Best Iowa Sports Betting Sites 2021

Top 3 Sportsbooks in Iowa

Iowa legalized sports betting has attracted all of the top sportsbooks in the USA market. DraftKings arrived in Iowa in October of 2019. FanDuel made its debut in September 2020 and BetMGM launched in January 2021.

FanDuel Iowa

FanDuel welcomes new the Iowa sports betting app public with a risk-free first bet offer worth up to $1,000. They also seek to boost betting in Iowa by offering a FanDuel risk-free bet during the opening week of college football season. FanDuel offers daily boosted odds and a rich menu of promotional opportunities.

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BetMGM Iowa

BetMGM sportsbook app also entered sports betting in Iowa by offering new players a $1,000 risk-free bet to get them started. They offer early cash out options on certain bets and an "edit my bet" option on any wager that provides the cash out function.

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DraftKings Iowa

When DraftKings sportsbook app launched in the Iowa sports betting market, they offered new players a signup bonus worth up to $1,000. They offer boosted odds every day and what they term as no-brainer wagers, such as a Week 1 NFL bet on the Tampa Bay Buccaneers that covers as long as they don't lose by more than 73 points to the Dallas Cowboys.

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How Do We Pick the Best Iowa Sports Betting sites?

Iowa sports bettors have no shortage of options when choosing a mobile sports betting app. The state is home to 19 licensed casinos with sports betting, nearly all of which offer online and mobile sports betting. Under Iowa sports betting law each land-based casino is entitled to offer two skins to online sports betting sites

Iowa sportsbooks provide numerous bonuses and benefits. With over a dozen sites to choose from among Iowa sports betting apps, there is no shortage of opportunities to take part in betting in Iowa. How do you know which online Iowa sportsbooks are the best bets? Among the criteria our team at Bookies.com considers when evaluating Iowa sports betting sites:

Bonus offers: Iowa sportsbooks offer several bonuses to sign up new players. Some of the bonuses are more generous, others more restrictive. We also consider frequency of promotions, such as odds boosts.

Safe and legal: We only review and recommend legal sites that are licensed by the Iowa Racing & Gaming Commission, ensuring your account and funds are secure. We do not recommend offshore-based sports betting sites, which are not legal and lack effective regulation.

User experience: Is the operator’s mobile sports betting app easy to use and navigate? Can you easily find the sports and games you are looking for? The technology in most sports betting apps is amazing, but some apps are more user-friendly, intuitive and responsive than others. We help you find the best sportsbook app for your needs.

Odds and prices: Finding value is important to every sports bettor. Some online sportsbooks consistently offer more favorable prices. Signing up with more than one operator allows you to shop and find the best lines and odds before placing a sports bet.

IA Online Sportsbooks & Sports Betting Apps

Sports betting in Iowa is rich in opportunity. All of the top sportsbooks in the USA have Iowa sports betting apps. Powerhouse sportsbooks such as DraftKings, Caesars, BetMGM and FanDuel and joined by a number of sites like Bally Bet, BetFred and theScore Bet that are also making their presence known as online Iowa sportsbooks.

Iowa Sportsbooks with Mobile Sports Betting Apps

• BetMGM Sportsbook Iowa
• Hard Rock Sioux City Sportsbook Iowa
• DraftKings Sportsbook Iowa
• Unibet Sportsbook Iowa
• Q Casino Sportsbook Iowa
• PointsBet Sportsbook Iowa
• Caesars Sportsbook Iowa
• BetRivers Sportsbook Iowa
• BetFred Sportsbook Iowa
• Bally Bet Sportsbook Iowa
• Elite Sportsbook Iowa
• theScore Bet Sportsbook Iowa

Android Betting Apps & iOS Betting Apps for IA Players

Iowa sports betting apps provide the convenience of wagering on your smartphone or mobile device from anywhere in the state, any time of the day. Iowa bettors have nearly a dozen mobile betting apps to choose from, with more on the way. The list features many of the top U.S. and global operators, including DraftKings, FanDuel, Caesars, PointsBet, BetRivers, BetMGM, BetFred, Bally Bet, theScore Bet, Elite Sportsbook, Q Casino Sportsbook and Hard Rock.

FanDuel Iowa

Partner of Diamond Jo Casinos, FanDuel Sportsbook is a powerhouse in online sports betting and daily fantasy sports. The FanDuel Iowa mobile betting app is one of the most popular in the U.S., offering a wide range of traditional and in-play betting options. The FanDuel interface is responsive and easy to navigate.

