Can I Sports Bet Online In Iowa?
Yes. You can bet on sports online in Iowa at any of the 10 state-licensed online sportsbooks as long as you are physically present within the borders of the state.
Luckily, it’s even easier than before to get set up. Between August 2019 and January 2021, bettors had to register in person before being able to use an online sportsbook account. But now, you can bet on sports from your mobile device. Now, bettors can register from a remote location inside the state and immediately start betting.
Where Can I Place A Bet?
You can bet anywhere online inside Iowa state lines. No longer do you need to register or be present at one of the many brick-and-mortar casinos in the state to wager on sports. Whether you’re in Council Bluffs, Des Moines, Northwood, Sioux City, Dubuque, Clinton, Riverside, Waterloo, or anywhere else in the Hawkeye State…you can bet on sporting events of all kinds.
Do You Have To Live In Iowa To Bet Online?
No, but you must be physically located in the state in order to place wagers. Players do not have to be residents of Iowa, but they are required to be within the borders of the state. If a mobile device is used to place wagers, geolocation software is used to verify your location.
Are Online Sportsbooks Legit?
Yes. Unlike offshore betting sites, Iowa online sportsbooks are legit and regulated by the Iowa Gaming Control Board. Bettors can be sure their money and personal information is secure by using these lawful sportsbooks.
Senate File 617 was signed into law in May 2019 as Iowa became the 11th American state to legalize sports betting. On August 15, 2019, the first bets were placed in the state.
Can I Win Real Money At An Online Sportsbook?
Yes. Bettors can win real money but they must be at least 21 years old to participate in gambling activities at any of the legalized online sportsbooks in Iowa.
Why Play A Sports Betting Site Vs. A Land-Based Sportsbook?
The betting industry has experienced a few revolutionary changes in the past few years, with none more important than the industry’s growth in the digital space.
There are many reasons to wager online rather than in person, starting with convenience. Patrons can now register, deposit money and start placing their wagers right from the comfort of their mobile devices, without having to physically appear at a land-based sportsbook.
A major benefit of the online element, when compared to land-based sportsbooks, is the diversity of betting options. While most land-based sportsbooks cover the most basic markets, players can find a much wider range of options at online betting sites.
There are also more sports and leagues available via mobile wagering apps than what can typically be found at a brick-and-mortar location.
Another major advantage of wagering via mobile device is the ability to take part in line shopping. Because there are a broad range of apps and sites to choose from, bettors can check odds from the same game at several different places and pick the site with the most beneficial lines. When gambling in person, there is no recourse for unfavorable betting lines.
The fact that there are so many sites also means the online sports betting market is very competitive, and that works in favor of the player. These sites have welcome offers, special promotions, VIP rewards, and more to provide an incentive to wager on that site.
The deposit options at most land-based sportsbooks are also limited to cash, whereas the online space presents far more choices. Bettors can use a credit or debit card from accepted banks, or popular e-Wallets such as PayPal to fund wagers online.
Online sports betting also makes it easier to control gambling disorders, Many online sportsbooks promote responsible gambling and help the player keep track of how long they’ve been signed onto the app and how much money they have spent. No such assistance exists at your local casino sportsbook.
How Do Sports Betting Signup Offers Work?
Nearly every sports betting site you come across will offer special bonuses and promotions to encourage new players to sign up and begin placing wagers.
New bettors can benefit from one of several welcome packages that include no-deposit bonuses, deposit match bonuses, and bonus bets, depending on the site. Below, we’ll get into the details and explain how each one is different but generous in its own way.
Types Of Online Sportsbook Signup Offers
First Deposit Offer
A first deposit offer involves the sportsbook matching the bettor’s initial investment into the sportsbook with the site credit. Some sites offer to match the entire deposit, while others will match a percentage of it, up to a certain amount.
For example, BetMGM is known to offer a first deposit match bonus up to $1,500 with the site matching the deposit 100 percent of the way. This means that if you deposit $1,500, the sportsbook will give you an additional $1,500 in site credit and you’ll have a grand total of $3,000 in eligible funds.
