Iowa Sports Betting: Best Iowa Sportsbooks September 2026

2. DraftKings Sportsbook

🏅 Best for: All-round platform

Starting off as a DFS platform, DraftKings expanded its reach to sports betting after its legalization and has since grown to be a leading platform across the US. If you are looking for a platform that has excellent extra features, then try out DraftKings.

At DraftKings, you can currently bet $5 and get $150 in bonus bets (issued as six $25 bonus bets distributed over a 14-day period, with stakes removed from winning payouts). All you have to do is place your first real-money bet of at least $5, and you will secure the full $150 in bonus bets regardless of whether that initial wager wins or loses.

Rewards can also be gained through ‘DraftKings Dynasty’, the sportsbook’s generous loyalty scheme. Deposits and withdrawals are also a breeze with a wide array of 13 payment methods, including traditional and modern options. The sportsbook has the lowest minimum deposit in the industry, at just $5.

Along with the largest selection of sports and betting markets in the industry, you can find plenty of other features such as DFS, live betting, same-game parlay options, and cash out. All of this can be enjoyed through DraftKings' top-rated mobile app, available on iOS and Android. If you have any queries, you can either consult their useful betting guides or contact the responsive and helpful customer service.

» Find out more in our in-depth DraftKings Sportsbook review.

💰 Sign-up Offer: Spend $5 Get $150 In Bonuses ($50 in Bonus Bets every 7 days for 14 days)
🤩 Promo Code: None required

DraftKings Sportsbook IA Ratings

⭐ WSN Rating: 4.6/5
⭐ Apple App Store: 4.8/5
⭐ Google Play Store: 4.8/5
⭐ Trustpilot: 1.2/5

Claim DraftKings Iowa Welcome Offer

3. BetMGM Sportsbook

🏅 Best for: Welcome bonus

BetMGM has a renowned reputation within the betting industry, operating as a subsidiary of MGM Resorts. If you are on the search for a reputable brand that plentifully rewards its dedicated players, then check out this sportsbook.

Whether you are looking for mainstream sports such as basketball and football or more niche options like darts or badminton, there are plenty of markets at BetMGM. The sportsbook also has a fantastic live betting service, where you can watch games through a live stream and view detailed statistics while you bet. BetMGM’s app is excellent, too, providing its full range of deep betting markets like props, SGPs, and live betting on the go.

As an introduction to the platform, new users who sign up with BetMGM bonus code WSNSPORTS can claim the following promo: Get up to $1,500 in bonus bets.

BetMGM has a valuable loyalty scheme called MGMRewards, where you earn points through every wager made. Your points can be converted into bonus credits, but they can also unlock special rewards such as dinners, hotel stays, and trips integrated with MGM Resorts. 

» Explore our full BetMGM Sportsbook review to find more info.

💰 Sign-up Offer: Get up to $1,500 in Bonus Bets
🤩 Promo Code: WSNSPORTS

BetMGM Sportsbook IA Ratings

⭐ WSN Rating: 4.5/5
⭐ Apple App Store: 4.8/5
⭐ Google Play Store: 4.0/5
⭐ Trustpilot: 1.2/5

Claim Your BetMGM IA Sportsbook Bonus

4. Fanatics Sportsbook

🏅 Best for: Reward program

If you want to combine your sports betting action with your loyalty to regional pro heavyweights like the Kansas City Chiefs or in-state favorites like the Iowa Hawkeyes, Fanatics Sportsbook is a top-tier option. Operating in the Hawkeye State through its retail partnership with Catfish Bend Casino in Burlington, Fanatics has made a significant impact since taking over PointsBet's local infrastructure. New users in Iowa who sign up with the Fanatics Sportsbook promo code WSNFAN are eligible for the following bonus offer: Get up to $1,000 matched in FanCash.

The standout feature of the platform is unquestionably the FanCash program. Unlike traditional, hard-to-track VIP tiers, this straightforward system offers a return on every wager you place. Win or lose, you earn a percentage of your stake back in FanCash (scaling up to 10% depending on the odds). You can convert this digital currency directly into bonus bets or use it to buy officially licensed gear from the Fanatics web store - meaning your weekend wagers could easily fund a new George Kittle jersey or an Iowa State cap.

Additionally, the sportsbook features a highly forgiving Fair Play Policy. If you back a pro athlete with a prop bet and they suffer a game-ending injury early in the match, Fanatics will typically void the wager to save you from a bad beat.

» Find more info in our detailed Fanatics Sportsbook review.

