Iowa Sports Betting

2 min read

Iowa Sports Betting: A Comprehensive Guide

Sports betting in Iowa has evolved in recent years, offering sports enthusiasts a new way to engage with their favorite games. 

As Iowa embraces this form of entertainment, it's crucial for bettors to comprehend the ins and outs of legal sports wagering in the state.

Legal Iowa Sports Betting

Legal sports betting in Iowa refers to the regulated wagering on various sporting events through licensed operators. 

Since August 2019, Iowa has permitted both retail and online sports betting, allowing residents and visitors to place bets on a wide range of professional and collegiate sports. The Iowa Racing and Gaming Commission oversees the industry, ensuring fair play and consumer protection.

Iowa legalized sports betting in May 2019, with the first bets placed on August 15, 2019.

Iowa Sports Betting Legislation Timeline

  • May 13, 2019: Governor Kim Reynolds signs SF 617 into law, legalizing sports betting in Iowa.
  • August 15, 2019: The first legal sports bets are placed in Iowa.
  • January 1, 2021: In-person registration requirement for mobile betting is lifted, allowing remote sign-ups.
  • 2022: Iowa's sports betting market continues to mature and expand.
  • 2023: The market stabilizes with established operators and growing revenue.

 

Sportsbooks Available in Iowa

DraftKings Sportsbook
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BetMGM Sportsbook
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Bet365 Sportsbook
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Betfred Sportsbook
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SuperBook Sportsbook
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Best Iowa Sportsbooks

Iowa's sports betting landscape features several reputable sportsbooks, both online and at retail locations. 

Some of the top operators in the state include:

  1. DraftKings Sportsbook
  2. FanDuel Sportsbook
  3. Caesars Sportsbook
  4. BetMGM
  5. PointsBet

These sportsbooks offer competitive odds, a wide range of betting markets, and user-friendly platforms for Iowa bettors.

Online Sports Betting in Iowa 

Online sports betting has become increasingly popular in Iowa since its inception. Bettors can access sportsbooks via desktop websites or mobile apps, providing convenience and flexibility. 

The removal of the in-person registration requirement in January 2021 has further boosted the growth of online betting in the state.

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As of 2024, mobile betting accounts for over 90% of the total sports betting handle in Iowa.

How Can I Sign Up For An Online Sportsbook in Iowa?

Signing up for an online sportsbook in Iowa is a straightforward process:

  1. Choose a licensed sportsbook operating in Iowa.
  2. Visit the sportsbook's website or download their mobile app.
  3. Click on the "Sign Up" or "Register" button.
  4. Provide personal information, including your name, date of birth, address, and last four digits of your Social Security number.
  5. Create a username and password.
  6. Agree to the terms and conditions.
  7. Verify your account through email or SMS.
  8. Make your first deposit and start betting.

Remember to have a valid government-issued ID ready, as you may need to provide additional verification.

What Sports Can I Bet on in Iowa?

NFL: The National Football League is one of the most popular sports for betting in Iowa. Fans can wager on regular season games, playoffs, and the Super Bowl. Popular bets include point spreads, moneylines, and player props.

NBA: Basketball enthusiasts can bet on NBA games throughout the season, including the playoffs and Finals. Iowa sportsbooks offer a variety of markets, from game outcomes to player performance props.

MLB: Major League Baseball provides numerous betting opportunities, with a long season and multiple games daily. Bettors can wager on game winners, run totals, and player statistics.

NHL: Hockey fans can place bets on NHL games, including regular season matches, playoffs, and the Stanley Cup Finals. Common bets include puck lines, moneylines, and period betting.

College Sports: Iowa allows betting on college sports, including popular NCAA football and basketball games. However, there are restrictions on certain types of prop bets for college athletes.

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Betting on in-state college teams is permitted in Iowa, but prop bets on individual college athletes are prohibited.

NASCAR: Auto racing fans can bet on NASCAR events, including race winners, head-to-head driver matchups, and various prop bets related to race outcomes.

Iowa's Sports Teams to Bet On 

While Iowa doesn't have any major professional sports teams, there are several popular college teams that attract significant betting interest:

  1. Iowa Hawkeyes (University of Iowa)
  2. Iowa State Cyclones (Iowa State University)
  3. Northern Iowa Panthers (University of Northern Iowa)
  4. Drake Bulldogs (Drake University)

These teams compete in various sports, with football and basketball generating the most betting action.

Types of Wagers Available

Moneyline: A straightforward bet on which team or player will win a game or match. The odds reflect the perceived likelihood of each outcome.

Parlays: Combining multiple bets into a single wager for potentially higher payouts. All selections must be correct for the parlay to win.

Totals: Also known as over/under bets, these wagers are placed on whether the combined score of a game will be over or under a predetermined number set by the sportsbook.

Point Spreads: A bet on the margin of victory in a game, with the favorite giving points and the underdog receiving points.

Futures: Long-term bets on outcomes that will be decided in the future, such as championship winners or season MVP awards.

Prop Bets: Wagers on specific events or outcomes within a game that may not directly affect the final result, such as player performance statistics.