• Read our FanDuel Iowa Sportsbook Review
• Claim the FanDuel Iowa Promo Code

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DraftKings Iowa

The main rival to FanDuel, DraftKings is partnered with Iowa’s Wild Rose casino properties. DraftKings is leading online sportsbook operator in at over a half-dozen states and dominates daily fantasy sports market with FanDuel. The DraftKings Iowa sportsbook app offers an impressive amount of action on every sport, with live betting markets and prop bets for almost every game.

• Read our DraftKings Iowa Sportsbook Review
• Claim the DraftKings Iowa Promo Code

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BetMGM Iowa

The online platform of gaming giant MGM Resorts entered Iowa sports betting market in January 2021 under Diamond Jo Dubuque license. The BetMGM Iowa sportsbook app is now available in nearly a dozen states and aggressively offers bonuses and promotions for both new and existing players. Consistently one of the top-rated apps.

• Read our BetMGM Iowa Sportsbook Review
• Claim the BetMGM Iowa Promo Code

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BetRivers Iowa

This popular digital sportsbook entered Iowa market in January 2021 through partnership with Wild Rose casino properties. Now available in more than a half-dozen states through BetRivers and SugarHouse brands. The BetRivers Iowa app offers competitive odds and minimal playthrough requirements to claim bonuses. It has been praised as easy to use for new bettors.

• Read our BetRivers Iowa Sportsbook Review
• Claim the BetRivers Iowa Promo Code

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PointsBet Iowa

A global operator based in Australia, PointsBet partnered with Catfish Bend Casino in Burlington. Their PointsBet Iowa mobile app offers a number of creative promotions (no juice games, overtime insurance, etc.) along with their own PointsBetting system, in which bettors can win or lose or more than original bet depending on how right or wrong their wager is.

• Read our PointsBet Iowa Sportsbook Review
• Claim the PointsBet Iowa Promo Code

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Hard Rock Iowa

Music and entertainment-themed gaming operator Hard Rock owns the Sioux City casino property and is gradually expanding its sports betting and casino operations across the U.S. The Hard Rock Iowa sports betting app is fast and efficient and offers plenty of promotions.

• Read our Hard Rock Iowa Sportsbook Review
• Claim the Hard Rock Iowa Promo Code

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Caesars Iowa

Caesars has taken over the William Hill brand of online sportsbooks. They were the first of the Iowa sports betting apps to go live when they launched in August 2019. The Caesars Iowa sportsbook app is known for its lucrative signup bonus (as much as a $5,000 risk-free first bet) and deep menu of propsand in-play wagers.

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WynnBET Iowa

WynnBET entered into a multi-year market access partnership with Elite Casino Resorts. The partnership will give Iowa bettors access to WynnBET for mobile sports betting licensed by Elite's Riverside Casino and Golf Resort. WynnBET is expected to launch soon in Iowa, joining sites already operating in seven other states.

• Read our WynnBET Iowa Sportsbook Review
• Claim the WynnBET Iowa Promo Code

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Unibet Iowa

The newest arrival to the Iowa Sports Betting scene, Unibet launched in the Hawkeye State just as the 2021 college football season began, thanks to an agreement with Harrah's Council Bluffs Casino. You can stream thousands of events every year on its mobile app, making it a great way to bet on the go while you watch the game.

• Read our Unibet Iowa Sportsbook Review
• Claim the Unibet Iowa Promo Code

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Bally Bet Iowa

Bally Bet launched Iowa legalized sports betting in June 2021, joining Colorado as early states with Bally Bet online sportsbooks. They are partnered with Grand Falls Casino and Resort in Larchwood. The Bally Bet app offers a series of parlay games that let you bet as little as $2 for a chance to win $1 million.

BetFred Iowa

British betting giant BetFred didn't waste time in making friends in Iowa. They partnered with the Iowa Cubs, the Triple-A farm club of the Chicago Cubs. BetFred app offers an impressive signup bonus and a rich offering of betting lines and bet types.

theScore Bet Iowa

The Canadian-owned company was recently acquired by Penn National Gaming, who also operate Barstool Sportsbooks. Operating 100% as a mobile app like Barstool, theScore Bet made its name in sports media and is looking to capitalize by converting that audience into sports bettors.

