Iowa Sports Betting Sites: Where & How to Bet

In Iowa you can bet both online and in person at one of the many casinos. The biggest sports betting brands operate in the state so betting on sports is easy. How wonderful is that!?

Let's take a look at where to bet, whether you prefer an app or to bet at a physical casino.

Best online sportsbooks in Iowa

As mentioned, bettors in Iowa have access to a strong lineup of online sportsbooks. 

Here are the betting sites we recommend you join:

Here’s the full list of available online casinos and sportsbooks:

• Bet365
• Betfred
• BetMGM
• BetRivers
• Betway
• Caesars
• Circa Sports
• ClutchBet
• DraftKings
• DRF Sportsbook
• ESPN Bet
• FanDuel
• Hard Rock Bet
• Q Sportsbook
• SuperBook
• Tipico

With Barstool and PointsBet exiting the market, new sportsbooks like ESPN Bet and Fanatics have stepped in, bringing even more options for us bettors.

Where to bet in-person in Iowa

Thanks to the Iowa sports betting laws there are retail sportsbooks at casinos across the state, so if you prefer betting with other folks at a casino you have that option. This may sound weird but in Tennessee, just as an example, you can ONLY bet online, so bettors there HAVE to bet online even if they wanted to bet at a casino (which I can understand). 

While some casinos have phased out of the Iowa market, many still offer full-service sportsbooks. 

Here’s a list of locations where you can bet in person:

Regulations and rules for sports betting in Iowa

When betting became legal in Iowa, you had to register for an account in person, but that restriction was lifted in 2021 (which is great, frankly). Now, anyone physically located within Iowa can sign up and bet online.

As in most other states, you need to be 21 or older to place a bet. Both residents and visitors can legally place wagers, and, interestingly, you can wager on in-state college teams, which isn’t allowed in every state, and esports betting has also been legalized.

Popular sports and events to bet on in Iowa

Even though Iowa doesn’t have a professional sports team, people love betting here. 

Many residents place bets on teams from neighboring states, with some of the most popular including:

• NFL – Kansas City Chiefs, Minnesota Vikings, Chicago Bears, Green Bay Packers
• MLB – Chicago Cubs, St. Louis Cardinals, Minnesota Twins
• NBA – Chicago Bulls, Milwaukee Bucks, Minnesota Timberwolves
• NHL – Chicago Blackhawks, St. Louis Blues, Minnesota Wild
• College sports – University of Iowa Hawkeyes, Iowa State Cyclones

College sports betting is especially big in Iowa, with local teams drawing significant betting interest during basketball and football seasons.

Tips for first-time sports bettors in Iowa

Getting started with sports betting can be overwhelming, but following a few simple tips can help make the experience more enjoyable:

• Set a budget and stick to it. Decide how much you’re comfortable losing and manage your bets accordingly.
• Explore different bet types. Moneyline, spreads, totals, parlays—understanding how different wagers work can improve your strategy.
• Do your research. Look at stats, team trends, and player performance before placing bets.
• Take advantage of promotions. Many sportsbooks offer bonuses and free bets to new users—use them wisely.

The more informed you are, the better your chances of making smart bets.

To learn more about how to bet, read our betting guides, and betting tips. 

The road to legalization

Iowa was one of the first states to legalize sports betting after the repeal of PASPA, launching both retail and online betting in August 2019. Governor Kim Reynolds signed the bill into law in May of that year, and the Iowa Racing and Gaming Commission quickly worked to set up regulations.

Initially, bettors had to register in person at a casino before placing online bets, but that rule was removed in 2021, leading to more people (naturally) turning to online betting. The state also expanded betting options in 2022 by legalizing esports wagering through bill HF 2497.

The future of sports betting in Iowa

Iowa’s sports betting market is well-established, but some changes are expected as new sportsbooks enter the scene. As mentioned, both ESPN Bet and Fanatics are now available, adding to the competition and giving bettors more choices.

While Iowa may not generate the same revenue as larger states, sports betting continues to be a key source of tax income. The industry is stable, and with sportsbooks promoting responsible gambling, bettors have access to resources if needed.

As the industry evolves, Iowa remains a strong player in the Midwest sports betting market.