Iowa sports betting went live in August 2019. The Hawkeye State offers more than a dozen different legal online sportsbooks.
You can unlock welcome bonus offers at Iowa mobile sports betting sites by clicking the “Play Now” links in this Iowa sports betting review.
Iowa Online Sports Betting Key Policy Points
- Legal Online Gambling Verticals – Online sports betting, daily fantasy sports
- Online Gambling Revenue Tax Rates – The Iowa sports betting law sets a 6.75% tax on all sports betting revenue
- Available Online Sports Betting Licenses – Each of the 19 casinos in Iowa is eligible to apply for two separate online licenses, meaning there could be 38 mobile apps in the state.
- College Sports Wagering Policy – Wagering on college sporting events is allowed. Sportsbooks can offer betting on in-state college teams as well.
- Sports Betting Legalization and Launch Dates – Online sports betting was legalized on May 13, 2019. First sportsbooks launch in August 2019
- Iowa Gaming Regulation Agency – The Iowa Racing and Gaming Commission oversees and regulates sports betting in the state.
The Iowa Racing and Gaming Commission was in charge of the Iowa online sports betting industry, which could eventually turn into a massive market. All of the 19 casinos in Iowa are now offering some form of online sports betting, but there is still room to apply for another license.
The tax rate of 6.75% is extremely low in Iowa, which is a massive boost to online sportsbook operators. In addition, since this is a state that is not home to any professional sports teams, betting on college sports is available and is also an extremely popular option.
Iowa Legal Sportsbooks
Lawmakers in Iowa were looking to legalize sports betting back in early 2018, but the federal ban on sports betting was still in place. That year, the initial bill introduced failed, but lawmakers used that framework when the bill made progress in 2019. It was Senate File 617 that was eventually passed and signed that legalized Iowa sports betting.
This legislation put a $45,000 licensing fee in place, and it set the tax rate at 6.75%. Both of those figures are much lower than the average, and they helped Iowa attract some of the top sports betting operators.
It took the Iowa Racing and Gaming Commission just a couple of months to get operators approved, and the industry was able to launch. As a result, Iowa sportsbooks were available before the 2019 NFL season, but in-person registration was required.
All residents and visitors of the state who were 21 and older had to visit a casino before they were able to create a sports betting account. That is no longer the case.
Iowa Online Sports Betting
Even though both retail and online sports betting are legal in Iowa, people mostly bet on online sites and mobile apps. Iowa has attracted some of the biggest names in the industry, but there are a couple of online sportsbooks that stand out above the rest.
Caesars Sportsbook was among the first wave of online sportsbooks in the state, and it remains one of the top options. 2020 was a big year for this market as both DraftKings and FanDuel entered and became the top options.
Online sportsbook operators have to partner with one of the licensed casinos in the state before it is allowed to apply for a sports betting license. Once the state approves the license, the operators can launch an online site and a mobile betting app.
One exciting aspect of online sports betting in Iowa is an in-person registration requirement in place at first. This meant that sports bettors had to visit a casino to set up an account, limiting the growth for the first year. That ended on January 1, 2021, and it immediately brought a massive boost to this state.
Even though these online sportsbooks have to be tethered to a casino property, they are not required to offer retail sports betting.
Iowa Retail Sportsbooks
The 19 commercial casinos in Iowa can offer retail sports betting, and it is available at all but one of those spots. However, bettors prefer online betting in Iowa, especially now that remote registration is allowed.
DraftKings and Caesars have partnered with several casinos in Iowa, and they have become the most prominent retail sportsbook operators in the state. Each casino property is allowed to establish whatever type of retail sportsbook it wants, and some can have kiosks in place as opposed to a traditional sportsbook.
The biggest thing that makes retail sports betting unique in Iowa is that each casino can apply for two online betting skins. Each casino can have two sports betting partners, but only one of those companies can offer a sportsbook on-site.
How Do I Know That Online Sports Betting Sites In Iowa Are Fair?
There could be as many as 40 online sportsbooks in Iowa, and all betting sites will be fair. If a site weren’t operating fairly, it would risk losing out on customers and falling well behind the pack.
Each site is going to offer the most competitive and fair betting odds and lines possible, even if that means that you won’t always agree with them. Every aspect of legal online sportsbooks will be fair, and you will be able to notice this when you give them a try.
Who Regulates Legal Online Sportsbooks In Iowa?
The Iowa Racing and Gaming Commission regulates the legal online sports betting industry in Iowa. This group is in charge of the retail sportsbooks as well.
Before an online site or mobile app can launch in Iowa, it will first have to apply for a license through the Iowa Racing and Gaming Commission. The IRGC reviews applications quickly so sportsbooks can launch in a timely fashion.
Why Should I Trust Legal Online Sportsbooks?
Before Iowa launched legal online sportsbooks, offshore betting sites were accepting bets from residents. However, these options were not legal, and no regulation was coming from the state.
The reason to trust online sportsbooks is that they are legal and regulated by the Iowa Racing and Gaming Commission. They must follow specific laws and regulations, or the sites would risk losing their license.
The state will also back you if anything illegal takes place, and all of your personal information and banking transactions will be safe and secure.
How Do I Get Paid If I Win?
If you can win some money at the online sportsbooks in Iowa, then you will make a withdrawal request to receive those winnings. These online sportsbooks will come loaded with some terrific withdrawal options, and you can choose the one you like the best.
The top online sports betting sites in Iowa will have the longest list of options, and they will also have the quickest payouts. However, if there is a problem with receiving a payout, you can contact customer service to get some help.
Iowa Sports Betting FAQ
Can I bet on college sports in Iowa?
Yes, Iowa is a state with some popular college sports teams and betting is available on these teams. Iowa has teams that compete in both the Big Ten and Big 12 Conferences, two of the best in the country. There is a restriction though with college sports and no in-game prop betting can be offered.
Is DraftKings offering sports betting apps in Iowa?
Yes, DraftKings Sportsbook is available in Iowa, and the DFS site has launched already as well. DraftKings was the sixth online sportsbook in the state of Illinois after it launched in February 2020. In order to offer online sports betting, DraftKings partnered with the Wild Rose Casinos.
Is the Barstool sportsbook app available in Iowa?
No, the Barstool Sportsbook app is not available in the state of Iowa, and it could be a while before it is able to launch. Penn National Gaming holds a 36 percent stake in Barstool, but it does not have any ties in the state of Iowa.
Can I bet anonymously at Iowa legal betting sites?
No, you will need to create a sports betting account before you are able to place any wagers at a legal betting site. After you have created an account, the next step will be to log in to the site before you can make a bet. There is no limit on how many sports betting accounts you create.
How do I make a complaint with a legal betting site in Iowa?
If you are having issues with a legal betting site in Iowa then the first step is to reach out to customer support at that site. If you are still unable to get an answer then you can reach out to the Iowa Racing and Gaming Commission to file a complaint, and that issue can be looked into.