Iowa Sports Betting – Where To Play, Online Sportsbooks, And FAQs

Gaming infrastructure, a communal love for sports, and a legislature ready to make moves… Iowa was a sports betting “perfect storm”. On Aug. 15, 2019, Iowa became the 11th state in the nation, and the first in the upper Midwest to make sports betting legal.

From Prairie Meadows to Waterloo, betting in Iowa has taken off. Iowa sports betting handle has increased by the month as more operators join the party. The state has embraced legal sports wagering, stepping up to lay money on a variety collegiate and professional sporting events. Iowa bettors were initially required to visit a brick-and-mortar casino sportsbook in order to register for mobile sports betting, but now it can all be done online.

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Regulated by the Iowa Racing and Gaming Commission, the Iowa sports betting market has quickly become one of the strongest in the nation. In the sections below we take a look at the Iowa sports betting industry, describe which Iowa casinos offer retail sports betting, how to wager online, cover the best bonuses currently in the state, and even offer a very special Iowa sports betting FAQ.

List of licensed Iowa online sportsbooks

Iowa sports 19 state-licensed casinos, all of which have now acquired sports betting permits. Eighteen of the 19 jumped at the opportunity to pursue online sports betting, quickly working through the application process. The lone holdout was the Casino Queen Marquette, which after delaying many months with much speculation, eventually followed suit.

Iowa sports betting online and retail sportsbook locations include:

Fanatics Terms: Must be 21+. GAMBLING PROBLEM? Call 1-800-GAMBLER (CO/IL/KS/KY/MD/OH/MI/NC/PA/TN/VA/VT/WV), (800)-327-5050 or http://gamblinghelplinema.org (MA), Call (877-8-HOPENY) or text HOPENY (467369) (NY), 1-800-NEXT-STEP or text NEXTSTEP to 53342 (AZ), (888) 789-7777 or http://ccpg.org (CT), or 1-800-BETS-OFF (IA), or 1-800-9-WITH-IT (IN), or www.mdgamblinghelp.org (MD), or morethanagame.nc.gov (NC), or 1800gambler.net (WV)

DRF Sportsbook is also offering the following offer: : Get a Deposit Match up to $300 + $50 in Bet Credits!

Limited Time Caesars Iowa Offer!

New Caesars Sportsbook Iowa players can take advantage of a Bet $1, Receive Ten 100% Profit Boosts! welcome offer for a limited time!

Make sure you use Caesars bonus code SHBAMDYW upon sign-up to receive your bonus offer!

21+ only. New users and first $10+ wager only. Offer valid and must be physically present in IA, MD and ME only. Know When To Stop Before You Start.® Gambling Problem? IA: Call 1-800-BETSOFF or visit 1800betsoff.org. MD, ME: Call 1-800-GAMBLER. ©2024, Caesars Entertainment

Online Sports Betting Operators in Iowa

Each Iowa casino is allowed to host two skins on its sports betting license, which means there exists the possibility of 38 individual wagering apps in the Iowa sports betting marketplace. Those who want to open a sports betting account have plenty of online sportsbooks to choose from. Current online operators in the state include:

bet365

• Launch: June 5, 2023
• Casino Partner: Casino Queen Marquette
• Read our bet365 sportsbook review

The globally popular bet365 Sportsbook launched in the state of Iowa in June 2023 after agreeing to a multi-year market-access deal with the Casino Queen Marquette. The partnership with Casino Queen Marquette fills the Iowa casino’s void after Fubo Sportsbook went out of business.

Iowa is the fifth legal betting state for bet365, making them one of the most prevalent bookmakers in the United States. Read more and claim the best bet365 bonus code here.

BetMGM

• Launch: Jan. 4, 2021
• Casino Partner: Diamond Jo Worth Casino
• Read our review and claim the BetMGM bonus code

Iowa became the eighth state in which BetMGM offers legal online sports wagering. The BetMGM app is integrated with MGM’s rewards program, and customers can redeem rewards at MGM properties around the U.S. Additionally, BetMGM offers sports gambling fans an industry-leading array of sports to bet on, including lesser-known sports such as cricket, rugby, and even the Canadian Football League.