These bonuses are awarded as soon as the initial deposit is made
No Deposit Offer
As the name suggests, a no deposit bonus can be claimed without funding your account. Once a new account is created on sportsbooks that have this offer, the bonus is triggered and the site credit is added to a player’s account balance.
This site credit cannot be withdrawn and must be wagered within a certain amount of time, so check the terms and conditions. Depending on the site, winnings won with the no deposit bonus could also come with a wagering requirement before it can be withdrawn.
How To Sign Up To A Sports Betting Site
The registration process at Iowa sportsbook is quite simple and straightforward, as long as you follow the appropriate guidelines. Simply follow these step-by-step instructions to complete the signup process:
- Choose a reputable sportsbook. This is the most important step. You can start by looking through the Iowa sports betting sites listed on this page and comparing them. Be sure to sign up through BonusSeeker and claim your welcome bonuses.
- Download the Iowa sports betting mobile app or visit the website to begin the registration process. Click on ‘Join’ or ‘Register’. You will be asked to provide some personal details such as your name, residential address, email, social security number, and banking details.
- Accept the Terms and Conditions
- Select your preferred payment method and deposit funds in your betting account.
- Claim your bonus and start betting!
How To Deposit Into A Sportsbook Account
Funding your account is simple as long as it is done on a reputable site using the right option. Although there might be slight variations on how to deposit funds into your betting account, you can follow the general guidelines below to fund your betting account at any Iowa online sportsbook.
- You will be redirected to the banking section or cashier’s page once you have completed the registration process. Otherwise, simply use the navigation tabs to access the cashier page.
- All the acceptable deposit options are listed on the cashier page,
- Then select your preferred betting option. There are a number of factors to consider before deciding on the most suitable option. To make sure that this process is hassle-free, we have included all the necessary details on each deposit option in this guide.
- Select your preferred deposit amount.
- Click ‘Deposit’ and start betting.
How To Withdraw From A Sportsbook Account
If the odds work in your favor and you have made some juicy wins, the next thing would be to cash out your earnings. Although there may be some slight differences in the withdrawal process for each sportsbook, follow this step-by-step guide to withdraw your winnings.
- Before deciding on a withdrawal option, you have to consider factors such as the withdrawal fee, withdrawal limit, and processing time.
- Once the verification process is complete, click on ‘Withdraw’ and select your preferred withdrawal option. Take note that many sportsbooks allow withdrawals only with the same method that was used to deposit.
- Submit the withdrawal request. As part of the KYC/verification process, most sportsbooks require validation documents. This process is compulsory before you can withdraw your winnings and it typically takes between 24 and 72 hours.
- Confirm that your withdrawal request has been approved and is being processed. The status of your withdrawal can be tracked on your mobile device.
- You will receive a notification via email when your withdrawal is processed.
Payment Options
One of the most important factors to consider before selecting your sportsbook, no matter the location, is the payment options offered. Being able to complete deposits and withdrawals swiftly and without any hassles is what many bettors hope for, and it’s integral to a positive customer experience.
There are numerous different payment options which include PayPal, Skrill, Neteller, Play Plus cards, PayNearMe, Online bank wires, Paper checks, credit cards/ debit cards, Cash at the casino cage, and ACH/ VIP Preferred eCheck.
With such a high number of available payment options, you might be overwhelmed but we are here to help by diving into each method in detail.
Credit Cards
This is undoubtedly the most common payment method at Iowa online betting sites. The most popularly accepted credit cards at online sportsbooks include Visa, MasterCard and American Express. It should be noted that credit cards can be used as a deposit option but not a withdrawal option.
- Visa: Visa is one of the most popular electronic cards globally, it is accepted at almost every online sportsbook. Deposits can be completed within a few minutes without fees.
- MasterCard: Using MasterCard is one of the most effective ways to fund your casino account cards as it is accepted at almost every sports betting site. This method is safe and secure. Deposits are completed instantly without any fees.
- American Express: This method is usually exclusive to high rollers, so there is a limited number of sportsbooks that accept American Express cards. The fees charged can be high.
