Best Iowa Betting Sites to Play Legally in 2024
Online sports betting is now legal in IA and our Iowa betting sites guide helps you get involved in the action. We look at the best websites and apps where you can wager online. We’re confident our site has everything to get started with online betting in the Hawkeye State.
| Best Betting Sites in The United States | Bonus Offers | Highlights | Rating | Secure Link | T&Cs |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
5 Best IA Betting Sites
- 🥇 BetMGM ✪ Best Sports Betting Website
- 🥈 Caesars Sportsbook ✪ Best Welcome Bonus Offer
- 🥉 Betway ✪ Best For Horse Racing
We hope you’ll find our site to be useful for gathering information about online sports betting in Iowa. In our guide, you’ll discover the best IA sportsbooks, the legal situation and details about taxes, payments and security. Our table shows the strengths of each of the best Iowa betting sites.
| 🏆 Best Betting Site in IA | BetMGM |
| 🔍Top New Site in IA | Betway |
| 🎁 Best for Bonuses | Caesars Sportsbook |
| 📱 Top App | Betway |
| 📺 Best for Live Betting | BetMGM |
| 📈 Highest Payout Betting Site | Betway |
| 💳 Best Payment Options | BetMGM |
| 🛡️ Safest Sportsbook | Caesars Sportsbook |
| 🏈 Best NFL Betting Website | BetMGM |
| ✨ Top for Extra Features | BetMGM |
Each of the top Iowa betting sites has its own strong points. Some bettors search for the biggest sign-up bonus, while others look for the highest payouts. The Iowa sportsbook you choose depends on your gambling style. We think you’ll be able to choose an IA sportsbook that fits your needs.
Iowa Online Sports Betting Sites List: All Legal IA Sportsbooks
All sites and apps on our Iowa online sportsbook list are fully regulated and licensed – meaning they are trustworthy places for your money. Here are our recommendations for the best betting sites Iowa has to offer.
- BetMGM LLC – (BetMGM) – License by Iowa Racing and Gaming Commission
- American Wagering Inc – (Caesars) – License by Iowa Racing and Gaming Commission
- Digital Gaming Corporation USA – (Betway) – License by Iowa Racing and Gaming Commission
These are our selections for the title of best IA sports betting sites. All these sites are licensed by the Iowa Racing and Gaming Commission – making them legal and trustworthy places to bet.
How to Start Betting Online in Iowa
It is a straightforward process to start betting online in Iowa. All you need is a computer, smartphone, or tablet and to enter some basic personal details. Most IA betting sites have an app for IOS or Android if you prefer the convenience of wagering on your mobile device.
Visit the website or download the app of your selected IA sportsbook. Taking a look at our best IA betting sites list would be a great place to start.
Sign-up to your chosen Iowa betting site and register your account. You will need to enter your personal details and the last four digits of your Social Security number.
Check out the bonuses on offer and decide if you want to claim one. Choose the most convenient deposit option and get ready to place your first bet.
Initially, Iowans had to visit the online sportsbook’s brick-and-mortar casino partner to complete the registration process. Thankfully, the in-person registration requirement expired on January 1st, 2021 – meaning gamblers no longer need to make a long drive before they place an online bet at an IA sportsbook.
Rating the Best Betting Sites Iowa Gamblers Can Bet At
There are a lot of factors to think about when choosing an Iowa sportsbook. We considered all the criteria in the table below when selecting the best betting sites Iowa residents can gamble at.
The best online Iowa betting sites feature fair payouts, competitive odds, and regular promotions. In addition to this, security, safety, and site usability are key requirements. The top sites give a great all-around user experience and combine each of these factors.
IA Sports Betting: Legal Aspects
Online sports betting is legal in IA but playing online casino games and poker is still against the law. There is a wide choice of fully legal sportsbooks that Iowans can choose to bet on. All legal Iowa online sportsbooks are licensed by the Iowa Racing and Gaming Commission.
When evaluating each Iowa sportsbook, we focused on some important factors. Our number one priority is safety and security for bettors. All our recommended Iowa betting sites use the highest level of encryption and are fully licensed and regulated.
It might be tempting, but using an illegal bookmaker isn’t worth the risk. Stick to using a licensed and trustworthy IA sportsbook. By doing that, you know you are gambling within the law and in a secure environment.
Law and Licenses
Online gamblers should always use legal Iowa online sports betting sites. Betting at offshore bookies is breaking the law. It is also a very risky proposition, as you have no way of knowing if your funds are safe and if you will get paid out on your winning bets.
The Iowa Racing and Gaming Commission licenses all online sportsbooks in the state. The board thoroughly examines and tests all Iowa betting sites before they can receive a license to operate.
IA betting sites must partner with a retail sportsbook or casino to receive a license. All online sportsbooks must pass several regulatory checks to meet the licensing requirements of the IRGC.