“I can’t think of a better way to kick off the new year than by launching BetMGM in Iowa, a state well known for its passionate sports fans,” said BetMGM CEO Adam Greenblatt said via press release. “Our connection with MGM Resorts enables BetMGM users in the Hawkeye State to earn rewards, from hotel suites to dinners at award-winning restaurants, all while engaging in the excitement of our cutting-edge sports betting experience.”

Caesars Sportsbook

• Launch: August 15, 2019
• Casino Partner: Isle Bettendorf, Isle Casino Hotel Waterloo, Lakeside Casino, Prairie Meadows Racetrack, Harrah’s Council Bluffs, Horseshoe Casino Council Bluffs
• Read our review

Industry veteran William Hill went live in Iowa on Day 1 of sports betting, accepting online wagers beginning August 15th, 2019. William Hill sportsbook is partnered with six brick-and-mortar casinos in Iowa, making it the most connected online bookmaker in the state. Prospective bettors can set up their online account in-person at the Isle Bettendorf, Isle Casino Hotel Waterloo, Lakeside, or Prairie Meadows Racetrack casinos along with both Harrah’s properties in Council Bluffs. Iowa sports bettors have flocked to William Hill, opening sports betting accounts, making online sports bets, and breaking sports betting records, resulting in the operator being number one in the state as measured by revenue. In fact, Prairie Meadows casino in some months has been the busiest sportsbook in the state, probably because it is attached to Prairie Meadows Racetrack, the only Iowa racing facility. In August 2021 Caesars Sportsbook replaced the William Hill nationwide, including IA. All former William Hill retail locations are now Caesars Sportsbooks.

DRF Sportsbook

• Launch: January 25, 2022
• Casino Partner: Lakeside Hotel and Casino
• Read our review

Get online with DRF Sportsbook today and get the following offer: Get a Deposit Match up to $300 + $50 in Bet Credits!

DRF Sportsbook was borne out of DRF, or Daily Racing Forum, the famed horse racing publication that has recently entered the online space. They’ve got a horse betting app, and also, in Iowa, users can bet on other sports like the NFL, NBA, and much more with DRF Sportsbook.

In 2022, the century+ old publication broke into the 21st century by offering the DRF Sportsbook app in Iowa, and the app is still alive and well today. While not the most comprehensive betting platform on the market, it’s a great place to bet on a solid number of national and international sports without too much muss or fuss.

Elite Sportsbook

• Launch: August 27, 2019
• Casino Partner: Grand Falls, Rhythm City, Riverside Casino

Elite Sportsbook, powered by the Bet.Works tech platform, was the second online sportsbook to launch in Iowa – less than two weeks after William Hill. Notably, potential bettors must first join the Resort Club before they can sign up to bet online. Like the entire registration process, this must be done in-person at any of its three partner casinos.

Elite Sportsbook and its three brick-and-mortar partners, Grand Falls, Rhythm City, and Riverside Casino and Golf Resort, are all owned by Elite Casino Resorts. This makes it a smaller operator and retail sportsbook with a premium feel.

Q Sportsbook

• Launch: November 12, 2019
• Casino Partner: Q Casino

Q Sportsbook was the third operator to accept online bets in Iowa, beginning Nov. 12, 2019. Unlike most online Iowa sportsbooks, Q takes wagers online solely through a mobile app. There is no browser alternative. Using IGT as its software partner, Q accepts all major bet types the industry has come to expect, and is available for both Android and iOS users. Registration must be completed in person at its retail casino, the Q Casino in Dubuque.

PointsBet (Retail Only)

• Launch: November 26, 2019
• Casino Partner: Catfish Bend Casino
• Read our review
• Ceased online operations

A relative newcomer to the world of sports wagering, Aussie-based PointsBet was founded in 2017. Bettors in  legal U.S. markets, like New Jersey, Colorado, Illinois, and Indiana have come to love their approach to the industry, offering both traditional and unique wager types that you can’t find anywhere else. Iowa sports betting fans, including fans of the National Hockey League, an official partner of PointsBet, will come to enjoy the sportsbook as well.

