Iowa Sports Betting

Iowa sports betting is legal and widely available. Most of the state’s 19 casinos operate retail sportsbooks, and bettors have more than 15 online sports betting apps at their disposal.

IA sports betting law required in-person registration at launch, but the provision phased out on January 1st, 2021. Now, anyone 21 or older can visit Iowa online sportsbooks to place wagers from anywhere within state lines. Read on to learn more about Iowa mobile sports betting apps, including info on how to claim a variety of welcome bonuses collectively worth over $10,000.

Sports betting isn’t the only form of legal online gambling in Iowa. The state also regulates online horse racing betting and daily fantasy sports. In addition, Iowa law requires operators to hold appropriate licenses and conform to various consumer protection regulations for all three forms of online betting.

Legal Iowa Betting Sites

BetMGM Sportsbook$1500 Second Chance BetBetMGM Bonus Code: BUSABONUS Get Bonus
DraftKings SportsbookNo Sweat Bet up to $1,000DraftKings Promo Code: Not Needed Get Bonus
FanDuel SportsbookBet $5 Get $150FanDuel Promo Code: Not Needed Get Bonus
Caesars Sportsbook$1000 Bonus BetCaesars Sportsbook Promo Code: BUSA1000 Get Bonus
BetWay SportsbookUp to $150 Bonus BetBetway Promo Code: Not Required Get Bonus
Bet365 SportsbookBet $5 Get $150Bet365 Bonus Code: Not RequiredGet BonusGambling problem? Call 1-800-BETS-OFF (IA), 1-800-GAMBLER (AZ/CO/IN/LA/NC/NJ/OH/VA) 21), (KY) 18+. New Customer Offer Bet $5 and Get $150 in Bonus Bets at bet365. Deposit required. Bonus Bets winnings are added to Bonus Bets balance. Bonus Bet wager excluded from returns. T&Cs, time limits and exclusions apply.
TwinSpires$200 Deposit BonusTwinSpires Offer Code: BET200Get Bonus
AmWager$150 Deposit BonusAmWager Promo Code: BUSA150Get Bonus
DRF Bets$200 Deposit BonusDRFBets Promo Code: STAKESGet Bonus

21+ and present in IA. Gambling Problem? Call 1-800-BETS-OFF.

Iowa Sports Betting Regulations

Iowa legalized sports betting in 2019 with the passage of SF 617. Under state law, each Iowa casino that holds a sports betting license may operate a retail sportsbook on casino property and up to two individual mobile betting platforms, also known as “skins.”

The Iowa Racing and Gaming Commission (IRGC) is responsible for overseeing sports betting. Those duties include issuing licenses and ensuring compliance with all applicable regulations.

Here’s what readers need to know about Iowa sports betting rules:

  • Customers must be 21 or older to bet on sports in Iowa
  • Online and mobile betting is permitted
  • Remote registration is permitted (in-person registration was required until January 1st, 2021)
  • Wagering on pro and college sports is permitted

Best Iowa Sports Betting Apps

Online sports betting in Iowa is legal and regulated. Customers must be 21 or older and do not need to be residents to participate.

In-person registration is not necessary before placing wagers online. Bettors may register an online sports betting account, deposit, and withdraw from anywhere. However, Iowa sports bettors may only place real-money wagers when physically located within state lines.

Each casino may launch up to two separate online sportsbooks in partnership with licensed third-party providers such as FanDuel and DraftKings. Each platform may also include a mobile betting app.

BetMGM Sportsbook$1500 Second Chance BetBetMGM Bonus Code: BUSABONUSGet Bonus
  • Launched: January 2021
  • Partner: Diamond Jo Dubuque
  • Expert Review: BetMGM Iowa

BetMGM Sportsbook in Iowa launched through an online sports betting partnership with Diamond Jo Dubuque (FanDuel manages the retail sportsbook at Diamond Jo).

The BetMGM Iowa app is one of just a few online sportsbooks with live video broadcasts for select sports, making it an easy recommendation for live “in play” betting. BetMGM Iowa also supports a wide variety of betting markets and doesn’t shy away from offering alternative lines and player props.

BetMGM Sportsbook is a promo-heavy operator with frequent odds boosts and bonus bet offers. However, most BetMGM promotions have limited upside in the $10 – $25 range.

