Iowa Sports Betting

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Iowa became the 11^th state in the US to launch sports betting services. The industry quickly took off as sports fans started betting on college and professional sporting events. 

Bettors in the state have access to retail and online betting, including desktop and mobile options. Easily wager on your favorite team or a live matchup while in the Hawkeye State.

The Iowa Racing and Gaming Commission oversees regulation with top operators like William Hill, BetMGM, FanDuel, and BetRivers. Access special sportsbook promotions as a new and existing bettor, including risk-free bets, deposit bonuses, and more.

Operators offer a host of betting markets, with all your favorite bets included, like moneyline, point spread, props, and more. Check out all there is to know about the Iowa Betting market below.

Pros & Cons Of Betting On Sports In Iowa

Pros:

• Take advantage of quality new player bonuses, including risk-free bets and deposit deals.
• Access betting in a retail and online setting.
• College and professional sports are covered.
• Top-rated operators such as BetRivers and FanDuel offer services.
• All major sports are covered, including obscure options.

Cons:

• Online betting can only be accessed while inside the state’s borders.
• You cannot bet on high school sports within the state.
• No betting on eSports.

Would We Bet On Sports At Iowa Sportsbooks?

Yes, we would! Mobile betting is legally allowed, and there are several online sportsbook operators offering desktop sites and mobile apps in the state.

While Iowa is a relatively small state, it has a huge sports betting market. With plenty of land-based and online providers, you will have no trouble placing a sports bet, no matter where you are.

Easily use your mobile device to place a quick bet or spend an evening at a local sportsbook catching the big game on TV while you hang out with friends.

Overall, Iowa is an exciting state for sports betting due to its vast market and quality operators offering services. You can’t go wrong choosing any operator in Iowa for your sports betting needs.

How To Sign Up At A Betting Site

Now that you know Iowa offers a quality sports betting market online, you want to create a new player account. The sign-up process is simple. First, you need to choose which operator you want to use for betting.

• Visit the operator’s desktop site or download their application.
• Next, you need to create an account. Click the register or sign up button and fill out a registration form.
• The operator will require your name, address, telephone number, and the last four digits of your social security number. Click the submit button, and you will receive a verification email from the provider.
• Operators also require a photo ID so that they can ensure you are who you say you are. Be sure to fill out your registration form with the same name and address as your ID, so there will be no confusion on the operator’s side.
• Once you are verified as legit, the site allows you to make a deposit and start placing bets!

GeoComply

A common denominator between online sports betting markets in the United States is the geolocation technology feature. As each state legalized sports betting, the law stipulates that players must be physically located in a state to place bets.

Geolocation is used to detect your location to ensure you are in Iowa before a site gives you access to betting. After signing up for a new player account, the operator will trigger a pop-up. You must download GeoComply software and prove your location before betting can begin.

The process of downloading and installing the software is simple. It is a requirement, and the site will not allow you to bet until the setup is complete.

Sports Betting Apps

You will have no trouble finding a sports betting app in Iowa. The state is filled with online options for both Android and iOS devices. Log in via browser or use a provider’s app to access betting markets and the best odds in the industry.

Pros & Cons Of Sports Betting Apps

Pros: 

• Place a sports bet from anywhere you have an internet connection.
• Access services from top operators including FanDuel, DraftKings, and BetMGM.
• Apps are available on Android and iOS devices.
• Sign-up bonuses and promotions are available via mobile.
• Use your mobile to wager during live sporting events as you watch the action.

Cons: 

• Services are only offered inside the state lines of Iowa.
• A verification process must be completed each time you sign up at a new sportsbook
• Rural areas may be subject to internet connectivity issues.

Below are the current apps available in the state and a little about what each operator provides:

BetMGM Sportsbook App

This brand is synonymous with sports betting in the United States. Having launched in several states, BetMGM sports betting brings its expertise to Iowa, launching in January 2021. Partnered with Diamond Jo Worth Casino, the app ensures players have access to the best sports betting lines in all markets.

The app is also connected to the MGM reward program, allowing bettors to earn rewards and redeem them at properties owned by MGM across the United States. 