There is no requirement to be a permanent Iowa resident if you want to place a wager online in the Hawkeye State. If you have a valid Social Security Number and are located within state lines, you can sign up and bet.
Likewise, Iowans can also bet online in other neighboring states where online gambling is legal, such as Illinois. Your Iowa sports betting app won’t function outside the state’s borders, but you can sign-up and gamble in more than one state.
Taxes for Iowa Online Sports Betting
Winnings from the best Iowa sportsbooks are subject to federal and state income taxes. For a big win, you may have a W-2G form sent to you automatically. All profits must be reported on your annual tax returns.
If you keep accurate records, then you’ll be able to offset your losses when you file. Just make sure your paperwork is in order so you can prove them in the event of an audit.
IA betting sites must also pay their share of taxes to the state. In Iowa, sportsbooks are taxed at a flat rate of 6.75% of net revenue.
Data Security and Encryption
All licensed Iowa betting sites should use a secure socket layer connection. This ensures all information sent between you and the gambling site is encrypted. Look for a padlock symbol to the left of the website address. Each Iowa sports betting app should also use encryption to protect your information.
It is up to you as an individual to protect yourself when you gamble online. When you wager at Iowa betting sites, online security steps should be followed. Use strong passwords and install the latest anti-virus software. Only download gambling apps from official sources.
Legal Gambling Age in Iowa
To gamble with any of the best betting sites, Iowa state law dictates that you must be over the age of 21. This age limit is strictly enforced, and minors should not seek to circumvent this rule.
If you search online, you might find betting sites that claim you can conduct legal IA sports betting from the age of 18. But be wary, as these offshore sportsbooks are illegal and should not be trusted with your hard-earned money.
Responsible Gambling in Iowa
Problem gambling is taken seriously in Iowa. If you have difficulties arising from using any of the best Iowa betting sites, then the Iowa Gambling Treatment Program can assist you.
If you want to stop betting – you can voluntarily self-exclude from all forms of gambling in Iowa. Self-exclusion is for a minimum of five years and can’t be reversed. So be sure you want to do it before you go ahead with it.
The National Council on Problem Gambling and Gamblers Anonymous are two national organizations that can also help. The NCPG provides a 24-hour confidential helpline (1-800-522-4700) for anyone affected by the issue.
Certificates
For an Iowa sportsbook, online security and player safety are crucial topics. An Iowa betting site can prove it is trustworthy with a certificate. Our list below shows the most important certificates that should be displayed by an Iowa sportsbook.
- Cloudflare – Security
- Gamblers Anonymous – Responsible Gambling
- Iowa Gambling Treatment Program – Responsible Gambling
- DigiCert – Security
- Iowa Problem Gambling Services – Responsible Gambling
Look out for these certificates before you deposit your money. If an Iowa sports betting app or website displays the logos of these certificates, then you know they value your safety and security.
Bonus & Offers at IA Betting Sites
When considering the best betting sites Iowa has to offer, one of the most important criteria is the welcome bonus. All the top Iowa sportsbooks have great introductory offers to get bettors started.
Be sure you check the bonus terms and conditions before depositing. Each offer has individual requirements to satisfy before it can be completed. There might be playthrough stipulations or minimum odds levels to adhere to. Here are the welcome offers from our top Iowa betting sites.
| IA Betting Site | Welcome Bonus | Deposit Features | Rating | Secure Link | T&C’s |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Caesars Sportsbook | Up to $1,000 in Bonus Bet | 1x, 7 days, -200 or more | 5.0/5 Score | Visit Site! | |
| BetMGM | Up to $1,000 First Bet Offer | 1x, 7 days,N/A | 4.9/5 Score | Visit Site! | T&Cs Apply. New customer offer. Always gamble responsibly. 21+ |
Don’t focus solely on the bonus at the expense of everything else. There are plenty of other factors to consider when signing up for a new Iowa online sports betting site. Read on as we take a look at other topics – such as payouts, odds, payment methods, and apps.
Average Payout, Odds and Lines at IA Sportsbooks
When gambling at the best online Iowa betting sites – you should always seriously consider their payout rates. Looking for fair payout rates should be a priority for any bettor who is signing up to an online Iowa sportsbook.
IA sportsbooks charge a commission on every bet. This is called the vigorish, or vig, and acts as the profit that a betting site takes from a betting market. A sharp gambler should always try to maximize their potential payouts and minimize the vig they pay to a sportsbook.
- BetMGM – 93.52% Payout Rate
- Caesars – 93.77% Payout Rate
These are the average payout rates from our recommended Iowa online sports betting sites. Larger payout rates mean you get better value on your bets. Remember that rates vary from sport to sport, so just use these figures as a guide.