Q Iowa

The Q sportsbook is the mobile sports betting app of Q Casino and Hotel in Dubuque. An entirely mobile-based operation, players can download the Q Sportsbook app for iOS or Android devices directly from the Q Casino web page.

Elite Iowa

The Elite Sportsbook is operated by the Elite Hospitality Group, which owns three casinos in Iowa - Riverside Casino & Golf Resort, Grand Falls Casino & Golf Resort and Rhythm City Casino Resort. Its site is built on a Bet. Works platform and was the second of the Iowa sports betting apps to launch when they went live in August of 2019.

Bonuses & Promotions at IA Sports Betting Sites

In general, there are three different types of signup bonus offers that Iowa sports bettors can anticipate being provided by Iowa sports betting sites.

• Risk-free first bet: Enables a player to make an initial wager knowing that if it loses, their stake will be refunded back into their sportsbook account, typically as a bet credit.
• Matching first deposit bonus: This bonus sets a deposit that an online sportsbook in Iowa is agreeing to match with a player's first funding of their new account. Many match at 100% while some only do 20%.
• No deposit bonus: In the case of a no deposit bonus, betting sites basically give customers free money to bet with. It will usually be a small amount around $25 but can be more when a site launches. It must be wagered and not withdrawn, and typically winnings are all that can be cashed out from a player's account.

What Types of Sports Bets Can I Make in Iowa?

When betting in Iowa, these will be the most popular types of online sports bets available through an Iowa sportsbook app.

• Point-spread: A team is favored by a specific number of points. Bettors select the favorite or underdog and “give’’ or “get’’ points.
• Moneyline: A wager on a team to win a game based on moneyline odds set by the sportsbook. No point spread is involved. A college football betting example: If Iowa is -140 against Nebraska (+120), a bettor wagers $140 to win $100 on favored Iowa, or $100 to win $120 on underdog Nebraska.
• Totals (over/under): A bet the that combined points of both teams in a game will be over or under the number set by the sportsbook.
• Parlay: A single wager combining two or more games, all of which must win for the parlay to cash.
• Teaser: Parlay wager that allows bettors to favorably adjust point spread in exchange for reduced odds and payoff. In College basketball, if Iowa State is a 7-point favorite over Kansas State, a bettor can play a 6-point teaser and take Iowa State -1 or Kansas State +13. The same 6-point adjustment is applied to all other games in the parlay.
• Futures: These are wagers on long-term outcomes. An example of NFL futures wagers would be betting on the Super Bowl odds before the season begins. Other futures include such as the winner of the NBA Finals or the American League Cy Young Award winner.
• Prop Bets: A bet that may or may not impact the final outcome of a game. For example, the result of the Super Bowl coin toss or how many yards quarterback Aaron Rodgers will throw for in a game or specific quarter.

What Sports Leagues Can I Bet on in IA?

Iowa is a big college sports state. When sports betting, Iowa fans will place plenty of wagers backing the Iowa Hawkeyes and Iowa State Cyclones. However, it should be noted the Iowa sports betting rules only permit pregame wagering on college sports involving teams from the Hawkeye State. Bets such as props and in-play wagers on Iowa college sports teams are prohibited to bet on in Iowa.

Local pro sports include the Iowa Cubs, the Triple-A farm club of the Chicago Cubs and a number of teams in baseball's low minor leagues.

That said, you can bet on all the major leagues, both in the US and abroad, at Iowa online sportsbooks, as well as college sports and more. Esports betting has not been allowed in the state, but its status is under discussion and could change.

IA Major Sports Events to Bet on - 2021

Iowa now has its own major-league sports event. The first-ever Field Of Dreams MLB Game was played in 2021 in a stadium situated in the midst of a cornfield in Dyersville. The Chicago White Sox beat the New York Yankees in what MLB has decided will be an annual event.

College football and basketball are significantly popular in the state. Iowa's sports betting public will put plenty of wagers down on the Iowa Hawkeyes and Iowa State Cyclones. That makes March Madness betting a huge deal.

Track and field bettors will want to wager on the Drake Relays. One of the biggest annual events in the sport, numerous Olympic gold-medal winners have competed at the Drake Relays.

Even though there's no Iowa teams involved, Iowa sports betting will see plenty of action on the NFL Super Bowl, World Series and NBA Finals.

How to Sign Up and Place a Sports Bet in Iowa

Sports betting is easy to begin. The signup process at an Iowa sports betting site is about as painless as a process can be, especially now that as of January 1, 2021, the entire activity can be done online.