BetRivers Sportsbook App

Teaming up with Wild Rose Casino, the BetRivers brand started offering sports betting services online in Iowa in January 2021. BetRivers app provides quality promotions for its members, including an excellent welcome deal. The app also includes a rewards program, so betting can help earn odds boosts, bonus cash, and additional incentives. 

BetFred Sportsbook App

Grand Falls Casino Resort signed a deal with BetFred, offering retail and online services via the brand. The sports betting company is based in Great Britain and is a popular choice among sports bettors. The brand decided to get started in the US, now offering services in Iowa with plenty of betting options for novice and veteran sports fans.

DraftKings Sportsbook App

Working with the Wild Rose Casinos in Iowa, DraftKings offers online service via desktop and mobile app. The brand is well-known among sports bettors and often a go-to for wagering on NASCAR, NFL, MLB, and NBA events. The app offers seamless betting with easy-to-navigate betting markets. 

FanDuel Sportsbook App

Rival to DraftKings, FanDuel decided to team up with the Diamond Jo brand to launch online sports betting in Iowa. Another well-known brand, the FanDuel mobile app, provides quality promotions, up-to-date betting lines, and sports information in popular categories and obscure betting markets. 

Hard Rock Sportsbook App

Hard Rock Sioux City decided to create its own online sportsbook, launching in late 2019. The app operates via the Gaming Innovation Group platform, including professional and college sports games.

PointsBet Sportsbook App

The PointsBet brand is Australian, launched in 2017. Early on, the brand decided to get in on the sports betting action in the US, gaining approval to offer services in several states, including Iowa.

Working with Catfish Bend Casino, the PointsBet app features wagering on major sports leagues, including the National Hockey League, of which PointsBet is the official partner.

TheScore Bet Sportsbook App

This brand started offering services in Iowa in early 2021. Known as a Canadian sports information company, theScore Bet offers an intuitive app, a compliment to theScore app. Access premium betting lines along with up-to-date information on all sports leagues with theScore Bet.

William Hill Sportsbook App

As the first to launch in Iowa, William Hill quickly became a number one pick for sports bettors. The band is partnered with not one or two land-based casinos, but six! It is the most connected sports betting service operator in Iowa, and bettors will find the experienced company offers nothing but the best in betting options.

Unibet Sportsbook App

This sports betting brand is not quite live in Iowa at the moment. Back in February 2020, Kindred Group signed a partnership deal with Caesars Entertainment. With this deal, the brand can offer services in Iowa and other states. However, Unibet sportsbook has yet to provide an app in the state. 

How To Fund Your Betting Account

Real money sports betting in Iowa requires a deposit, which can easily be done via several banking methods on offer. The state provides quality deposit and withdrawal methods to ensure players quickly access sports betting services via an app or website.

How To Deposit:

• Log in to your sports betting account.
• Click on the ‘Cashier’ and select the ‘Deposit’ tab.
• Choose your preferred banking method.
• Enter the amount you wish to deposit and follow the instructions to complete the transfer.
• Once the deposit is finished, you can begin placing real money bets.

How To Withdraw Funds:

• Log in to your sportsbook app and select the ‘Cashier’ tab.
• Choose the ‘Withdrawal’ option and select your amount to remove from the account.
• Follow the directions listed at the site to complete the withdrawal. Each method will have specific instructions to follow.
• Once the withdrawal is complete, you will have access to your funds.

Online Sportsbook Payment Process

The payment process is simple in Iowa. Each sports betting app has a cashier that lists each method for deposit and withdrawal.

With a wide range of options, you can easily find an alternative to transfer funds, whether you wish to deposit to place a bet or withdraw winnings.

Common Deposit Methods:

• Online banking
• Credit card
• Debit card
• PayPal
• E-check
• Prepaid card
• Wire transfer
• PayNearMe

Common Withdrawal Methods:

• VIP Preferred
• Online banking
• PayPal

How Do Sports Betting Sign Up Offers Work?

If you are new to online sports betting, you may be wondering about new player sign-up offers. An operator will provide a signup deal to new players as an incentive to try the site or app.