💰 Sign-up Offer: Get up to $1,000 Matched in FanCash
🤩 Promo Code: WSNFAN

Fanatics Sportsbook IA Ratings

⭐ WSN Rating: 4.3/5
⭐ Apple App Store: 4.9/5
⭐ Google Play Store: 4.7/5
⭐ Trustpilot: 3.4/5 (covers the wider Fanatics brand)

Claim Your Fanatics IA Promo Code

Full List of Legal Sportsbooks in Iowa

The full list of all 10 legal online sportsbooks that are available in Iowa is here: 

• Bally Bet

• bet365

• BetMGM

• BetRivers

• Caesars Sportsbook

• Circa Sports

• DraftKings

• Fanatics Sportsbook

• FanDuel

• theScore Bet

Iowa Online Sports Betting Sites

Iowa Retail Sportsbooks

Is Sports Betting Legal in Iowa?

Yes, sports betting is legal in Iowa as of Aug. 15, 2019, when the first sportsbook launched. Governor Kim Reynolds signed Bill SF-617 into law in May 2019, which allowed for the legalization of retail and online sports betting. Now, 10 online sportsbooks are available in the state of Iowa.

Previously, Iowa bettors were required to register in person for online sportsbooks at their partnered retail locations. However, as of January 2021, this process changed, and remote registration is now available, which is far easier for bettors.

How to Start Betting in Iowa

It is a simple process to register and place your first bet at a sportsbook in Iowa. Below, we have made a step-by-step guide on exactly how to start your sports betting journey. 

1. Choose a licensed sportsbook. Firstly, you must check that the sportsbook is licensed and regulated by the gambling authority of the state. This ensures that they are a legitimate platform, protecting your financial and personal information. The sportsbooks recommended on this page are all legit sites in Iowa and are part of our list of the safest online betting sites.

2. Sign up for an account. When joining a sportsbook, you will be asked to register your account and provide certain personal information. This includes details such as your name, email, date of birth, and address. 

3. Verify your identity. Some platforms will require you to confirm your identity, depending on the info you provide. You may have to submit documents such as your ID or passport for security reasons. This is a legal requirement for all Iowa sportsbooks. 

4. Claim your welcome offer. It is always worth making the most of the sportsbook’s welcome bonus. The offer can vary, but you will often have to deposit and wager a specific amount to trigger your bonus or use a promo code. It is important to always read the T&Cs and be aware of any criteria related to your offer.

5. Deposit money. You will need to top up your account with funds in order to place any bets. Our recommended sites have various payment options to suit your preferences. Certain welcome bonuses will also require you to deposit and wager a qualifying amount. Find more info on betting payment methods here.

6. Place your first bet. Browse the sports markets on the sportsbook’s menu. Within each sport, you can find different betting markets. After deciding, you can select your specific bet and add it to your betslip. Here, you can enter the amount that you wish to wager and then confirm your bet.

To hit the ground running, browse our selection of sports betting guides.

Iowa Sportsbook Betting Promos

Sportsbooks in IA provide an array of welcome bonuses designed to encourage bettors to sign up and start betting on their platform. It is necessary to always read the T&Cs carefully before claiming any welcome bonuses and to take note of any additional requirements. Let's take a look at the most common kinds of sportsbook promos and bonuses that you might come across. 

Bonus Bet

A bonus bet allows you to place a wager without using your own money. It is a kind of voucher provided by the sportsbook. Bonus bets are a common welcome bonus, with many sportsbooks offering them in exchange for signing up, making a deposit, and qualifying wager.

Second Chance Bets

A second chance bet does, as the name suggests. The sportsbook offers you the opportunity to recover some or all of your initial wager if it loses. It’s a kind of safety net, and your refund comes in the form of site credit or bonus bets.

Deposit Match Bonuses

With a deposit match bonus, the sportsbook will match a specific percentage or all of your deposit up to a limit. Essentially, the more that you deposit, the more you can gain from this bonus.

No-Deposit Bonuses

A no-deposit bonus requires no deposit or wager on your part, it's entirely free. You simply have to sign up to claim the bonus bets. It is often a smaller amount, around $10 or $20.

What Sportsbooks Apps Are Accessible in Iowa?

Nowadays, bettors value the convenience of accessing sportsbooks from their mobile phones, marking a significant shift in how we engage with such online platforms. Each of our top sportsbooks in Iowa has a high-quality mobile app, ensuring a seamless and user-friendly way to bet anywhere and at any time.

