Iowa Sports Betting: Best Online Sportsbooks, Apps

The best sports betting sites are taking off in legal states as new sports bettors join the industry. What about in the state of Iowa? Can you bet on sports in Iowa? Here’s what you need to know about Iowa online sports betting.

Is Sports Betting Legal in Iowa?

Yes. Iowa was able to legalize sports betting back in 2019. Online, mobile betting, and retail locations all opened in August 2019. The Iowa Racing and Gaming Commission is in charge now that sports betting is legal and regulates the top sportsbooks in IA.

Best Iowa Sportsbooks and Sports Betting Apps

There are plenty of options if you are looking to bet online in the state of Iowa. Here are some of the top sportsbooks and mobile apps available if you are looking to sports bet in Iowa.

FanDuel

Iowa bettors can see how FanDuel Sportsbook is a well-regarded and trustworthy sportsbook. It is known for having great live betting options making it one of the industry’s best. It’s an excellent option for bettors searching for betting odds and the famous same-game parlay that FanDuel has put on the map.

BetMGM

BetMGM is a popular sportsbook for Iowa bettors known for its range of solid features that include live betting and the ability to edit bets in your bet slip. It is a great option for bettors looking for great odds on professional sports, prop bets, and more. BetMGM also offers solid promotions to get started betting.

DraftKings

DraftKings Sportsbook is a widely-used Iowa sportsbook and reputable sports betting platform that offers a variety of features, including a rewards program that allows users to earn bonuses, odds boosts, offers, promotions, and more. Additionally, DraftKings provides users with solid odds that compare well with the rest of the legal sports betting industry.

Caesars

Caesars Sportsbook is known for having a great VIP loyalty program and it brings that great feature to the Iowa online sports betting market. You can start earning money on your spread bets, moneylines, and more right off the bet. The Caesars Sportsbook is one of the best legal sportsbooks out there as you can get promotions, offers, bonuses, and more as you bet.

PointsBet

PointsBet is a solid sportsbook in Iowa that has managed to establish a strong reputation in legal gambling due to some of the unique betting options it offers. These include its famous “Points Betting” which is a solid option for Iowa bettors.

Moreover, the sportsbook provides attractive offers such as second chance bets for new sports bettors as it tries to compete with the best online sportsbook apps and websites.

BetRivers

BetRivers Sportsbook is a top choice for bettors in Iowa looking for a reliable and convenient platform to place their bets. The BetRivers Sportsbook provides a seamless betting experience for both casual and professional bettors alike. The platform offers various betting options for users to get in on the action.

Betfred

With a user-friendly interface and competitive odds, Betfred Sportsbook provides an enjoyable betting experience for both casual and professional bettors in Iowa. The platform offers various betting options, including live in-play betting, accumulator bets, and cash-out options.

Barstool

Barstool has grown its betting app with the help of strong social media personalities and its strong online following. The sportsbook includes a rewards program for bettors. The sportsbook also has a large variety of betting types and a very interactive sports betting website. It’s making its way up the list of the best online sports betting sites. Barstool also has promotions and odds boosts for users.

Latest Iowa Sports Betting News

You have to be at least 21 years old if you want to place your first bet in the state of Iowa. Initially, Iowa sports bettors had to register in person for retail and online sports betting. That restriction to the sports betting law was lifted in 2021.

You can register and bet from anywhere in the state when IA sports betting. Also, there are no restrictions on college sports. Bettors have both professional and college sports options available in Iowa for their sports betting experience.

Iowa recorded over $2 billion in bets back in 2021.

Registering for an Iowa Sportsbook App

Joining a sportsbook in Iowa is easy. Find a licensed sportsbook that offers your preferred sports betting options. Click “sign up” or “register” on their homepage or download their app. Provide personal information during registration to verify your identity and age.

The sportsbook may use geolocation technology to confirm your location within the state. Once verified, deposit funds and start placing wagers on your favorite sports teams. You don’t have to be an Iowa resident to take part in the Iowa sports betting market. Bettors from other states can wager online from anywhere within Iowa’s borders.

Betting on College Sports and Pro Teams in Iowa

Iowa is one of a few states that doesn’t have a professional sports team. If you are looking on placing wagers with your sports betting account on pro teams, you’ll have to look outside of the state. The best sportsbooks and mobile sports betting apps will have a long list of teams and events from across the world to bet on.

Chicago professional teams or Minnesota franchises commonly have fans from Iowa due to the location. This gives bettors the chance to use the best sportsbook available to bet on the Minnesota Twins, Minnesota Vikings, Chicago Cubs, Chicago Bears, and more.

In terms of college sports, the Iowa sports betting law allows for wagering on in-state college teams. The Iowa Hawkeyes and Iowa State Cyclones are two of the most popular options. Iowa competes in the Big Ten while Iowa State is part of the Big 12 Conference.

Retail Sports Betting in Iowa

There are quite a few retail sportsbooks for sports wagering in the state. These sportsbooks are mostly available at casinos in the state. Here’s a look at some of the sportsbooks to choose from for an in-person betting experience.

Ameristar Casino

Catfish Bend Casino

Diamond Jo Worth

Isle Casino Bettendorf

Lakeside Casino

Q Casino

Wild Rose Clinton

Iowa moved quickly to legalize online and retail locations after the Supreme Court repealed the Professional and Amateur Sports Protection Act back in 2018.