Debit Cards
The debit card is also a popularly accepted payment option at online sportsbooks. Similar to credit cards, however, debit cards can only be used for deposits.
- Visa: This is the biggest debit card provider globally. Transactions are instant and stress-free.
- MasterCard: Like their credit cards, MasterCard debit cards are also popular. The only difference is that funds are deducted directly from the player’s bank account. Deposits are instant and are free of charge at most online casinos.
- American Express: Payments with AMEX debit cards are completed instantly, they are mostly used for deposits, online sportsbook rarely allows withdrawals using American Express debit cards. Take note that AMEX cards incur set fees.
Play Plus
Play Plus is a fast and simple method of funding your casino account with PayPal, Visa, or MasterCard. Your Play+ account can be funded directly with a mobile device. Play Plus can be used for both deposits and withdrawals without any fees.
Prepaid Cards
Prepaid cards are used by bettors who do not want to link their banking details directly to the sportsbook. The prepaid card must be funded first before it can then be used to fund the betting account. Bettors can fund their betting account using a non-reloadable or a reloadable prepaid credit card. However, prepaid cards cannot be used to make withdrawals.
PayPal
PayPal is a top choice for many bettors. This is because this payment method is secure and reliable. Many online sportsbooks offer welcome bonuses that apply to deposits made with PayPal. The only slight inconvenience is that you might have to use the same email address for your betting and PayPal account.
Skrill
Skrill is one of the most popular e-wallets globally. Most bettors looking for convenience would prefer this method. In addition, deposits are instant and withdrawals are completed within the shortest possible time.
PayNearMe
If you have any reservations about transacting online with your credit card, then PayNearMe is an effective option. Once you make cash deposits at a local store such as CVS, Family Dollar, or 7-Eleven, you will receive a code that must be entered into your account for the amount to be credited to your betting account.
ACH
This payment method is also referred to as a VIP Preferred e-check, it is particularly suitable for bettors with a checking account. ACH is one of the most popular banking options on online sportsbooks. It offers swift deposit and withdrawal times. However, there might be delays in the deduction of funds from your account, depending on the bank’s policy.
Check
Another way to fund your betting account is by mailing paper checks. This method can be quite inconvenient as it takes 7 to 10 days for the sportsbook to receive paper check deposits. However, it is an acceptable withdrawal option at many online sportsbooks.
Cash At The Casino Cage
This is an in-person deposit method. This means that you have to physically visit a partner land-based retail sportsbook to use this method, making it an inconvenient payment method. However, there are no deposit limits and deposits are made instantly.
IA Sports Betting Apps
Iowa sports betting sites can be accessed using a desktop device, however, sports betting is even more convenient with the use of mobile apps.
With Iowa online sportsbooks, you can access your preferred sites and make deposits, place bets, and even withdraw your winnings. Apart from the size of the screen, betting on mobile apps offer the same experience as betting on desktop devices, with the main difference being that mobile wagering allows you to bet from a location of your choice.
Can I Bet On Sports With My iPhone Or iOS devices?
Yes. Most Iowa online sportsbooks offer apps for Apple devices, so bettors can access their complete range of bet markets to place wagers, in addition, to easily depositing and withdrawing from their device.
How To Download A Sports Betting App For iPhone
Most Iowa mobile sportsbook apps are compatible on iOS devices including iPhones and Pads. Take the following steps to download a mobile sportsbook on your iPhone:
- Launch the website of the sportsbook you want to download on your iOS device
- A download link will be provided, click on it, and complete the installation process
- Launch the installed app to start betting
Can I Bet On Sports With My Android Phone Or Tablet?
Yes. Android users can register, deposit, claim bonuses, and place wagers using their devices or tablets.
How To Download A Sports Betting App For Android
Since gambling apps are not available in Google Play Store, those with an android device will have to take an alternate route. Follow the steps below to download your preferred sports betting app on your android device.:
- Visit the official website of your preferred sportsbook
- Scroll to the bottom of the website homepage, where a link should be featured to download the app as an .apk file
- Complete the installation process and start placing your wagers
What Sports Can I Bet On In Iowa?