Explore our best apps for premium mobile sports betting:

1. FanDuel - 4.8/5 (iOS); 4.5/5 (Android)

2. DraftKings - 4.8/5 (iOS); 4.8/5 (Android)

3. BetMGM - 4.8/5 (iOS); 4.0/5 (Android)

4. Fanatics - 4.9/5 (iOS); 4.7/5 (Android)

What Are the Restrictions on Betting in Iowa?

Iowa sports betting is subject to the following restrictions:

• In-state college player props are prohibited: While you can wager on college sports and out-of-state college player props, it is strictly prohibited to place prop bets on individual athletes from colleges located within the state of Iowa.

• No eSports or entertainment events: Bettors cannot wager on competitive video gaming (eSports), politics, or entertainment events like the Oscars, as they are not currently approved by the Iowa Racing and Gaming Commission.

• Strict NFL Draft betting windows: Unlike many states, Iowa does allow betting on the NFL Draft; however, all draft markets must officially close 24 hours before the event begins, and live "in-draft" betting is not permitted.

• No high school or minor-aged sports: Wagering on high school sports or any sporting event where the competitors are primarily under the age of 18 is strictly prohibited.

• No online casinos: While sports betting is fully regulated, online casinos and internet poker have not been legalized in the state of Iowa.

Betting on College Sports in Iowa

Betting on college sports is legal in Iowa. It is a major part of the sports culture in the state, particularly popular due to the absence of major professional sports leagues. While bettors are fully permitted to wager on the outcomes of games involving in-state teams, please note that Iowa regulations strictly prohibit proposition bets on the individual performances of athletes playing for in-state schools.

The full list of NCAA Division 1 College Programs in the state is here:

• Drake Bulldogs

• Iowa Hawkeyes

• Iowa State Cyclones

• Northern Iowa Panthers

Iowa Sports Betting Facts

How Does Iowa Online Sports Betting Compare to Other States?

In September of 2019, the first full month of betting in Iowa, the state reported $38 million in total handle. This is considerably lower than other states, but it must be taken into consideration that bettors had to register for online sportsbooks in person. 

Therefore, a more accurate reflection would be in January 2021, when remote registration was legalized, and the total handle reached $149 million. Considering Iowa has a population of only 3.2 million, this is quite a standard amount. For instance, Arizona reported $291 million for its first month and has double the population of Iowa. Other states have far higher figures, like Ohio, with $1 billion in the first month of legalization, but it is the 7th most populous state.  

Iowa has a flat tax rate for retail and online sportsbooks of 6.75%, which is quite low compared to other states. New York has a huge tax rate of 51%, while states such as Michigan have an 8% tax rate and Arizona with 10%. Iowa sportsbooks are required to pay a $45,000 licensing fee and, subsequently, $10,000 per year. This is considerably lower than in states like Pennsylvania, for example, where sportsbooks must pay $10 million to enter the market.

Unlike other states, Iowa’s laws allow for wagers on college sports and DFS but do not permit bets on esports.

Iowa Sports Betting News and Updates

Following the repeal of PASPA, it was a relatively quick process for Iowa to legalize sports betting and launch several sportsbooks. Here is a detailed timeline highlighting the milestones of this process:

• Jul. 16, 2025 - FanDuel is fined $125,000 by the Iowa Racing and Gaming Commission for five violations, including accepting unauthorized bets and failing to maintain responsible gaming tools, prompting criticism over compliance lapses despite the company’s corrective actions and refunds to affected users.

• Jun. 23, 2025 - Iowa casino project, Cedar Crossing, is given the green light for a $275 million development.

• May 14, 2025 - Despite a decline in betting handle to $215.5 million in April, Iowa sportsbooks sees a year-over-year revenue increase to $18.7 million, with online sportsbooks outperforming retail counterparts, reflecting the growing dominance of online betting in the state.

• Jan. 29, 2025 - Reports indicate that Iowans wagered more than $2.8 billion on sports in 2024, up 14% compared to 2023, with significant contributions from basketball events.

• Jan. 23, 2025 - The House Public Safety subcommittee advanced the House Study Bill 21 (HSB 21), moving it to the full committee for further consideration.

• Dec. 7, 2024 - Iowa sees a 6.8% increase in November from October and a 8.8% increase year-over-year and a handle of $315.2 million.

• Aug. 31, 2024 - Australian-owned ClutchBet announces exit from all U.S. markets, including Iowa, on Sept. 16, 2024.

• July 22, 2024 - SuperBook Sportsbook is no longer accepting bets or new registrations in Iowa. Betway also officially exited the state.

• June 26, 2024 - Tipico Sportsbook will exit Iowa in the coming months as the company’s US operations were sold to BetMGM.