Use the BetMGM Iowa bonus code BUSABONUS to claim the latest signup offer.

DraftKings SportsbookNo Sweat Bet up to $1,000DraftKings Promo Code: Not NeededGet Bonus
  • Launched: February 2020
  • Partner: Wild Rose Entertainment
  • Expert Review: DraftKings Iowa

DraftKings Sportsbook in Iowa operates retail sportsbooks at Wild Rose casinos and statewide online sports betting via apps for iOS and Android. As a leading national sports betting operator DraftKings Sportsbook has the experience and funding necessary to provide a feature-rich and comprehensive Iowa sports betting experience.

The DraftKings Iowa app offers in-game sports betting, live video for select games, free prediction contests, and frequent event-specific promotions. The DraftKings Sportsbook betting menu and Dynasty Rewards VIP Program are among the best available in the Iowa sports betting industry.

A DraftKings Iowa promo code is NOT needed to take advantage of the latest welcome bonus.

  • Launched: January 2021
  • Partner: Wild Rose Entertainment
  • Exoert Review: BetRivers Iowa

BetRivers Sportsbook offers online sports betting in Iowa in partnership with Wild Rose Entertainment as an online-only operator.

The BetRivers Iowa app has won numerous industry awards, including EGR North America’s Customer Service Operator of the Year.

Points in favor of BetRivers Sportsbook in Iowa include a vast menu of betting options, superior customer service, and a comprehensive and rewarding loyalty program: iRush Rewards. BetRivers Sportsbook also regularly offers profit boosts on select markets.

BetRivers Sportsbook significant negative points are lackluster odds boosts and occasionally inferior betting lines.

BetRivers Iowa offers one of the most user-friendly second chance bet promotions available to Hawkeye bettors, with no wagering requirements.

Use the BetRivers Iowa bonus code BUSA when registering to claim the latest offer.

Caesars Sportsbook$1000 Bonus BetCaesars Sportsbook Promo Code: BUSA1000Get Bonus

Caesars Sportsbook in Iowa launched as the state’s first online sportsbook in August 2019 and has established itself as a Tier-1 operator thanks to a recently overhauled betting app and consistently large welcome bonuses.

The Caesars Iowa app offers expansive sports coverage, numerous live betting options, flexible betting limits, tons of odds boosts ($100 max bet limit), and integration into the Caesars Rewards loyalty program.

New bettors can claim the latest welcome bonus when they sign up with the Caesars Sportsbook Iowa promo code BUSA1000.

FanDuel SportsbookBet $5 Get $150FanDuel Promo Code: Not NeededGet Bonus
  • Launched: September 2020
  • Partners: Diamond Jo Dubuque, Diamond Jo Worth
  • Expert Review: FanDuel Iowa

FanDuel Sportsbook was an early entrant into the Iowa sports betting market and now operates legal online sports betting and retail sportsbooks at both Diamond Jo Casinos. As one of the largest sports betting operators, FanDuel Sportsbook offers Iowa bettors a professional-grade experience from start to finish.

Bettors can download the FanDuel Iowa app for iOS or Android devices from anywhere within state lines to sign up and place sports bets.

The biggest strengths FandDuel Sportsbook has in Iowa are its extensive market depth for many sports and the most comprehensive live streaming options. The vigorish on pre-game moneylines is low relative to other online sportsbooks in Iowa, and FanDuel frequently offers +EV odds boosts promotions.

The biggest weaknesses of the FanDuel Sportsbook app in Iowa is that can be difficult to navigate and has poor teaser bets pricing.

A FanDuel Iowa promo code is NOT needed to take advantage of the latest welcome bonus.

Bet365 SportsbookBet $5 Get $150Bet365 Bonus Code: Not RequiredGet Bonus
  • Launch Date: June 2023
  • Partner: Casino Queen Marquette
  • Expert Review: Bet365 Iowa

Bet365 Iowa launched in June 2023 through a partnership with Casino Queen Marquette. As an international sports betting operator with decades of experience, Bet365 Sportsbook launched in Iowa with a long track record for customer satisfaction, innovation, and a track record of offering competitive odds.

The Bet365 Iowa bonus welcomes new customers with an attractive “Bet and Get” promotion. New users can claim the offer by signing up for a Bet365 account, making a deposit, and placing a first wager.

