Iowa Sports Betting

Top Iowa Sportsbooks

With full online betting legal as of Jan. 1, 2021, Iowans have their pick of sportsbooks to choose from with the convenience of being able to register from home. 

bet365 Iowa

bet365 Iowa is the newest sportsbook in the state as of June 5, 2023. New users located in IA can sign up for bet365 to earn it's Bet $1, Get $200 in Bonus Bets welcome offer! 

bet365 Promo

Bet $1, Get $200 in Bonus Bets!

bet365 Promo Code

ACTION

Action Network Score

9.2/10. See our bet365 review for more sportsbook details and step-by-step instructions on how to sign up.

Category	Star Rating
Bonuses & Promotions
Mobile App & Website
Registering & Cashiering
Betting Options
bet365 vs Other Sportsbooks

BetMGM Iowa

New BetMGM users can claim one the following sign-up bonus with bonus code ACTION1000!

BetMGM Bonus

First Bet Offer: Get up to $1,000 Paid Back in Bonus Bets if You Don't Win!

BetMGM Bonus Code

ACTION1000

Action Network Score

9.8/10. See our BetMGM review for more in-depth information about BetMGM and step-by-step instructions on how to sign up.

Category	Star Rating
Bonuses & Promotions
Mobile App & Website
Registering & Cashiering
Betting Options
BetMGM vs Other Sportsbooks

FanDuel Iowa

FanDuel offers one of the easiest start-to-finish registration and deposit experiences in the sportsbook market. Iowa mobile sports bettors have a great option with FanDuel's sign-up offer.

FanDuel Promo 

Get a No Sweat First Bet up to $1,000!

*Offer expires on 8/20 at 11:59 PM EST

FanDuel Promo Code

There is no promo code required to claim the FanDuel offer

Action Network Score

9.5/10. See our FanDuel review for more in-depth information about FanDuel and step-by-step instructions on how to sign up.

Category	Star Rating
Bonuses & Promotions
Mobile App & Website
Registering & Cashiering
Betting Options
FanDuel vs Other Sportsbooks

PointsBet Iowa

PointsBet's app and site stand out as one of the best in the U.S. with its sleek mobile design. They offer great promotions and daily boosters, including some of the best odds for the popular spread and over/under bets.

PointsBet Promo

Get up to $1,000 in Bonus Bets!

*Up to 10 Bonus Bets up to $100 each if your first Fixed Odds cash bet of the day loses (1 per day for 10 straight days)

PointsBet Promo Code

No promo code required

Action Network Score

9.7/10. See our PointsBet review for more in-depth information about PointsBet and step-by-step instructions on how to sign up.

Category	Star Rating
Bonuses & Promotions
Mobile App & Website
Registering & Cashiering
Betting Options
PointsBet vs Other Sportsbooks

Betfred Iowa

Betfred has relaunched in Iowa and they are now offering a new promotion. This sportsbook, which has been around since 1967, is initially gained its popularity in the U.K. Iowa is one of three states where Betfred is available as a sportsbook option (the others are Arizona and Colorado).

Betfred Promo

Bet $50, Get Up To $1,111 in Fred Bets

Betfred Promo Code

TBD

Action Network Score

9.1/10. See our Betfred review for more in-depth information about Betfred and step-by-step instructions on how to sign up.

Category	Star Rating
Bonuses & Promotions
Mobile App & Website
Registering & Cashiering
Betting Options
Betfred vs Other Sportsbooks

Caesars Sportsbook Iowa

Caesars has a strong live betting experience and offer interesting in-game markets in their app, which are becoming more and more popular in U.S. betting.

Caesars Sportsbook Promo

Bet up to $1,250 and Get Refunded in Bet Credits if Your First Bet Loses

Caesars Sportsbook Promo Code

ACTION22FULL

Action Network Score

9.5/10. See our Caesars review for more in-depth information about Caesars and step-by-step instructions on how to sign up.

Category	Star Rating
Bonuses & Promotions
Mobile App & Website
Registering & Cashiering
Betting Options
Caesars vs Other Sportsbooks

BetRivers Iowa

BetRivers is a great sportsbook option for Iowa bettors with features like odds boost and rewards points. Get a 2nd Chance Bonus Bet of up to $100 after you initially sign up.

BetRivers Promo

2nd Chance Bet up to $100 paid out in Bonus Bets

BetRivers Promo Code

ACTION

Action Network Score

8.6/10. See our BetRivers review for more in-depth information about BetRivers and step-by-step instructions on how to sign up.