After completing the registration process at any one of the legal Iowa online sportsbooks, bettors can start playing for real money. The options available at IA online and land-based sportsbooks include but are not limited to:
- Football (NFL, NCAA)
- Baseball (MLB, KBO)
- Basketball (NBA, NCAA, Euro League, CBA)
- Hockey (NHL, KHL)
- Golf (PGA, European Tour, LPGA, PGA Champions Tour)
- Boxing/Mixed Martial Arts (MMA, UFC)
- Soccer (EPL, La Liga, Bundesliga, Serie A, MLS, etc.)
- Tennis (ATP, WTA)
- Motorsports (NASCAR, Formula One)
There are plenty of other sports offered including but not limited to Rugby, Darts, Cycling, Cricket, Table Tennis, Volleyball, Drone Racing, and more. Betting apps in the Hawkeye State offer a huge range of betting options with the exception of in-game wagers and prop bets on college teams located in the state such as Iowa and Iowa State.
Iowa College Sports Betting Online
Betting on college sports is legal in Iowa, so you can bet on collegiate teams including Iowa Hawkeyes, Northern Iowa Panthers, Iowa State Cyclones, and Drake Bulldogs. The only limitations are that betting on prop markets and placing live wagers (also known as in-game) is not allowed.
College Basketball
NCAA basketball is popular to bet on and March Madness is one of the most important parts of the sports betting calendar in all states including Iowa.
The college basketball season typically begins around November with conference games being played from December until February. Conference tournaments take place from late February into mid-March when the NCAA Division I Men’s Basketball Tournament begins. The tournament, widely popularized as March Madness, takes place over three weeks across the second half of March into early April.
College Football
College football is one of the most popular sports in the nation and Iowa is a state that loves the NCAA game more than most. The season usually begins in late August or early September and the regular season concludes in December with conference championship games.
During the holiday season, there are dozens of bowl games played and the season culminates with the College Football Playoff (CFP). The two national semifinal matches are chosen from a group of the most prestigious bowl games in the sport, referred to as the New Year’s Six, which include the following:
- Rose Bowl
- Sugar Bowl
- Orange Bowl
- Cotton Bowl
- Fiesta Bowl
- Peach Bowl
The semifinals rotate between two of these six games every year, and all are played on New Year’s Eve or New Year’s Day, with the exception of when one of those dates falls on a Sunday.
The CFP is the biggest spectacle in the sport. Four teams compete in the two semifinal matches on New Year’s Eve and the two finalists clash for the National Championship during the second week in January.
Can I Bet On Local Iowa College Sports Teams?
Yes. You can bet on Iowa collegiate sports teams at most online sportsbooks in IA. It’s important to note, however, that placing prop bets on Iowa college sports teams is not allowed.
The Legal History Behind Sports Betting In Iowa
In May 2018, the long-standing Professional and Amateur Sports Protection Act (PASPA) of 1992 which enforced a ban on sports betting in most of the United States was overturned by the Supreme Court. This gave each state the right to enact its own sport betting laws.
On February 25, 2019, Senate File 366 was submitted to the Iowa Senate to introduce sports betting, taxation, and a regulatory structure. By April 2019, SF 366 was stalled, but it did pave the way for Senate File 617, which would eventually pass. After a meeting was conducted, a fiscal note was included in favor of the bill. The bill was amended and enacted by the House on April 22 before being referred to the Senate.
Senate File 617 was led by Rep. Roby Smith and Senator Bobby Kaufmann and enacted with bi-partisan support in May 2019. The bill was signed into law by Governor Kim Reynolds on May 13, 2019, and the Hawkeye state became the 11th state to legalize sports betting, which began in August.
The Iowa Racing and Gaming Commission is the only regulatory body in Iowa. After this bill was passed into law, the IRGC began the authorization and licensing process for sportsbook operators in time for the NFL and college football season.