Online sportsbooks offer three available deals: first deposit, no deposit, and risk-free bet. Check out details about each option below to see which will work best for your betting needs.

First Deposit Offer

This offer is the most common one found at an online sportsbook. The provider will offer you a bonus code that you use when making your first deposit. The offer includes a cash match up to a certain amount. Let’s say the deal is a 100% match worth up to $500.

This means you can deposit up to $500, and the operator will provide that same amount in your account in bonus cash. This type of deal, as well as others, has wagering restrictions attached to them. You will have to wager the bonus plus the deposit amount a certain number of times before you can withdraw winnings.

Be sure to read the terms and conditions thoroughly before accepting any deal. This way, you fully understand how to claim the deal as well as clear any wagering requirements.

No Deposit Offer

With a no deposit deal, you are given bonus cash by the sportsbook without the need to deposit. Usually, the offer is worth a specific amount, and you must wager it all at once. In some cases, the bet may need to be placed on a particular sport or type of bet.

You do not have to deposit to access this deal, but you must add funds before you can cash out any winnings. Be sure to check for any wagering requirements as well.

Risk-Free Bet

The risk-free bet is a popular choice among gamblers. This wager type provides you with a full bet at no risk to you. The app or website will allow you to wager a certain amount on one sports bet. If you win the bet, then you keep your winnings, of course.

If you lose, then the sportsbook provides you with the same amount in bonus credits. This is a great way to try out a site and end up with a bonus if you lose your bet.

Where Can I Place A Bet In Iowa?

Along with online betting, Iowa also provides retail betting at land-based facilities. Several commercial casinos have set up sportsbooks, offering a physical location for betting.

Each property has teamed up with a partner to provide sports betting in the state.

Ameristar Casino

Located in Council Bluffs, this casino offers sports betting action along with bar service. The sportsbook is open daily and offers competitive odds with all major sports leagues covered.

Catfish Bend Casino

This casino is situated near the border of Missouri and Illinois. Easily visit the property for sports betting and slots, table games, live poker, and more.

Casino Queen Marquette

This venue is one of the smaller casinos in the state. A sports betting license has been approved for the casino, but services were not live as of 2021.

Diamond Jo Dubuque

Here, sports bettors have access to a FanDuel branded sportsbook. The venue offers over 2,100 square feet of space, with plenty of options for watching the big game and placing a sports bet.

Diamond Jo Worth

Near the Minnesota state line, this casino offers a FanDuel sportsbook as well. Hours are limited, so you will want to check the daily schedule to ensure the sportsbook will be open when you arrive.

Grand Falls

This casino is an excellent option for players located in Iowa as well as nearby South Dakota. The operator decided to team up with Betfred to offer sports betting services.

Hard Rock Casino

Located in Sioux City, this casino offers retail and online betting. The sportsbook is open seven days a week and provides plenty of opportunities to place sports bets. If you like the land-based experience, be sure to check out the online options as well.

Harrah’s Casino

This casino has teamed up with William Hill for sports betting services. The casino offers online and retail sports betting. On-site, kiosks are open from 10 am to midnight for self-service betting.

Horseshoe Casino

Located in Council Bluffs, this casino features a branded sportsbook with options for betting every day of the week. Visitors can take part in sports betting as well as casino games, poker, and golfing.

Iowa Sports Betting Laws And Tax Rates

In May 2019, Governor Kim Reynolds signed sports betting legislation into law. SF 617 was approved after being pushed to the forefront by Senator Bobby Kaufmann and Representative Roby Smith.

Mobile betting is allowed, and each operator with a license is allowed up to two sportsbook apps. In the beginning, players had to register for mobile betting at a physical location. In January 2021, that requirement ended.

Revenues from sports betting in Iowa are taxed at 6.75%. This is a relatively low percentage when compared to other states.

The Iowa Racing and Gaming Commission oversees the industry, with operators restricted to offering prop bets on professional sports teams, with no props offered on in-state college teams.

Gambling Problem? Find out how to exclude yourself from betting sports in Iowa.