Category	Star Rating
Bonuses & Promotions
Mobile App & Website
Registering & Cashiering
Betting Options
BetRivers vs Other Sportsbooks

Hard Rock Bet Iowa

Hard Rock Bet Promo

Coming Soon

Hard Rock Bet Bonus Code

No promo code required

Action Network Score

8.9/10. See our Hard Rock Bet review for more in-depth information about Hard Rock and step-by-step instructions on how to sign up.

Category	Star Rating
Bonuses & Promotions
Mobile App & Website
Registering & Cashiering
Betting Options
Hard Rock Bet vs Other Sportsbooks

How to Place a Mobile Sports Bet in Iowa

It's easy to get started sports betting in Iowa. Here's how:

Step 1: Choose a Sportsbook

Before Jan. 1, 2021, Iowa bettors had to physically step into a casino in the state to register for a sportsbook. However, mobile/online registration is now here. Major books like bet365 and FanDuel are among the best books available in Iowa. Pick one, then follow the process for the book. 

Step 2: Sign Up & Verify

Fill out all the required fields for new sports bettor in the state: name, email and date of birth. Your book of choice may ask you for a driver’s license or social security number to verify your identity. These questions and details are all measures sportsbooks take to protect you, the sports bettor.

Step 3: Deposit with Preferred Payment

Many books will take you right to the deposit screen once you’ve put in your personal information.

Select your payment method, then click deposit. Our preference is direct deposit via a bank account. That way when you cash out, the money will be accessible in your checking account right away instead of being credited back to a card.

Step 4: Place an Online Bet

Here’s how to place your first wager. Remember: apps will geo-locate you to confirm you’re truly in Iowa before you’re able to bet.

Depending on your book of choice, the betting process will look something like this:

• Navigate to "Sport" and click the line you want to bet
• Head to your bet slip
• Enter your bet amount
• Submit

Congrats! You’ve just placed your first legal sports bet in Iowa.

How Iowa Sports Betting Compares: The Sports Betting Report Card

In Iowa, sports betting is legal — with some extra in-person steps sports bettors must take to register at a new sportsbook. Here's what we know so far:

Iowa's Sports Betting Finance Breakdown

Some states, like Tennessee, make the bar quite high to offer sports betting. Iowa is much simpler. Under Iowa law, licensed casinos:

• Must pay a $45,000 license fee with an annual $10,000 renewal fee
• A 6.75% tax will be imposed on the casinos' hold

Iowa's low tax rate is tied with Nevada for the lowest in the country. The money will benefit the state by funding infrastructure improvement, environmental initiatives, job creation, and more.

From what we've seen so far, sports betting is healthily contributing to Iowa's gaming market growth. In their annual casino industry report, the American Gaming Association found:

"In 2019, total statewide commercial casino gaming revenue was $1.49 billion, up 1.3%. The year-over-year increase came after the launch of sports betting in August."

- American Gaming Association, 2020 State of the States

Iowa Sports Betting Background and Legalization Timeline

Here is a complete timeline of IA's legalization process:

Latest Sports News in Iowa:

• Tommy Edman's two home runs ended the Kansas City Royals' seven-game home winning streak as the St. Louis Cardinals secured a 5-4 victory in front of a crowd of 37,016 at Kauffman Stadium. (8/14)
• The Chicago Cubs' seven-game win streak was snapped as Daulton Varsho's five RBIs and Hyun Jin Ryu's first win since surgery propelled the Toronto Blue Jays to an 11-4 victory, preventing a sweep.  (8/14)
• The Minnesota Twins ended their four-game losing streak with an 8-1 victory over the Philadelphia Phillies, highlighted by Joey Gallo's two homers and Pablo López's six shutout innings on the mound.   (8/14)

Things to Keep an Eye on:

• The Kansas City Royals are set to face off against the Seattle Mariners in a game scheduled for 8:10 pm at Kauffman Stadium.  (8/14)

Pro Sports Teams

NFL Betting in Iowa

In the same 2019 study mapping football fans across the United States, SeatGeek says that NFL fandom in Iowa is pretty evenly split between the Minnesota Vikings and Kansas City Chiefs. There are a few counties that favor nearby Chicago Bears and Green Bay Packers, as well.

In the 2021 conference championships, the Iowa Hawkeyes sported the most players on active NFL rosters between the four teams competing with nine. There were at least two athletes on each of the Chiefs, Packers, Tampa Bay Buccaneers and Buffalo Bills.

Recommended resource to help you bet smartly on football in Iowa:

• How to Bet on Football Guide
• Check our Expert NFL Picks
• Keep an eye on betting activity and bet/money distribution with our NFL Public Betting data

NBA Betting in Iowa

NBA fans in Iowa are diverse when it comes to favorite teams, but the majority of fans are split between the three major nearby franchises: Minnesota Timberwolves, Milwaukee Bucks and Chicago Bulls. While there aren't any professional NBA franchises in the state, the Iowa Wolves, G-League affiliate of the Minnesota Timberwolves play their home games in Des Moines.