Live Bets: In-play wagering allows bettors to place bets on games that are already in progress, with odds updating in real-time based on the current state of play.

Prohibited Bets

Iowa prohibits certain types of bets to maintain the integrity of sports and protect athletes. These include:

  • Prop bets on individual performances of college athletes
  • Bets on high school or youth sports events
  • Wagers on non-sporting events, such as elections or entertainment awards

Choosing the Right Iowa Betting Site

With multiple options available, it's crucial to select the right sportsbook for your needs. Here are some factors to consider:

What Should I Look For When Deciding Which Iowa Online Sports Betting Site is Right for me? 

When selecting an Iowa sportsbook, consider the following factors:

  1. Licensing and regulation: Ensure the sportsbook is licensed by the Iowa Racing and Gaming Commission.
  2. Competitive odds: Compare odds across multiple sportsbooks to find the best value.
  3. Betting markets: Look for a wide range of sports and bet types to suit your preferences.
  4. User experience: Choose a platform with an intuitive interface and reliable performance.
  5. Bonuses and promotions: Consider sign-up bonuses, free bets, and ongoing promotions.
  6. Banking options: Verify that the sportsbook offers convenient deposit and withdrawal methods.
  7. Customer support: Check for responsive and helpful customer service.
  8. Mobile app availability: If you prefer betting on-the-go, ensure the sportsbook has a quality mobile app.

Callout: Always read user reviews and compare multiple sportsbooks before making your decision.

Why Should I Have At Least 3 Iowa Sportsbook Accounts? 

Having multiple sportsbook accounts in Iowa offers several advantages:

  1. Line shopping: Compare odds across different sportsbooks to find the best value for your bets.
  2. Diverse promotions: Take advantage of various bonuses and promotions offered by different operators.
  3. Wider range of betting markets: Access unique markets and bet types that may be exclusive to certain sportsbooks.
  4. Reduced risk of limitations: Spread your betting activity across multiple accounts to minimize the risk of having your account restricted.
  5. Capitalize on arbitrage opportunities: Occasionally, you may find discrepancies in odds that allow for guaranteed profits by betting on all outcomes across different sportsbooks.

What Deposit And Withdraw Options Are Available? 

Iowa sportsbooks typically offer a variety of banking methods for deposits and withdrawals:

Deposits:

  • Credit/Debit cards (Visa, Mastercard)
  • ACH/eCheck
  • PayPal
  • Online banking transfer
  • Play+ prepaid card
  • Cash at casino cage (for sportsbooks with retail partners)

Withdrawals:

  • ACH/eCheck
  • PayPal
  • Online banking transfer
  • Play+ prepaid card
  • Check by mail
  • Cash at casino cage (for sportsbooks with retail partners)

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Processing times for withdrawals can vary depending on the method chosen, ranging from instant to several business days.

Sports Betting in Iowa: The Big Picture

The Iowa sports betting market has shown steady growth since its launch in 2019. The state's approach to regulation has created a competitive environment that benefits bettors through improved odds and promotions.

Iowa Sports Betting Tax Rate 

Iowa imposes a 6.75% tax rate on sports betting revenue, which is relatively low compared to some other states. This competitive tax rate has helped attract multiple operators to the market, providing bettors with a variety of options.

Importance of Responsible Gaming in Iowa 

Responsible gaming is a crucial aspect of Iowa's sports betting industry. The state and licensed operators are committed to promoting safe gambling practices and providing resources for those who may be experiencing gambling-related issues.

Key responsible gaming initiatives in Iowa include:

  1. Self-exclusion programs
  2. Deposit and betting limits
  3. Time-out options
  4. Problem gambling helplines
  5. Educational resources on responsible betting

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If you or someone you know is struggling with gambling addiction, call 1-800-BETS-OFF for confidential help and support.

Iowa Sports Betting FAQ

Minimum Age
What is the minimum age to bet on sports in Iowa?
NCAA Betting
Can I bet on Iowa college teams?
Residency Restrictions
Do I need to be an Iowa resident to bet online?
Maximum Bets
Are there any restrictions on bet sizes in Iowa?
Offshore Sportsbooks
Can I use offshore sportsbooks in Iowa?

Summary of Iowa Sports Betting Options

 Iowa offers a robust and competitive sports betting market with both retail and online options. Bettors can wager on a wide range of professional and collegiate sports through multiple licensed operators. 

The state's regulatory framework prioritizes consumer protection while allowing for innovation and growth in the industry.

Key points to remember about Iowa sports betting:

  1. Legal since August 2019
  2. Both retail and online betting available
  3. Multiple reputable sportsbooks to choose from
  4. Competitive 6.75% tax rate
  5. College sports betting allowed, with some restrictions
  6. Emphasis on responsible gaming practices

 

As the Iowa sports betting market continues to evolve, bettors can expect ongoing improvements in technology, betting options, and user experience. 

By staying informed and practicing responsible gambling, Iowa residents and visitors can enjoy a safe and exciting sports betting environment.