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Iowa Sports Betting Sites: Where & How to Bet

Find out where to bet on sports in The Hawkeye State

Updated: Mar 7, 2025

Sarah Chetcuti

Written by

Sarah Chetcuti

Val C. Martinez

Edited by

Val C. Martinez

Iowa sports betting launch
Affiliate disclaimer

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:

1
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Bet $5 Get $150

  • Smooth user interface
  • Same-game parlays
  • Fast payouts
2
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Get Up To $1500 in Bonus Bets

  • Comprehensive betting markets
  • Innovative parlay features
  • Live betting and streaming
3
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Second Chance Bonus Bet Up To $500

  • User-friendly mobile app
  • Rewards program available
  • Competitive odds
Val C. Martinez

Val C. Martinez

Founder of BettingLadies.com

College sports are huge in Iowa because the state has no major professional teams, making schools like the University of Iowa and Iowa State the heart of sports culture. Intense rivalries, like the Cy-Hawk game, bring communities together and fuel statewide pride.

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:

Venue Address
Ameristar Casino 2200 River Road, Council Bluffs, IA 51501
Blackbird Bend Casino 17214 210th Street, Onawa, IA 51040
Catfish Bend Casino 3001 Winegard Drive, Burlington, IA 52601
Diamond Jo Casino 301 Bell Street, Dubuque, IA 52001
Diamond Jo Worth 777 Diamond Jo Lane, Northwood, IA 50459
Grand Falls Casino 1415 Grand Falls Blvd, Larchwood, IA 51241
Hard Rock Sioux City 111 3rd Street, Sioux City, IA 51101
Harrah’s Council Bluffs 1 Harrah's Blvd, Council Bluffs, IA 51501
Horseshoe Casino 2701 23rd Avenue, Council Bluffs, IA 51501
Isle Casino Bettendorf 1777 Isle Parkway, Bettendorf, IA 52722
Isle Casino Waterloo 777 Isle of Capri Blvd, Waterloo, IA 50701
Lakeside Casino 777 Casino Drive, Osceola, IA 50213
Prairie Meadows 1 Prairie Meadows Drive, Altoona, IA 50009
Q Casino 1855 Greyhound Park Road, Dubuque, IA 52001
Rhythm City Casino 7077 Elmore Avenue, Davenport, IA 52807
Riverside Casino 3184 Highway 22, Riverside, IA 52327
Wild Rose Clinton 777 Wild Rose Drive, Clinton, IA 52732
Wild Rose Emmetsburg 777 Main Street, Emmetsburg, IA 50536
Wild Rose Jefferson 777 Wild Rose Drive, Jefferson, IA 50129

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.

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.

Sarah Chetcuti

Sarah Chetcuti

iGaming Writer

Val C. Martinez

Val C. Martinez

Founder of BettingLadies.com

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