Is Daily Fantasy Sports Legal in Iowa?

Yes, DFS was legalized in Iowa at the same time as sports betting in 2019. Both DraftKings and FanDuel’s DFS platforms are available in Iowa, along with a plethora of other top-rated DFS apps. 

Major Sports Teams in Iowa

Iowa does not have any major league teams. However, you can find support for teams from neighboring states. NFL teams like the Minnesota Vikings and Green Bay Packers, in addition to NBA teams like the Chicago Bulls, have large fan bases in the Hawkeye State. Aside from this, Iowa has a thriving college sports scene. 

Iowa Sportsbook Partnerships

As Iowa has no major league teams, there are no sportsbook partnerships with any specific teams.

How We Rated the Top Iowa Sports Betting Sites

Our process for rating sportsbooks is straightforward. It is simply guided by our own hands-on experience. We take the time and effort to personally test each sportsbook, as we believe that this is the only way to fully evaluate a platform and its betting process. 

Our team is required to spend at least 2 hours researching and testing each of the following areas for every review: 

1. User Experience: We understand that the user experience is a fundamental part of creating an enjoyable and convenient betting experience. Our team dedicates time to exploring and navigating the sportsbook platform and evaluating how intuitive and well-designed it is. We look at both the desktop and mobile versions to ensure that there is a uniform experience across different devices. 

2. Features: We value sportsbooks that have a deep range of sports and betting markets. We also look at any additional features, such as cash-out, live betting, picking services, and Daily Fantasy Sports options. 

3. Promotions: We like sportsbooks that have a variety of bonuses that keep you engaged with their site, starting with a great welcome offer. We make sure to opt in and try out these offers personally to see if they are worth your time, while looking in detail at the T&Cs. We also spend time delving into any loyalty schemes, their rewards, and how to earn points. 

4. Deposits and Withdrawals: We want a sportsbook to offer a smooth payment process. This includes having a range of payment methods, whether traditional options like debit cards or bank transfers and modern methods such as e-wallets and cryptocurrencies. We test out every single method, taking into account processing times, limits, or any fees. 

5. Customer Support: We know that customer service is essential, so we personally try out the available support channels to see how helpful and quick they are. This involves messaging the live chat, calling the phone number, and emailing support. We use the same set of questions for every book, so we can compare their efficiency. We also evaluate the effectiveness of the FAQs on offer. 

6. Responsible Gambling: We hold sportsbooks in the highest regard and are committed to promoting responsible gambling. We assess the availability of helpful links, information, and hotlines, as well as tools such as deposit/wager limits, self-exclusion options, and reality checks. 

Our process does not end there, as we have a team of post-publication editors who spend 5 hours per month checking that each review is accurate and updated.  

Why Trust Us?

At WSN, we are dedicated to being a trustworthy and authentic source of information for our readers. Our expertise is built on a comprehensive understanding of the betting industry from years of active involvement, first as fans and then as professional writers. 

For every page we write, we employ a first-hand perspective on the overall betting experience by immersing ourselves in the platform. This hands-on approach allows us to provide you with insights that go beyond the surface and offer in-depth reviews, calling out both the positives and negatives we find. Read more on our BetEdge rating methodology here.

Our aim is to help you make informed betting decisions through our experience so that you can easily navigate the world of sports betting in Iowa and beyond. 

Seeking Assistance: Responsible Gambling in Iowa

The Iowa Racing and Gaming Commission (IRGC) is the regulatory body that oversees legal sports betting in Iowa. The IRGC is responsible for giving permission for sportsbooks to launch in the state, in addition to ensuring that they adhere to stringent rules and provide a safe gambling environment. As part of this, the IRGC allocates a portion of the tax revenue from sportsbooks to fund initiatives aimed at preventing and helping with gambling issues. 

On the IRGC site, you can find lots of helpful resources such as links, hotlines, and articles. You have the option of calling 1-800 BETS-OFF or visiting ‘Your Life Iowa’ for direct assistance. Alternatively, those with gambling problems can opt for voluntary self-exclusion which bans them from betting sites for 5 years or life through the IRGC.

Many Iowa sportsbooks provide their own tools to help manage your betting:

1. Custom wager/deposit limits: This can help you manage your spending and ensure that you do not overspend. We share our guide on bankroll management for sports betting here.

2. Reality Check: The sportsbook checks in with you and suggests a break if required.

3. Cool Off Period: It is similar to self-exclusion but only lasts for a week or two.

Find more resources in our Responsible Gambling Center.