Live Betting Sites in Iowa
You can place bets on live games at IA betting sites. Iowa law allows wagering on sports events after they have begun. It is an exciting and dynamic method of gambling and a great way to add to your enjoyment of watching live sports – no matter who you root for.
Bear in mind that odds can change quickly in live betting, especially in a close contest. Make sure you have up-to-date scores and information before you bet on a live game. Then you won’t get caught out by changing odds. Here is our best Iowa live betting bonus.
Best Live Betting Bonus
- Bonus Code: Not needed
- Minimum Odds: N/A
- Wagering requirement: 1x
- Validity: 7 days
Welcome Bonus
Ongoing Offers Parlay Plus – Boost Your Parlays
Live Promotions Cashback
-
T&Cs Apply. New customer offer. Always gamble responsibly. 21+
All bonuses have their own individual wagering requirements at different betting sites. Iowa sportsbooks can have generous bonuses, but you should make sure the terms and conditions are realistically achievable before you sign up.
Payments at Iowa Betting Sites
There are a wide variety of payment options available at the best betting sites in Iowa. Online deposits via Visa and Mastercard are widely accepted. Bank transfer is another convenient option. EWallets such as PayPal are also popular methods for Iowans to deposit and withdraw from legal online sportsbooks.
Our table shows all deposit and withdrawal options at IA sportsbooks. Our recommended sportsbooks don’t charge fees, but your payment provider might – so double-check. And remember, many sites only let you withdraw to a payment method if you have used it to deposit within the past 180 days.
| Payment Method | Type | Deposit Limits | Deposit/Withdrawal | Payment Fee |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| ACH | Bank Transfer | $10 – $500 | Available for Deposits / Available for Withdrawals | No Fees |
| PayPal | eWallet | $10 – Unlimited | Available for Deposits / Available for Withdrawals | No Fees |
| Play+ | eWallet | $10 – Unlimited | Available for Deposits / Available for Withdrawals | No Fees |
| Visa | Debit Card | $10 – Unlimited | Available for Deposits / Not Available for Withdrawals | No Fees |
| Mastercard | Debit Card | $10 – Unlimited | Available for Deposits / Not Available for Withdrawals | No Fees |
| Discover | Debit Card | $10 – Unlimited | Available for Deposits / Not Available for Withdrawals | No Fees |
| Bank Transfer | Bank Transfer | $10 – Unlimited | Available for Deposits / Not Available for Withdrawals | No Fees |
| Skrill | eWallet | $10 – Unlimited | Available for Deposits / Not Available for Withdrawals | No Fees |
As online sports betting is fully legal in Iowa, sportsbooks using unfamiliar or risky payment methods should be avoided at all costs. You should always gamble with sites that use legitimate and trustworthy payment options like bank transfer, PayPal, and debit card deposits.
Fully legal IA sportsbooks, like the ones we recommend, have government regulations ensuring customers are treated fairly. Our chosen sportsbooks pay out promptly through your selected withdrawal method – so you should have no stress or worry if your bet wins.
Best Payment Methods for Iowa Bettors
At the best online betting sites, Iowa gamblers have multiple deposit and withdrawal options. The ideal payment method varies from person to person, so you should choose the one that is most convenient for your needs.
You can use several major debit cards and other reliable payment options at all legal Iowa betting sites. If a gambling site asks you to use a payment method that you aren’t comfortable with, it should probably be avoided. Such gambling sites may also be illegal.
Apps for Betting in Iowa
Iowa sports betting apps make it even easier to place a bet. Each of the best IA sportsbooks has a betting app for both iOS and Android users. This makes it straightforward to place a wager with a smartphone or tablet. Here’s our best Iowa sports betting app bonus.
All of the best sportsbooks in Iowa have high-quality betting applications. Apps are a convenient method of betting for many gamblers in the Hawkeye State.
A big advantage of mobile betting is that you don’t need to be on your computer to place a wager. The apps of the top legal Iowa sportsbooks are as safe and secure as their websites.
Customer Service at Iowa Betting Sites
Delivering good customer service is vital to the state’s top betting sites. Iowa sportsbooks listed on this page all have live chat support to help customers. Plus, there is email support if that is what you prefer.
If you have a problem that can’t be resolved, then you can file a complaint with the Iowa Racing and Gaming Commission. The benefit of legal IA sports betting is that bettors have an organization to complain to in case of a dispute.
For bettors in Iowa, there is no reason to accept substandard customer service. The best betting sites in Iowa all have excellent support for their players.
New Betting Sites in IA
Legal online gambling is still relatively new in the Hawkeye State. We believe there are already some fantastic online sportsbooks in IA for gamblers to sign-up with. Here are our favorite new betting sites in Iowa:
| New IA Betting Site | Bonus Offer | Active from | Rating | Secure Link | T&C’s |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| BetMGM | Up to $1,000 First Bet Offer | 2018 | Visit Site! | T&Cs Apply. New customer offer. Always gamble responsibly. 21+ | |
| Caesars | Up to $1,000 Bonus Bet | 2019 | Visit Site! |
Each of the top IA sportsbooks is a well-established gaming business – operating legal sports betting in several states. All our selected new Iowa betting sites offer great bonuses to get you started.