The Wolves won the 2011 championship and have four division titles since its founding in 2007. They were known as the Iowa Energy until the Timberwolves purchased the team and rebranded in 2017.

Here is a recommended resource to help you bet on the NBA in Iowa:

• How to Bet on Basketball Guide

MLB Betting in Iowa

While there are no MLB teams based in Iowa, there are plenty of franchises located in bordering states. Among those include the Chicago Cubs, Chicago White Sox, Minnesota Twins and Kansas City Royals. A 2019 study conducted by SeatGeek found that the Royals have the largest fanbase in Iowa followed by the Cubs.

Iowa hosted a Field of Dreams game in Dyersville on August 12, 2021 that featured the Chicago White Sox against the New York Yankees. Keep a look out for the following Field of Dreams games to be hosted in Dyersville in the future.

For MLB games and futures betting, check the current odds below.

MLB Game Odds: Chicago Cubs vs. New York Mets

Below is a selection of odds for the upcoming MLB game: Updated August 15, 2023 - Odds Provided by BetMGM - Subject to Change

MLB Game Odds: New York Yankees vs. Chicago White Sox

Below is a selection of odds for the upcoming MLB game: Updated August 15, 2023 - Odds Provided by BetMGM - Subject to Change

MLB Game Odds: Minnesota Twins vs. Detroit Tigers

Below is a selection of odds for the upcoming MLB game: Updated August 15, 2023 - Odds Provided by BetMGM - Subject to Change

MLB Game Odds: Kansas City Royals vs. Boston Red Sox

Below is a selection of odds for the upcoming MLB game: Updated August 15, 2023 - Odds Provided by BetMGM - Subject to Change

BetMGM Futures Odds

Below is a selection of odds for the MLB 2023-24 World Series Champion: Updated August 15, 2023 - Odds Provided by BetMGM- Subject to Change

Here is a recommended resource to help you bet on the MLB in Iowa:

• Tips to Bet on Baseball 

NHL Betting in Iowa

Like all other professional sports, hockey fans in Iowa favor teams in nearby cities. The two closest teams from the state are the Minnesota Wild and Chicago Blackhawks.

Similar to the NBA, while there are no professional hockey franchises in Iowa, the state does have a minor league affiliate. The Iowa Wild's inaugural season as part of the American Hockey League came in 2013. They are owned by the Minnesota Wild and play home games at Wells Fargo Arena in Des Moines.

Here is a recommended resource to help you bet on the NHL in Iowa:

• How to Bet on Hockey Guide

College Sports Teams 

Iowa has proud sports traditions and longstanding rivalries inside and outside the state. We expect big bets to be placed on these Iowa college games in the future.

College Football Betting in Iowa

Iowa Hawkeyes Football

Hawkeyes football is the most storied athletics program and most followed in-state sports team in Iowa. Claiming five National Championships and 13 conference titles, Iowa has experienced its fair share of success since its inaugural season in 1889. The Hawkeyes are a perennial bowl contender, having not qualified just twice since their 2001 Alamo Bowl win. Their 2021 matchup was canceled due to COVID-19.

Iowa is coached by Kirk Ferentz who will begin his 23rd season at the helm in 2021 and currently has an all-time wining percentage of .613. He is currently the longest-tenured head coach in college football. The Hawkeyes compete in the West Division of the Big Ten Conference and play home games at Kinnick Stadium, which has a current capacity of 69,250.

Hawkeyes Odds

Iowa State Cyclones Football

The only other FBS program in the state of Iowa, the Cyclones have not found as much success as its in-state counterpart. Iowa State has a sub-.500 win percentage and has just two conference titles — in 1911 and 1912 — prior to their move to the Big 12. The Cyclones have made 16 bowl games and did win a division title back in 2004.

Iowa State is currently coached by Matt Campbell who has turned things around over the last five years. Since taking over in 2016, Campbell has slowly made the Cyclones a perennial Top 25 team. They have made four bowl games and after a 9-3 season capped off with a 34-17 Fiesta Bowl win over Oregon in 2020, finished the year ranked ninth in the country. Iowa State plays its home games at Jack Trice Stadium with a current capacity of 61,500.

Cyclones Odds

College Basketball Betting in Iowa

Iowa Hawkeyes Men's Basketball

Though not as successful as its football program, the Iowa Hawkeyes has eight Big 10 regular season conference championships and 27 NCAA Tournament appearances. The Hawkeyes have made the championship just once — a 1956 loss to the San Francisco Dons — but have made three Final Fours. Since 2000, Iowa has made eight postseason appearances but has yet to make it past the Round of 32.