PointsBetting, a PointsBet exclusive, keeps bettors engaged for every second, because every score, every goal, every point, every yard can matter. In 2019, one bettor won $600K from a single NFL PointsBetting wager. This may be useful for sports bettors interested in betting on college sports (like NCAA football!), particularly the Iowa Hawkeyes. Be sure to check out the PointsBet retail location at Catfish Bend Casino, which also includes a spa and golf resort, the next time you’re in Burlington.

Hard Rock Sportsbook

• Launch: December 16, 2019
• Casino Partner: Hard Rock Sioux City
• Read our review

Hard Rock Sportsbook now has a foothold among Iowa sports betting fans through its Sioux City location. The online sportsbook went live on Dec. 16, 2019, a nice holiday gift for Iowa bettors. Hard Rock uses the well respected GiG (Gaming Innovation Group) software platform, and offers a full betting sheet to choose from, including all major college games.

DraftKings Sportsbook

• Launch: February 19, 2020
• Casino Partner: Wild Rose Clinton, Wild Rose Emmetsburg, Wild Rose Jefferson
• Read our review
• Play Now: Get the bonus

The ruler of daily fantasy sports, DraftKings was the sixth online bookmaker to go live in Iowa, and the first to launch in 2020. DraftKings also established Iowa sportsbooks at its three retail partner locations, the Wild Rose properties in Clinton, Emmetsburg, and Jefferson. Iowa joins states like Pennsylvania, West Virginia, and Indiana as DraftKings sportsbook territories. Iowa racing fans will surely enjoy DraftKings’ many NASCAR betting markets and its generous deposit match for new customers.

FanDuel

• Launch: September 9, 2020
• Casino Partner: Diamond Jo, Diamond Jo Worth (retail only)
• Read our review

FanDuel quickly opened retail sportsbooks at both Diamond Jo properties in the state on Aug. 29, 2019, shortly after betting went live. More than a year later, the company launched its online/mobile option, bringing the total number of states with a digital FanDuel sportsbook to eight. After setting their online sportsbook account with FanDuel, Iowa bettors should be sure to check out their promotions, which often include a bonus bet after making your first deposit.

theScore Bet (CLOSED)

• Launch: February 16, 2021
• Closed: July 1, 2022
• Casino Partner: Ameristar Casino Council Bluffs

theScore is a Canadian sports information company that appeared ready to make its mark on the American sports betting scene. It created a sports betting app, theScore Bet, as a complement to its extremely popular theScore app. Unfortunately for theScore Bet users, the brand did not last long in the United States. As of July 1, 2022, theScore Bet no longer exists. Parent company Penn National Gaming decided to move forward with ESPN BET branding in the U.S, while using theScore Bet as its primary branding up in Canada.

Betfred

• Launch: September 10, 2020
• Casino Partner: Grand Falls Casino Resort
• Read our review

BetFred is an interesting sportsbook, not least because of its unusual name, which is taken from its founder, Fred Done. Betfred started in Great Britain and grew into a huge sportsbook there. Now Betfred is ready to expand here in America. Betfred also has a branded retail casino sportsbook at the Grand Falls Casino Resort.

Unibet (CLOSED)

• Launch: September 1, 2021
• Closed: End of 2022
• Casino Partner: Harrah’s Council Bluffs

In February 2020 the Kindred Group signed a deal with Caesars Entertainment that will bring Unibet sportsbooks to both Iowa and Indiana. Previous reports indicated that Unibet would partner with the two Harrah’s properties in the state, both of which are owned by Caesars Entertainment. After months of uncertainty and speculation, the rumors were proven true. Unibet partnered with Harrah’s Council Bluffs as the casino’s second online skin and went live in the state on September 1, 2021.

In a recent quarterly report, the Kindred Group announced it will be pulling Unibet Sportsbook out of Iowa, officially ending the brand’s short-lived run in the Hawkeye State. While still currently live in the state, Unibet Iowa is expected to shutdown by the end of the 2022 calendar year.