Bet365 Iowa asks new users for a bonus code during registration, but that field can be left blank. The latest Bet365 Iowa bonus offer automatically applies to all new customers after signing up, depositing, and placing a bet.

Other Iowa Online Sportsbooks

  • Launch Date: January 2022
  • Partner: Lakeside Hotel and Casino
  • Expert Review: DRF Sportsbook Iowa
DRF Sportsbook100% up to $300DRF Sportsbook Promo Code: Not NeededGet Bonus

DRF Sportsbook in Iowa offers legal online sports betting and operates a retail sportsbook at Lakeside Casino in Osceola. DRF Sportsbook takes its name from the Daily Racing Form, North America’s authority on horse racing wagering news and data since 1894.

The DRF Sportsbook Iowa app provides comprehensive coverage of sports leagues, and market depth is commendable. In addition, new DRF Sportsbook bettors in Iowa can claim a “no fret first bet” worth up to $300.

A DRF Sportsbook promo code is NOT necessary, as the latest bonus is automatically credited.

  • Launch Date: November 14th, 2023
  • Partner: Ameristar Council Bluffs
  • Expert Review: ESPN Bet Iowa

ESPN Bet in Iowa operates an online sports betting app through the license held by Ameristar Casino Council Bluffs.

Fanatics Sportsbook took over for PointsBet in Iowa in, following the former’s acquisition of the latter.

Existing customers’ accounts, login information, and balances automatically migrated to the Fanatics Sportsbook Iowa app in February 2024, and Catfish Bend Casino began the process of rebranding its retail sportsbook to Fanatics.

Fanatics Sportsbook Iowa looks like a standard betting site at a glance, but it offers the dual advantages of a high quality rewards program and competitive lines in select sports, including the NFL. Those two advantages combine to save bettors money over the long run compared to online sportsbooks that lack quality lines, valuable rewards, or both.

Betway Sportsbook entered the Iowa sports betting market with a history of online sports betting experience dating back to 2006.

As a result, the Betway Iowa app offers a well-designed, easy-to-use selection of features such as in-play betting, same game parlays, and early cash out bets.

The Betway Iowa welcome bonus is a $250 bonus bet refund on first wagers, paid out only if the wager loses and awarded as a bonus bet credit.

  • Launch Date: October 2022
  • Partner: Isle Casino Waterloo
  • Expert Review: SuperBook Iowa

SuperBook Iowa offers a more customer-focused experience to bettors in the Hawkeye state than most online sportsbooks. Superbook has made a name for itself in Iowa with competitive lines, frequent odds boosts, high limits, and superior customer service.

SuperBook Iowa doesn’t offer as many promotions as other online sportsbooks in Iowa, but the lines and frequent odds boosts promotions make SuperBook worth a look, especially for frequent bettors.

  • Launched: September 2020
  • Partner: Grand Falls Casino
  • Expert Review: Betfred Iowa

Betfred Sportsbook launched for Iowa bettors in 2020 as one of the market’s newer operators. The Betfred Iowa app offers an extensive menu of pregame and in-play betting market options.

The current Betfred Sportsbook signup bonus for Iowa bettors is “Bet $50, Get $111,” and it also promises up to $200 a week in loss rebates (for the first five weeks).

However, the Betfred Iowa sports betting app comes up short in promotions for loyal (existing) customers.

  • Launch date: January 2023
  • Partner: Isle of Capri Casino Bettendorf
  • Expert Review: Tipico Iowa

The Tipico Sportsbook app in Iowa features a sleek interface, fast loading times, and considerable market depth. In addition, Tipico Iowa scores well for withdrawal speed thanks to a quality cashiering interface and agreements with the most popular sportsbook payment processors.

Tipico entered the Iowa online sports betting market through a deal with Caesars Entertainment to operate on Isle Casino Bettendorf’s license. Tipico does not plan to open a retail sportsbook in Iowa.

  • Launched: November 2019
  • Partner: Q Casino and Hotel
  • Expert Review: Q Sportsbook Iowa

Q Casino and Hotel launched a retail sportsbook in August 2019 and followed that with the launch of an in-house designed online sports betting app.

Some bettors may appreciate the simple design and no-fuss experience, but Q Sportsbook in Iowa lacks in key areas. Most notably, Q Sportsbook does not offer Iowa bettors a welcome bonus, and its betting options for each event are sparse.

