re looking for a sleek sportsbook, Betway is what you should go for. It’s an international sport wagering site with a generous welcome bonus. The online sportsbook also has a dedicated, loyal program and has competitive odds for popular sports.
- Sign-up bonus: Up to $250 in bonus bets
- Payout period: 1 to 5 days
- Standout feature: Modern wagering platform
- Main Takeaway: Lucrative welcome bonus
Selecting a Sportsbook Based On Features
Iowa has numerous legal sportsbooks to bet on a variety of sports. Each provides different offers and features, allowing users with ample options to pick from. It would be pretty confusing to choose one suitable app from a sea of sports betting sites if you’re new.
Keeping this in mind, we have curated a sportsbook based on the features. It will make the task easier to choose based on your needs.
Wagering on major sports events and games: FanDuel and DraftKings are sports betting sites best suited for prominent games and events. They are popular among Iowan bettors due to their offers and promos on big tournaments and games.
Wide range of sports: If you prefer sportsbooks with a vast collection of sports, Bet365 and BetMGM are the answer. There are sports betting sites with a wide range of sports, but these two tops the list.
Competitive odds: Betway and Caesars are the best options for competitive odds. They are consistently in line with the market.
Exciting Rewards program: Rewards programs are commonly prevalent in Casino betting but less seen in sports gambling. However, BetRivers and Caesars beg to differ as both have reward programs allowing bettors to redeem points based on their play.
Bonus and Promos: When it comes to promos and bonuses, BetMGM and Caesars are two sportsbooks that have upped their game in this aspect.
New Sportsbooks In Iowa
Iowa has over 21 sportsbooks, the recent one being ESPN Bet. In November 2023, it took over Barstool’s place. Fanatics is also in the process of taking PointsBet and is likely to launch in a few weeks.
In January 2022, DRF Sports started operating in Iowa and became the 18th sports betting site in the state. ClutchBet, Tipico, and Bet365 sportsbooks were also launched in Iowa.
While there is entry of new sports betting sites, some have made their exit. Unibet and theScore bet are no longer operational in the state.
Popular Sports To Wager In Iowa
Iowa may not have a prominent professional sports team, but that doesn’t mean you can’t bet. In fact, basketball and college football are quite popular among sports bettors in the state. You should note that Iowa prohibits prop bets on college athletes.
Some of the popular sports to bet in Iowa are:
NBA: Minnesota Timberwolves, Milwaukee Bucks, and Chicago Bulls.
NFL: Minnesota Vikings, Chicago Bears, Green Bay Packers, and Kansas City Chiefs.
NHL: Chicago Blackhawks, Minnesota Wild, St. Louis Blues.
MLB: Milwaukee Brewers, St. Louis Cardinals, Chicago White Sox, Chicago Cubs, Minnesota Twins, and Kansas City Royals.
Besides these, other popular sports are UFC, soccer, and tennis. There is also a decent following of bets on international events, such as table tennis and darts.
Last Updated on December 22, 2023