Illegal Betting Sites in Iowa
There are plenty of excellent legal betting sites in Iowa, so there is no reason to gamble with illegal offshore sportsbooks. Unlicensed sites are risky places to place a wager and should be avoided. Here is our blacklist of the betting sites that we urge you to steer clear of.
- ⛔ Riverbet
- ⛔ Premiumbull
- ⛔ digiBet
- ⛔ Bigbetworld
- ⛔ All Horse Racing
- ⛔ Gamebet
- ⛔ 21Bet
- ⛔ 1xBet
- ⛔ 12BET
These sites are not licensed by the state of Iowa and can’t be trusted with your funds. If you have a dispute with any of these sites or they shut down and take your bankroll – you have zero recourse or way to recover your money. Stick instead with the best Iowa betting sites that we recommend elsewhere in this guide.
A History of the Gambling Industry in Iowa
Iowa was a late starter into the world of legalized gambling. However, gambling legislation in the Hawkeye State moved quickly and it later became one of the first states to allow casinos and online sports betting.
Betting on horse and dog racing was legalized in 1983. Two years later the Iowa State Lottery began. In 1989, the Riverboat Gambling Reforms paved the way for floating casinos to set sail on the Mississippi and Missouri rivers. Brick-and-mortar casinos followed shortly afterwards.
In 1989 Iowa became the fourth state in the country to legalize casino gaming – after Nevada, New Jersey, and South Dakota. There are now nineteen commercial casinos in Iowa.
Riverboat casinos began to sail in 1991. A quirk of Iowa gambling law meant that for many years riverboats had to be in motion for gambling to occur. In 2007 the requirement for the casinos to move was dropped and in recent years casinos built on land have been allowed.
After the repeal of PAPSA in 2018, allowing legal sports betting throughout the United States, Iowa was one of the first states to get involved. Online sports betting began in Iowa in August 2019.
From 1 January 2021, Iowans no longer have to register at a brick-and-mortar casino to open an IA online sports betting account. This development makes gambling websites in Iowa accessible to the entire population and should ensure the industry continues to grow.
FAQ
We hope that that you found our IA online sports betting guide as informative as possible. Below are some of the most frequently asked questions from our readers about gambling online in Iowa. This covers some of most common topics that our readers ask about Iowa betting sites.
🥇 What is the best betting site in Iowa?
There are several fully legal sites we recommend for online sports betting in IA. Click the link to get details of the best IA betting sites and take a look at what they have to offer.
🔎 Are there any new betting sites in Iowa?
Yes, there are lots of great new betting sites in Iowa. Online sports betting has been legal in Iowa since 2019 and Iowans have plenty of choices for betting online. There is already a wide selection of legal Iowa betting sites to choose from and this number should grow even further.
📜 Is there a list of the Iowa betting sites?
We have several recommended IA sportsbooks for bettors. We reviewed all the online sportsbooks in the state and selected the best betting sites Iowa gamblers can bet at. Follow our links to sign up with the site of your choice.
🛡️ Are Iowa betting sites safe?
Yes. Each of our featured IA betting sites is a safe place to gamble. All of the sites we recommended are fully licensed and regulated by state authorities. Bettors should not risk their funds by using illegal offshore betting sites. Read more about gambling safety in the Hawkeye State.
💵 How does Iowa make money from betting sites?
Iowa residents must pay taxes on their gambling winnings. Legal betting sites in Iowa are also taxed a percentage of their profits by the state. To find out more, take a look at our taxation summary for online sports betting in IA.
⚖️ Is online betting in Iowa also legal?
Yes, online betting is now fully legal in Iowa. You can bet legally and safely with state-licensed sportsbooks. We summarise the legal situation for Iowa online sports betting in our dedicated section.
👮 How can I solve a dispute with an Iowa online sportsbook?
If you have a problem with Iowa betting sites, there are several steps you can take. First, you must follow the official complaints procedure of the sportsbook in question. If you still aren't satisfied with the outcome, you can submit a complaint to the Iowa Racing and Gaming Commission. Read more information in our support section.
Conclusion: Iowa Leading the Way in Online Betting
It is the perfect time to bet with online sportsbooks in IA. Iowa was one of the early adopters of online sports betting and all of the best Iowa betting sites are now legal and safe. This gives a fantastic opportunity for online gamblers throughout the Hawkeye State.
Online sports betting is now legalized in an increasing number of US states. Iowa is one of the first states to offer legal online sports betting, and more states are getting on board. Visit our guide to US betting sites to see where else you can legally bet online.