The good news for gamblers is that the Hawkeye State has some of the most liberal betting laws in the US, with Iowa among those that carried the baton for online sports betting, campaigning beginning even before the Supreme Court ruling that the ban on sports betting was unconstitutional.
It may have been behind the likes of Delaware and New Jersey in the race to introduce legislation, with Iowa legalizing both online and land-based sports betting in 2019. There are a number of apps available to gamblers offering a variety of incentives to sign up, with around a dozen online sportsbooks active in Iowa like Betway, Unibet, and BetRivers, and many more likely to launch in the near future.
Along with online options, many of the land-based casinos also have sportsbooks on site, with horse race betting also available, along with the state’s well-established lottery.
Best Gambling Site in Iowa
There are around a dozen online legal sports betting apps available in Iowa, most offering incentives for new customers to sign up. For those who prefer in-person sports betting, many of the state’s tribal casinos have their own sportsbooks. Here is the list of legal sportsbooks in IA:
- BallyBet
- Bet365
- BetMGM
- BetRivers
- Caesars Sportsbook
- Circa Sports
- CluchBet
- Draftkings
- ESPN Bet
- Fanatics Sportsbook
- Fanduel
- Hard Rock Bet Sportsbook
- Q Sportsbook
Iowa Online Casinos
The state has not made any provision for online casinos, with many land-based venues offering a variety of live and electronic games for customers. Offshore sportsbooks offering online casino play are operating outside US law and offer no consumer protection.
Iowa Sweepstakes Casinos
Sweepstakes casinos in Iowa offer a legal and exciting way to enjoy casino-style gaming online. Platforms like LuckyLand Slots, and Funzpoints operate under sweepstakes laws, allowing players to use Gold Coins for fun or Sweeps Coins that can be redeemed for real cash prizes.
Sweepstakes casinos are a great option for Iowans seeking a legal and entertaining way to play casino games online.
Poker Tournaments and Card Rooms in Iowa
There are no online legal poker sites available in Iowa but there are a number of different poker games available at the state’s land-based casinos.
Iowa Horse Racing Wagering
There is one track in the state, Prairie Meadows, with live racing, on-site betting and simulcast racing, while several of Iowa’s casinos have off-track betting available. Bettors also have the option of placing bets online using advance-deposit wagering operators like Fanduel Racing and TVG.
Lottery in Iowa
The state lottery has been running since 1985 with tickets available at nearly 2,400 retail locations throughout Iowa. Since its inception, the Iowa Lottery has generated over $4.5 billion in prizes for players and has contributed $2 billion to state programs benefiting all Iowans. The age limit is 21 for the lottery and there are no online ticket sales.
Iowa DFS
The state successfully legalized DFS events in 2019 with residents allowed to participate in a range of sports competitions run by the likes of FanDuel, Underdog and DraftKings.
Iowa Online Gambling FAQs
Is gambling legal in Iowa?
The state initially required in-person registration at one of the land-based casinos in Iowa as part of the process for signing up to bet online, but that ended in 2021.
What is the legal gambling age in Iowa?
The Iowa Racing and Gaming Commission regulates gambling in the state with an age limit of 21 for all forms of gambling.
Who regulates Iowa online gambling?
Iowa Racing and Gaming Commission (IRGC) regulates gambling in the state.
Can I bet on all IA sports teams?
Yes, you can bet on all of Iowa professionals sports teams and NCAA Division I college teams in the state.
Where can I get help with problem gambling in Iowa?
Gambling is enjoyable for many but for some it can become problematic; if you, or a friend or relative, is struggling to cope with their gambling, help is available Iowa – National Council on Problem Gambling (ncpgambling.org). Sports bettors can also self-exclude from betting by filling out a form with the Iowa Racing & Gaming Commission.
There are several gambling addiction support groups available in the state, including the Gamblers Anonymous (www.gamblersanonymous.org) and Iowa Gambling Treatment Program (www.idph.iowa.gov/igtp).