The first sport betting sites in Iowa opened their doors to bettors on August 15, 2020. Iowa was one of the first states where a sports betting app was launched on the same day that retail betting was legalized.
Iowa Authorized Online Sports Betting Vs. Offshore Sports Betting
For many years, offshore sports betting was the only option available to online bettors, which is why these sites grew in popularity. This was due to the PASPA Act of 1992 which prohibited all forms of sports betting in most states.
Thankfully, the ban was overturned in 2018 and sports betting was legalized in Iowa in 2019, paving the way for Iowa authorized online sports betting. Now there are nearly a dozen state-licensed online sportsbooks in the Hawkeye State.
Many bettors don’t realize that offshore sportsbooks are violating federal law when accepting money from the United States. Even though bettors will oftentimes find success depositing into offshore accounts, there is no guarantee that winnings will be paid out, and there is also insufficient customer service help if you run into one of the many possible issues with these sites.
IA Authorized Online Sports Betting
Iowa authorized online sportsbooks are licensed by the Iowa Racing and Gaming Commission (IRGC), and these sites are definitely the safest and smartest way to wager. Some of the benefits of gambling at authorized sports betting in IA include:
- Generous welcome bonuses & promotions
- Free and instant withdrawals
- Intuitive user-friendly websites and mobile apps
- More betting options
- Maximum safety and security for personal/financial information
- Safe convenient banking options
- Generates revenue for the state
Illegal Online Sportsbooks
An offshore betting site is an illegal sportsbook that is operated and managed overseas. Although bettors are unlikely to be legally pursued for using an offshore sportsbook, it is a violation of federal law for these sites to accept your money.
In addition to this, some of the disadvantages of betting at offshore/illegal sportsbooks include:
- Small welcome bonuses & limited promotions
- Personal and financial details at risk of being compromised by third parties
- Major credit cards may not be accepted (these sites prefer cryptocurrency)
- Withdrawal fees
- Lower deposit bonuses
- Reduced betting limit
- May not be able to bet via the mobile app
- No customer service or recourse if your winnings aren’t paid
Iowa Gaming Control Board
The Iowa Gaming Control Board is known as the IRGC (Iowa Racing and Gaming Commission), the board sets up the legal and regulatory framework guiding commercial gambling activities, including sports betting. The board also regulates and licenses pari-mutuel betting.
The regulatory body is a five-person committee whose members are appointed by the governor, endorsed by the Senate, and appointed to serve as a board member for 3 years.
Who Can Get A Sportsbook License?
Any of the 19 casinos in Iowa are authorized to apply for a sportsbook license from the IRGC. Authorized casino operators can then collaborate with sportsbook operators to provide online and mobile sports betting services to bettors within the borders of Iowa.
Each of those is legally allowed to host two skins on its license, which means there could be up to 38 gaming apps allowed.
The license requires a $45,000 fee and an additional $10,000 annually for the license renewal. Sports betting is subject to a 6.75% taxation, 0.75% of GGR (gross gambling revenue) must be donated for charitable causes, and a 0.25% federal tax applies to bets. Under the state license, bettors are restricted from placing prop bets on in-state college teams in Iowa.
Responsible Gambling In Iowa
Responsible Gaming in Iowa is supervised by the Iowa Racing and Gaming Commission. The Program is voluntary, so participation requires self-enrollment. The registration can be done at the IRGC office, or any authorized casinos within the state. The components of the responsible gambling policy include:
- Self-Assessment Questionnaire: Highlights potential gambling problem
- Betting Restriction Tools: Enables bettors to limit their gambling to a certain amount of money over specific periods of time
- Time Out: Stops gambling activities between one day and one month.
- Referrals For Professional Help: Agencies help to treat gambling disorders in Iowa.
- Self-Exclusion: temporary self-restriction that typically lasts between six months and five years. Even after the set period has elapsed, the self-exclusion remains in place until the bettor requests a reversal.
Individual sportsbook operators also provide betting control tools, some also offer self-exclusion options.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Gambling Illegal In IA?