The Hawkeyes are led by 11-year head coach Fran McCaffrey, the second-winningest coach in program history. Iowa is coming off its most successful season since 2005, finishing 22-9 with a No. 2 seed in the NCAA Tournament. The Hawkeyes play home games at Carver-Hawkeye Arena with a capacity of 15,400.

Hawkeyes Odds

Iowa State Men's Basketball

Iowa State's men's basketball program has experienced its fair share of success despite never winning a National Championship. The Cyclones have made 20 NCAA Tournaments and five Sweet Sixteen appearances, its best postseason coming in a 1944 Final Four run.

The Cyclones have won six regular-season Big 12 championships and have six conference tournament wins — four coming since 2014 — under its belt as well. Iowa State named T.J. Otzelberger the program’s new head coach ahead of the 2021 season. He had been an assistant within the program a decade ago before leaving to coach South Dakota State and most recently, UNLV. The Cyclones play its home games on campus at Hilton Coliseum.

Cyclones Odds

Drake Bulldogs Men's Basketball

Since Darian DeVries took over Drake's men's basketball program in 2018, the Bulldogs have quickly risen to mid-major stardom. They won the Missouri Valley Conference regular-season title in DeVries' first season and would make the 2021 NCAA Tournament as the last four in. They began the season a flawless 18-0. The No. 11-seeded Bulldogs would beat Wichita State before falling to USC in the Round of 64.

Drake's rise back to relevance comes nearly 50 years since their stretch of dominance where the program made three straight Elite Eights from 1969-71. The Bulldogs made just one Final Four in five NCAA Tournament appearances. Drake plays home games at the Knapp Center on campus in Des Moines.

Drake Bulldogs Odds

Northern Iowa Panthers Men's Basketball

Northern Iowa quickly became one of the perennial contenders in the Missouri Valley after its 2004 conference championship. The Panthers would make seven of the next 13 NCAA Tournaments and pick up five MVC championships along the way. Their most successful postseason run came in 2010 as a No. 9 seed, where they would take down No. 1 Kansas in the Round of 32.

The Panthers are led by longtime head coach Ben Jacobson who is entering his 16th year at the helm. He is the winningest head coach in program history. Northern Iowa plays its home games at McLeod Center on campus in Cedar Falls.

Panthers Odds

Other Events

Iowa has a range of "other'" sporting events that draw local and national interest:

• The Drake Relays. Drake Relays are a track and field event held annually in April. Many Olympic Gold medalists have competed in this relay.
• Iowa Shrine Bowl. The Iowa Shrine Bowl is an all-star football game featuring Iowa’s most talented high school/pre-college football players. It's held every July in Cedar Falls.

These are a few of many events held throughout Iowa annually. 

More Reading on Iowa

Iowa's Sports Betting Legalization Bill

Senate File 617 (SF617). Introduced to the state Senate in April of 2019, SF617 legalized sports betting in Iowa.

Sports Betting Legal Bill Review

A legal perspective on the sports betting bill from a local lawyer: "Sports Betting is Almost Here in Iowa – Here’s What We Know " from BrownWinick attorney, Matt McKinney.

Sports Bettor Protections in Iowa

Iowa is committed to protecting sports bettors through self-exclusion programs in the state (Pursuant to Iowa Code 99D.7(23) and 99F.4(22)), making sure they also address common FAQ questions.

Local Iowa Sports Coverage

Check out local sports coverage from Des Moines Register, the Cedar Rapids Gazette, and the Waterloo-Cedar Falls Courier.

Iowans Aren't All Fans of Sports Betting

52% of Iowans opposed legalizing betting on professional sporting events, and 69% opposed legalizing betting on college sporting events. Learn more about local opinions from the Des Moines Register's poll.

State-Led Sports Betting Fiscal Analysis

Christin Mechler, a Fiscal Legislative Analyst II at the State of Iowa, and Angel Banks-Adams, another fiscal Legislative Analyst, prepared an overview of sports betting legislation. The presentation emphasized the taxation and structures that have been proposed nationwide, including in the State of Iowa.

Learn more about the available sportsbooks and promo codes in Iowa:

BetMGM Promo Code | PointsBet Promo Code | Barstool Sportsbook Promo Code | FanDuel Promo Code | Betfred Promo Code | BetRivers Promo Code | Caesars Promo Code | WynnBET Promo Code | Betway Promo Code | Superbook Promo Code | DraftKings Promo Code | Hard Rock Bet Promo Code

If you or someone you know has a gambling problem and wants help, call 1-800-BETS-OFF.

• Must be 21 years or older
• Learn about Iowa Voluntary Self-Exclusion Program