1. Go to the operator’s mobile or desktop site and click on the “create an account” or “register” button. You will be asked to provide personal info such as name, email address, phone number, date of birth, home address and last four digits of your Social Security number. This is done to verify identity and ensure a player is of legal age to wager.
2. Once this information is accepted, players will set a password and username and their account is activated.
3. The next move is to deposit money into the account. Iowa online sportsbooks offer several banking options.
4. After funds are received, players will be ready to bet. They'll also be able to claim any sign-up bonuses on offer. Many sportsbooks in Iowa will require additional proof of identity, such as driver’s license, state ID or passport, before accepting your first deposit.

If there are any technical issues experienced during the sign-up process, technical support can assist players via live chat, phone and/or email.

Deposits and Withdrawals

Every Iowa sports betting site will provide a list of accepted deposit and withdrawal methods on their web page. These can usually be found in the Iowa sports betting FAQ section.

Almost all sites will accept major credit and debit cards like Visa or Mastercard. Before forewarned though that some credit card companies are wary of processing payments to betting sites. There are e- wallet options such as PayPal, Neteller and Skrill that are growing more popular each year because of their ease of use. Bank transfers and e-checks are other forms of payment that are accepted.

Before signing up for sports betting in Iowa, it's always wise to check which deposit options are offered by that site and if there are deposit or withdrawal fees. You'll especially want to look into which withdrawal options are acceptable. At some betting sites, these choices can be very limited. Here are the most common methods:

Credit/debit cards: The most popular deposit option with funds usually transferred instantaneously. But be aware that some financial institutions may not process gambling transactions (the number is declining as sports betting becomes more mainstream), those that do allow them may charge fees, and credit/debit cards generally can’t be used to make withdrawals.

PayPal: The most popular form of e-wallet payment in the world. It's handy to use. Millions of people trust PayPal to send and receive money without the requirement sharing their financial information.

E-wallets: Other commonly accepted forms of e-wallets are Neteller and Skrill. E-wallets allow for timely and seamless transfer of funds to and from your sports betting account for low fees.

Play+/Prepaid cards: Play+ cards can be funded with a credit card or bank account and can be used to move funds in and out of your accounts. You can then access the cash at an ATM. Several Iowa online sportsbooks offer their own branded prepaid card, which often include additional perks. Prepaid cards through credit card companies such as Master Card and Visa are also accepted and widely available at retail outlets.

ACH/wire transfer: An ACH transaction electronically moves funds from your bank account to online sportsbook account through an automated clearinghouse. A wire transfer moves the money directly without a third party. Both work well for deposits and withdrawals. Wire transfers are faster but charge higher fees.

PayNearMe: Cash-only deposit method in which participating Iowa retailers (7-Eleven, CVS Pharmacy, Family Dollar) scan a barcode to transfer cash to your sports betting account.

Cash at casino cage: All Iowa online sportsbooks are partnered with a casino in the state. Visit the casino cage affiliated with your IA sportsbook.

Features of an Iowa Sports Betting Site

The best feature to come to Iowa sports betting was the January 1, 2021, arrival of the online registration option to open a new account at Iowa online sportsbooks. Here are some other features that people should seek out before betting in Iowa.

Intuitive User Interface

When it comes to an Iowa sports betting website, simple is best. Players aren't looking for bells and whistles while they wager. They want to get on the site, get the odds on the game or games that interest them and get their bets down. The best Iowa sports betting sites will offer web pages that upload quickly and that bettors will be able to navigate with ease.

List of Betting Odds

Competitive odds are critical to sports betting in Iowa. Sites that take too large of a vig - the amount taken off the top as payment for making the bet - should be avoided. Smart bettors always shops multiple betting sites to secure the best odds. The best operators for betting in Iowa will also offer a variety of odds markets on every event.

Live Betting and/or Live Streaming

Live or in-play betting is the fastest-growing form of wagering in sports betting. It's wagering on an outcome that will happen in the midst of a sporting event. Sports betting in Iowa includes all of the popular forms of live betting such as next point scored or next player to hit a home run. The best Iowa online sportsbooks will also offer live streaming of these events so that bettors can watch the action unfold in real time while they are placing their live bets.