No, several forms of gambling are legal in Iowa. From pari-mutuel betting to charitable gambling, lottery games, bingo, and casino gambling, the Hawkeye state offers numerous legalized gambling options. The SF617 bill was signed into law by Governor Kim Reynolds in May 2019, legalizing sports betting within the state, which officially began in August of that year.
How Old Do I Need To Be To Gamble In IA?
To participate in any gambling activity in Iowa, bettors must be at least 21 years old. This applies to charity raffles, pari-mutuel betting, tribal and commercial gaming. Players who are at least 18 years old, however, may be allowed to participate in lotteries.
Are IA Online Sportsbooks Safe?
Iowa sports betting sites are licensed and regulated by the Iowa Racing and Gaming Commission. Licensed sportsbooks have been vetted thoroughly by the gaming control board.
Can I Win Real Money At IA Online Sportsbooks?
Yes. You can win real money after betting on your preferred sporting events at IA sportsbooks. Patrons are only required to meet the minimum age requirement of 21 to participate in gambling activities at any of the in-person locations or legalized online betting sites.
Can You Bet On College Sports In Iowa?
Yes, betting on in-state College teams in Iowa is legal. Bettors can wager on popular teams including Iowa Hawkeyes and Iowa State Cyclones, Northern Iowa Panthers, and Drake Bulldogs. However, betting on the prop is illegal.
How Many Sportsbooks Are In IA?
There are currently 19 state-licensed sportsbooks in Iowa, one for each of the state’s 19 brick-and-mortar casinos. When it comes to mobile betting, there are 10 online sportsbooks currently available in Iowa.
Is MyBookie Legal In IA?
No. MyBookie is an offshore gambling site that is not under the jurisdiction of the United States. Not only is this betting site illegal, but the private information of players is not necessarily secure compared to regulated, state-licensed sportsbooks.
When Did Gambling Become Legal In IA?
In 2019, Governor Kim Reynolds signed the SF617 bill into law, making sports betting legal in the Hawkeye state. It should be noted, however, that gambling first became legal in Iowa in 1989 when the pari-mutuel betting bill was signed into law. The first riverboat casinos in the U.S. were launched in Iowa in 1991.
Can I Bet On Sports With My PC or Mac?
Yes. As long as you are at least 21 years old, you can access any of the state-licensed online sportsbooks on both mobile and desktop devices.
Which IA Online Sportsbooks Accept PayPal?
PayPal is accepted at several online sportsbooks in Iowa including FanDuel and DraftKings. Once your PayPal account has been linked to your bank account, it can be used to fund your sportsbook wagers.
How Do IA Gambling Sites Acquire My Location?
IA sports betting online sites use geolocation technology to pinpoint your location using software that is incorporated into the sportsbook website. GPS and specialized data points are used to assess virtual locations and authenticate a player’s location while wagering on sports.
Do I Have To Pay Taxes On My Winnings?
Winnings are subject to taxation in Iowa. Under state law, winnings from pari-mutuel bets, dog racing, lottery games, and bingos that are worth more than $600 must be reported to the Iowa Revenue Department and the Internal Revenue Service. Such winnings are subject to a 5% tax. If more than $5,000 is won, it is subject to an additional 24% federal tax.
What Is Sports Betting Handle?
The sports betting handle is the total amount of bets placed at a sportsbook within a specific period. Typically, the sports betting handle varies depending on the calendar and how many sporting events are taking place at a given time of year
Who Regulates Online IA Sportsbooks?
Online sportsbooks in Iowa are regulated by the Iowa Racing and Gaming Commission situated at 1300 Des Moines Street, IA 50309, United States. All forms of gambling activities, from pari-mutuel betting to lotteries, bingo games, commercial gambling, tribal gaming, and sports betting are under the jurisdiction of the IRGC.
Are There Any Sports Betting Restrictions?
Yes. The age restriction to bet on sports in Iowa is 21 years. As long as they are of age, patrons can participate in all forms of sports betting at state-licensed casinos in Iowa. In addition to this, placing individual prop bets on Iowa college teams is illegal.