  • Launched: June 2021
  • Partner: Elite Casino Resorts
  • Expert Review: Bally Bet Iowa

Bally Bet is partnered with Elite Casino Resorts to offer online sports betting in Iowa.

Two years after its launch, the Bally Bet Iowa app closed temporarily and underwent a significant upgrade to improve the wagering interface, betting options, and overall quality. The new Bally Bet Iowa app features multiple in-demand features, including live-streaming video and a comprehensive in-play betting catalog.

  • Launch Date: September 2022
  • Partner: Q Casino

ClutchBet secured an Iowa sports betting license and launched an online sports betting app in September 2022.

A first look at the ClutchBet Iowa app reveals a plain and unexciting interface, but ClutchBet has dramatically improved its offerings in ways that count since its launch.

Most notably, ClutchBet now has a surprisingly busy promotional calendar that’s comparable to its behemoth competitors in terms of variety and value. Additionally, ClutchBet Iowa features much more market depth per event, with dozens to 100+ ways to bet on games.

Launch Date: TBA
Partner: Lakeside Hotel Casino
Expert Review: SBK Sportsbook Iowa

SBK Sportsbook Iowa announced plans to launch online sports betting through a partnership with Affinity Interactive, the parent company of Lakeside Hotel Casino in Osceola. The SBK Iowa app differs from other online sportsbooks by offering some of the best odds and providing a more social experience than other online sportsbooks.

As a result, the SBK Sportsbook experience in Iowa diverges from the usual routine where bettors log in, place their wagers, and log out. Instead, SBK allows bettors to share tips, climb public leaderboards, and follow other bettors.

  • Launch Date: TBA
  • Partner: Wild Rose Entertainment
  • Expert Review: PlayUp Iowa

PlayUp Sportsbook was expected to enter the Iowa sports betting market after partnering with Wild Rose Entertainment for licensing purposes, but its eligibility is in question after pausing operations in other states.

If approved for a license, the PlayUp Iowa app will offer a straightforward sports betting experience characterized by a minimalist interface and intuitive navigation.

An in-house odds team and technology stack will give PlayUp Sportsbook in Iowa the means to respond quickly to consumer demand, but the only notable way it stands out from the competition is with its teaser pricing.

Iowa Sportsbook Promo Codes

Below is an overview of the best Iowa betting bonuses and the latest promo codes, if applicable.

Online SportsbookPromo CodeBonus Offer
BetMGM Iowa Bonus CodeBUSABONUSBet $5, Get $150
DraftKings Iowa Promo CodeNot NeededNo Sweat Bet up to $1,000
BetRivers Iowa Bonus CodeBUSASecond Chance Bet up to $100
FanDuel Iowa Promo CodeNot NeededBet $5, Get $150 in Bonus Bets
Bet365 Iowa Bonus CodeNot NeededBet $5, Get $150 in Bonus Bets
Caesars Sportsbook Iowa Promo CodeBUSA1000$1000 Bonus Bet
DRF Bets Iowa Promo CodeNot Needed$200 Deposit Bonus
Betway Iowa Promo CodeN/ABonus Bet up to $250

Iowa Sports Betting Bonuses

In-person registration requirements in the early days of Iowa’s legal sports betting rollout hampered bonus availability because operators had little incentive to market their services to customers farther away than a reasonable drive to their partner casinos.

The end of in-person registration reignited statewide competition and now most online sportsbooks in Iowa offer new customer bonuses. Competition is fierce in a state with more than a dozen mobile betting operators, and betting bonuses are common.

Generally speaking, there are three types of bonus offers at Iowa sportsbooks:

  • Bonus bets: Bettors initiate a deposit and place a real-money wager with their own money. If the bet falls short, they receive a refund, up to a certain amount, in bonus bets or site credit. Winning bettors do not receive any benefit from this promotional type.
  • First deposit match: The sportsbook matches a bettor’s first deposit with an equal bonus amount. The bonus is subject to a wagering requirement because it converts to cash. The lower the wagering requirement, the better the bonus.
  • First bet wager match: Bettors place their first wager, and are awarded a matched bet of equal value. The matched bet is distributed regardless of whether the real-money wager wins or loses.

Iowa law does not directly regulate sports betting bonuses and promotions, but state licensing requirements ensure only operators in good standing may offer mobile sports betting. As a result, bettors can expect fair treatment from licensed sportsbooks regarding promotions, security, and payments.