Great Customer Service

No matter how good an Iowa sports betting site might be, at some point, an issue or concern will arise. The top Iowa online sportsbooks will set themselves apart by how they handle this query. Are they easy to reach? Do they respond quickly? Is there a live chat option? Are they available 24/7? And most importantly, are they able to solve the problem?

Is Online Sports Betting Legal in Iowa?

Yes. Online and in-person sports betting began in August 2019. Iowa allows each retail IA sportsbook to partner with two online brands.

A positive development for Iowa sports bettors was the expiration of in-person registration. Until 2021, Iowa bettors had to drive to an Iowa casino sportsbook and register to be able to use its online app. Now remote registration is permissible. That means bettors can immediately sign up and download the sports betting app(s) to access the IA mobile sportsbook of their choice without having to drive across the state to a casino.

Benefits of Legal Online Sports Betting in Iowa

All Iowa sports betting sites are licensed and regulated by the Iowa Racing & Gaming Commission. They set the standards for betting in Iowa and enforce the rules. Any site that doesn't follow the regulations will see their license to operate suspended or revoked.

That's not the case with offshore betting sites. They aren't regulated or licensed by any state agency. If a bettor runs into a problem with these sites, they're on their own as they seek resolution.

Top 4 Iowa Sports Teams to Bet On

College sports rule in the Hawkeye State. The Iowa Hawkeyes are a dominant team in the Big Ten in both football and basketball. The Iowa State Cyclones don't have the same national profile as the Hawkeyes, but they are always a dangerous opponent. Pro teams are limited to minor-league clubs such as the Iowa Cubs, the Triple-A farm club of the Chicago Cubs, and the Iowa Stars, top farm team of the NHL Dallas Stars.

Iowa Hawkeyes

The Iowa football team is a national power. The Hawkeyes won three Big Ten titles between 2002-15 and have gone to two dozen bowl games since 1980. The Hawkeyes basketball team went to six NCAA Tournaments between 2014-21.

Iowa State Cyclones

The Cyclones football team competes in the Big 12. They went to a bowl game every season between 2017-21. In 2020, running back Breece Hall led the nation in rushing yardage and was the first unanimous All-American in school history.

Iowa Cubs

Based in Des Moines, the Cubs are one step below MLB. They're the Triple-A farm club of the Chicago Cubs. They've been affiliated with the Cubs since 1982.

Drake Bulldogs

Drake's men's basketball team famously made the NCAA Final Four in 1969. Drake also made the Elite Eight in 1970 and 1971. As recently as 2021, the Bulldogs were back in the NCAA Tournament First Four.

Why Place Bets Online?

The best thing about placing bets online via Iowa sports betting apps is the convenience. It can all be done from your own home, or wherever someone might be during the course of their day or night.

Other benefits include generous and ongoing sports betting bonuses, the variety of games to choose from, the variety of games to play, live betting and live streaming options and the ability to shop odds easily and quickly.

Latest Iowa Online Casino News 2021

While sports betting in Iowa was legalized in 2019, there doesn't appear to be any appetite for online casino gambling. There's really been no legislative push for real-money online casinos. It was expected that as the state recognized the ability to generate revenue from the introduction of the Iowa sports betting law, they would also move to legalize online casino gambling. So far, that hasn't been the case.

Latest Iowa Sports Betting Numbers

IOWA SPORTS BETTING, AUGUST vs. JULY

Updated Sept. 13

LATEST NEWS: Iowa Sports Betting Bounces Back With $108.9 Million Handle

Responsible Gambling

The Iowa Racing and Gaming Commission (IRGC) runs a self-exclusion program for people who feel they may have a gambling problem. It is voluntary, meaning that an individual must self-enroll. They can do so at any state-licensed gambling facility), the IRGC office in Des Moines, or any Iowa Gambling Treatment Program.

History of Sports Betting in Iowa

February 2018: Legislation to allow retail and online sports betting in Iowa is introduced. Bill fails to advance but sets framework for 2019 legislation.

May 2018: U.S. Supreme Court overturns Professional and Amateur Sports Protection Act, lifting the federal ban on sports wagering. Ruling gives all states the option to allow legal sports betting.

May 2019: Iowa in-person and online sports betting bill is signed into law by Gov. Kim Reynolds, a month after approval by state lawmakers.

August 2019: First Iowa retail and online sportsbooks go live.

December 2020: State exceeds $100 million in monthly sports betting wagers for the first time.

January 1, 2021: Requirement for in-person sports betting registration expires. Remote registration now permissible.