Fubo Sportsbook (CLOSED)

• Launch: September 23, 2021
• Closed: October 17, 2022
• Casino Partner: Casino Queen Marquette

Fubo Sportsbook’s run is over. Fubo ultimately lasted just over a year before officially closing up shop. Fubo announced the end of its sportsbook operation on October 17, 2022.

At the time of launch it was an extension of the popular FuboTV streaming service, which was sports-focused. The plan for Fubo Sportsbook was to eventually integrate with FuboTV and bring sports betting options to FuboTV subscribers in an interesting partnership. The company partnered with Casino Queen Marquette as the casino’s second online skin for access in Iowa, before eventually shutting down.

Circa

• Launch: October 1, 2021
• Casino Partner: Diamond Jo
• Read our review

Circa is a popular retail sportsbook in Nevada, known for its exceptional in-person sportsbook experience and its high limits on wagering amounts. The company has taken its show on the road, going first to Colorado and now to Iowa, its second state. The sportsbook is also known for its wide array of prop bets, and it should become a popular option for bettors in the state.

Betway

• Launch: October 8, 2021
• Casino Partner: Wild Rose
• Read our review

Betway is a very popular online sportsbook in Europe and worldwide, and is slowly gaining market share here in the States. It is live in a few states and came to Iowa in October 2021 as the online online skin of the Wild Rose Casino. Betway has some very tasty new customer promotions and an above-average user experience that will endear it to bettors in Iowa.

SuperBook Sports

• Launch: October 27, 2022
• Casino Partner: Isle Casino Hotel Waterloo
• Read our review

SuperBook Sports, a newer mobile betting platform tied to the famous WestGate Las Vegas, officially launched in the Hawkeye state in October 2022 in partnership with the Isle Casino Hotel Waterloo. The SuperBook Sports app and website offer users one of the best traditional sports wagering experiences on the market. The launch in Iowa marked the sixth state of operation for SuperBook Sports, with many more states expected to follow.

ESPN BET

• Launch: November 14, 2023
• Casino Partner: Ameristar Casino Council Bluffs
• Read more about the ESPN BET promo code.

ESPN BET is the new sports betting product from Penn National Gaming that made its first appearance in Iowa on November 2023. Taking over the licensing agreements from PENN’s previous betting partner, ESPN BET has instantly vaulted up the list of best sports betting sites.

Fanatics Sportsbook

• Launch: February 6, 2024
• Casino Partner: Catfish Bend Casino
• Read our Review

As of February 2024, Fanatics Sportsbook officially arrived into the Hawkeye State. Iowa becomes the 12th legal betting state for Fanatics Sportsbook. Fanatics Sportsbook made its name in the merchandising industry, but has quickly established itself as one of the best sports betting sites. For all new Fanatics IA players, you’re in for a treat as Fanatics Iowa has one of the best bonus offers in the sports betting industry.

The Latest Iowa News

Iowa-South Carolina Sets Women’s Sports Betting Records

byBennett Conlin

April 8, 2024

Caitlin Clark's stardom led to not only increased viewership for women's college basketball, but also a surge in betting interest.

Iowa-LSU Most Bet Women’s College Basketball Game Ever On Bet365, DraftKings

byBennett Conlin

April 2, 2024

The Hawkeyes won the highly anticipated matchup with LSU 94-87, leaning on 41 points from Caitlin Clark to pick up the victory.

Betting Interest In Women’s College Basketball Soars, NCAA Addresses Gambling

byBennett Conlin

March 20, 2024

A special season (and career) from Iowa's Caitlin Clark has captivated basketball fans and bettors ahead of March Madness.

Quick implementation

Most notable about Iowa sports betting operations is how quick the turnaround was from a bi-partisan legislative passage in April 2019, to Gov. Kim Reynolds’ signature a couple of weeks later, to bettors in mid-August being able to wager on the season kick-off between the Iowa Hawkeyes and Miami (Ohio) Redhawks.

