Sports betting was legalized in Iowa back in May 2019, roughly a year after PASPA was repealed, and retail and online sports betting went live in August of 2019. Iowa has been a robust sports betting market, originally having more of a geographical advantage when neighboring states didn’t yet have legal wagering. The Iowa Racing and Gaming Commission regulates all sports betting activity in the state.

Iowa Sportsbook Features & Promos

Each of the five most popular online sportsbooks in Iowa offer everything that sports bettors today are looking for including same-game parlays, live betting and a variety of prop bets across different sports. Most withdrawals are processed within a day or two on all of these apps, though there are slight variations depending on the banking method you prefer.

Trying out multiple Iowa sportsbooks is a great way to decide which one is best for you. In addition to collecting bonus bets and free plays with each site’s welcome offer, you’ll also have the opportunity to navigate each site and compare the user experience, betting odds and customer service quality each one offers. This process should help you to lock in a go-to sportsbook or two in your home state.

Iowa Sports Betting Legal Path

Many states opt to launch retail sports betting with online coming into the fold shortly after, however, Iowa decided to launch both at the same time in August 2019. Two years following legalization, the Hawkeye state had over $2 billion in bets placed in 2021. 

Additional Iowa Legal Betting Path Details

Here are some key questions regarding Iowa's sports betting rules.

  1. How old do you have to be To Bet in Iowa?

    You must be 21+ to bet at a legal online sportsbook within the state.

  2. How many sportsbooks operate in Iowa?

    There are 17 online sportsbooks and 17 retails in the state of Iowa.

  3. Can you bet on college sports in Iowa?

    You can bet on college sports, including Iowa schools, but betting on player props is prohibited.

  4. Can you bet on Esports in Iowa?

    Wagering on esports is not allowed in Iowa.

  5. Can you play Daily Fantasy in Iowa?

    Daily fantasy sports contests are legal in Iowa.

  6. Do you have to go to a retail location in Iowa to register a sports betting account?

     Iowa allows for remote registration for sports betting.

  7. Can you bet on Politics & Entertainment in iowa?

    Betting on politics (election results, etc.) or award shows (Academy Awards, etc.) is not legal.

Home Field Advantage 

There are no professional sports teams in Iowa, but the Iowa Hawkeyes, Iowa State Cyclones, Drake Bulldogs and Northern Iowa Panthers are among the big Division I college programs with a lot of interest.

NCAA - Iowa Hawkeyes

Before Caitlin Clark was hitting buckets for the Lady Hawkeyes, Dallas Clark, Bob Sanders, and George Kittle were making their mark on the gridiron. Iowa has produced some incredible athletes and it often produces some fun opportunities for betting whether it’s during March Madness or Bowl season.

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