Iowa Sports Betting Apps and Sites Bet Types

There are plenty of options for bet types as you bet online from anywhere within the state borders. Here are some of the common bet types you will see while sports betting in the state.

Moneylines

A moneyline bet is a wager on which team will be the outright winner of the game or event. You’re betting on the winner. Favorites are usually listed with negative odds while an underdog will have positive odds.

For example, you check betting odds and see the Minnesota Vikings are a +155 underdog vs the Chicago Bears. If the Vikings win the game, a $100 bet would win $155.

Point spreads

For a point spread bet, you’re betting on the margin of victory or defeat in the game. Each team is given a point value to balance the odds for bettors. Point spreads allow you to bet on either team, even if one is heavily favored to win the game or event.

For example, you might see the Minnesota Timberwolves are a +3.5 underdog vs the Chicago Bulls in the NBA. To cover the spread, the Timberwolves have to lose by three points or less or even win the game.

Betting lines for point spreads usually come with odds around -110 on both sides. A $110 bet would win $100. Point spreads are one of the most popular bet types in all of sports.

Totals

A total bet is also called an over/under bet. You’re betting on the combined total number of points that both teams will score in the game. Top sportsbooks will set a line on how many points they think will be scored in the game.

For example, the total for the Minnesota Twins vs Chicago Cubs game is 8.5 runs. For an under bet to win, eight runs or less need to be scored in the game. If the game ended 8-4, an under bet would lose because 12 runs were scored in the game.

Props

A prop bet is a wager on a specific outcome within a game. Keep in mind, the outcome is not necessarily tied to the final result. Some people find these bets more enjoyable. Sportsbooks offer props on different outcomes for players, teams, and games.

There are a variety of outcomes such as how many points a player will score, how many rebounds a player will have, how many touchdowns a QB will throw for, and more. For example, Justin Fields might have his over/under for passing yards set a 225.5. You are betting whether he will be over or under that mark in the game.

Futures

A futures bet is looking at an event or outcome down the road in a sporting season or year. Betting on which team will win the championship or what player will win a major award at the end of the year. These odds change throughout the year based on performance, injuries, and more.

Parlays

A parlay bet is when you combine multiple outcomes into one single bet slip. This gives you a boost in odds but comes with a catch. To win a parlay, all of the bets have to win. With each leg you add to the parlay, the probability of winning the bet goes down.

For example, you can select three NFL teams each to win on a Sunday in the fall. If any of the teams lose, your bet loses. If all the teams win, you receive your payout based on the odds.

Online Sportsbooks and Sports Betting Sites Promotions

The top sportsbooks for legal Iowa sports betting will have promo codes, offers, and more to attract new bettors. Here are some of the common promotions you might see while legal sports betting in Iowa.

Bonus Bets

One of the best bonuses offered by an online sports betting app is a bonus bet. The best sportsbooks will dish out bonus bets to new users to entice them to register for the platform. Some bonus bets come without any form of a qualifying deposit. All you need to do is sign up and a sportsbook will give you bonus bets up to a certain amount. Sometimes, the bonus bet needs to be wagered on a specific event.

Other bonus bets have what is called a qualifying bet or deposit that you need to activate the bonus. You have to either place a wager or deposit a certain amount of money to receive the bonus bets. For example, DraftKings has run offers in the past where you place a $5 wager and get $150 in bonus bets instantly.

Second Chance Bets or Bet Insurance

A first bet insurance can also be known as a no-sweat bet, second chance bet, or first bet offer. It provides a type of safety net for users who place their first bet. This promotion offers protection for the first bet that you make up to a specific amount.

In the event of a losing the bet, the sportsbook will credit your account with bonus bets or bet credits equivalent to the initial wager. This type of bonus offer is designed to encourage new users to explore the platform and bet without fear of losing their initial amount of money deposited.

Deposit Match Bonus

Sportsbooks will dish out a deposit match bonus for new bettors who register. They usually come in a percentage of your deposit. For example, a sportsbook might have a 100% deposit match up to a certain amount.

When you register and deposit, you receive bonus funds up to the limit. If the offer calls for a 100% deposit bonus match up to $500, you can get $500 in bonus funds by depositing $500.

Refer a Friend

Friend referral promotions reward users for inviting their friends and others to join the sportsbook platform. When a user refers a friend, they will receive a bonus or credit, often in the form of bet credits or bonus bets, once their friend signs up and meets certain criteria.

These types of promotions not only provide incentives for users to invite their friends but also expand the sportsbook’s customer base as they look to grow their sports betting apps quickly.

Using Multiple Legal Online Sportsbooks in Iowa

To make the most of legal online sports betting in Iowa you can compare all available sportsbooks. Signing up for multiple sportsbooks lets you compare odds and features, so you can choose the best one for you. Note that odds can vary between online sportsbooks, and it’s best to choose the one with the highest payout.

Also, compare offers and bonuses when registering with Iowa online sportsbooks. As a new user, look for the best possible promotions. Choosing multiple sportsbooks lets you take advantage of different offers.

Daily Fantasy Sports in Iowa

Yes. In 2019, Iowa legalized daily fantasy sports contests and sports betting. DraftKings and FanDuel both offer their DFS sites in the state, and Iowa residents can register for either one. This is a nice alternative for sports fans looking for fantasy contests even now that sports betting is legal in Iowa.

Iowa Sports Betting FAQ

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