It took three-and-a-half months. Were there any bets available on that?

Other states, such as Illinois and Tennessee, which passed betting legislation around the same time, were not nearly as efficient with their rollouts.

More than a half-dozen casinos introduced sports wagering to the state at noon on Aug. 15, 2019, with more going live over the ensuing weeks.

While most states roll out brick-and-mortar betting with mobile following at a later date, Iowa once again broke the mold. The William Hill online sports betting app launched the same day, Aug. 15, as retail betting, making Iowa the first state to release both simultaneously.

Iowa Racing and Gaming Commission (IRGC) administrator Brian Ohorilko attributes the state’s ability to hit the gridiron running to the fact the overseeing panel began preparing for the possibility of legal sports betting in 2018, after the U.S. Supreme court overturned the Professional and Amateur Sports Protection Act (1992).

Another step the IRGC took to speed things along was to establish relationships with states that already have sports betting and get copies of their rules and regulations on wagering. No issues getting a little help from your friends.

In July 2019, the Iowa sports betting rules, which govern how sports betting is to be conducted in the state, including operator applications and licensure and establishing problem gambling policy, were OK’d by the IRGC following a public hearing.

Specifics on Iowa law & regulations

The American Gaming Association, which promotes the interests of the casino industry, expressed reasoned praise for the Iowa sports betting law:

“The state of Iowa has set its legal sports betting market up for success with a reasonable tax rate, mobile wagering, strong consumer protections and provisions that put responsible gaming at the forefront. Through the leadership of champions like Iowa Gaming Association President and CEO Wes Ehrecke, Iowans will now have a safe alternative to the illegal market that has thrived in the Hawkeye State and across the country…”

Here are a few things to know:

• $45,000 license fee, $10,000 annual renewal fee
• 6.75 percent tax rate on sports wagering revenue
• Sports betting regulated by the Iowa Racing and Gaming Commission
• Two skins per license allowed
• There is no mandate of use of official league battle
• Remote registration available as of Jan. 1, 2021
• Mobile apps also will be geofenced and will only operate within Iowa state lines
• The Iowa Racing and Gaming Commission oversees sports betting in the state
• No integrity fees

Iowa sports betting: Frequently asked questions

How did we arrive at legal sports betting in Iowa?

Going into the way-back machine, the first riverboat casino took its first bet in 1991. By 1992, three casinos run by Native American tribes had begun operations. Two years later, Iowa lawmakers allowed 24-hour gambling.

In 2003, Black Hawk, Palo Alto, Worth, and Wapello passed gambling referendums.

Iowa sports betting history begins when Republican Rep. Jake Highfill proposed legislation in 2018 in anticipation of the U.S. Supreme Court hearing New Jersey’s lawsuit challenge to PASPA. Highfill’s measure, which allowed for sports wagering in Iowa’s commercial casinos, missed the fast track. However, when the high court ruled gambling could expand nationwide the Iowa Legislature adjourned before adopting the betting measure.

In early 2019, Sen. Roby Smith and Rep. Bobby Kaufmann each proposed sports wagering measures, HF 648 and SF 617 respectfully. During the bills’ advancement in the legislature, there were tussles regarding who would oversee the betting operation, where data would originate, and in-game betting. A final amendment delaying fantasy sports implementation to 2020 was added.

Once differences were smoothed out, with legislators meeting in the middle many times, a final version of SF 617, the sports betting bill, passed in the Senate, was approved 67-31 in the House, and was given to Gov. Reynolds for her signature, which occurred May 13.

The initial target date for sports betting to begin was July 4, 2018 “to emphasize that it’s a freedom we’re giving people,” according to Sen. Smith. That date was pushed back to accommodate rule making and the implementation process.

Sports betting began in Iowa, both retail and online, on Aug. 15, 2019. Sports betting revenue has continued to increase as the industry has grown and thrived in the state. Additional Iowa sportsbooks are expected to go live in 2022 and beyond as more Iowans engage in mobile betting and daily fantasy sports. Sports betting in Iowa is here to stay.