How to Bet Online in Iowa

The process of registering at Iowa online sportsbooks is straightforward, although there are a couple of nuances worth mentioning.

Generally, the steps for signing up at online sportsbooks in Iowa look something like this:

  1. Use one of the links on this page to navigate to a sports betting app of your choosing. Alternatively, visit the sportsbook’s homepage directly from desktop or a mobile device.
  2. Mobile users will have to download an app from either the Google Play Store (Android) or the App Store (iOS). There should be direct links on the sportsbook’s homepage. Apple and Android are the only mobile OS’s supported by IA sports betting apps.
  3. Once downloaded, open the app and tap “Sign Up” or register.
  4. Follow the registration steps. Users will have to provide, at minimum, their full name, address, date of birth, and the last four digits or their Social Security Number. Mobile numbers are usually also required.
  5. Remember to input any relevant bonus codes to ensure you receive the maximum bonus amount.
  6. Tick off any checkboxes. You’ll have to agree to the app’s terms (read them first), agree that you’re of legal age and not an excluded person, and agree that all information entered is correct.
  7. Once verified, bettors are able to initiate a first deposit using the cashier. Any bonus funds will also be applied to your account at this time.

Regulated sportsbooks are required to conduct vigorous identity checks, which is why you’re asked to provide personal information. Sportsbooks only use customers’ information to verify their identities and do not share it with third parties.

Bettors do not have to be located in Iowa to download and register with online sports betting apps. However, they do have to be geolocated within state borders to place real-money wagers. Note that an Iowa residency is not a prerequisite for placing bets.

Desktop and laptop users must have a WiFi connection and may have to download a GeoComply plugin to ensure that they’re properly geolocated.

Depositing at Iowa Online Sportsbooks

Deposit and withdrawal methods vary from sportsbook to sportsbook, with some IA sports betting apps supporting more payment methods than others.

Here’s a general look at the type of deposit options Iowa bettors have:

  • Online banking
  • ACH eCheck via VIP Preferred
  • PayPal
  • PayNearMe
  • Debit cards
  • Play+ Prepaid cards
  • Wire transfers

Credit card transactions are explicitly prohibited on IA sports betting apps.

Iowa lawmakers voted to ban their use in June 2020. Credit cards are subject to high rejection rates in other markets, so the provision may end up saving Iowa bettors a few headaches.

Generally, bettors can withdraw funds using the same methods they used to deposit. Exceptions include debit cards and PayNearMe, which are cash transactions conducted at 7-Eleven, CVS, and Family Dollar stores. Withdrawing bettors can also request paper checks, but these take significantly longer to process.

The best Iowa sportsbooks process most withdrawals within a few business days, and the cash hits bettors’ accounts shortly thereafter.

Iowa Sportsbook Locations

Iowa sports betting began in August 2019 with the launch of seven sportsbooks at casinos across the state on a single day.

All but one of Iowa’s 19 commercial casinos operate retail sportsbooks. Casino Queen Marquette remains the only casino without a sportsbook today, but it does hold an Iowa sports betting license.

Iowa Sports Betting Law

IA Code § 99F lays the foundation for legal sports betting in Iowa, while additional regulations crafted by the IRGC fill in the details to establish a well-regulated industry.

Key Iowa Sports Betting Regulations

  • Each casino may operate up to two independently branded Iowa sports betting sites and online sportsbook apps
  • Casinos pay a $45,000 sports betting licensing fee and $10,000 per year after that
  • Iowa sports betting operators to pay 6.75% tax
  • Wagers allowed on pro and college sports but not on esports

How Iowa Legalized Sports Betting

In December of 2017, the Iowa Gaming Association (IGA) announced plans to begin crafting sports betting legislation on the chance that the federal prohibition of sports betting would be repealed. This plan came about during New Jersey’s Supreme Court case to overturn the Professional and Amateur Sports Protection Act (PASPA).

The Supreme Court did end up striking down PASPA, and that cleared the way for lawmakers to act. After one failed attempt to legalize sports betting in 2018, Iowa lawmakers moved again in 2019 to pass legislation that would bring in-person and online betting to Iowa.

The 2018 effort began with House Study Bill 592 seeking to legalize and regulate sports betting. If passed, HSB 592 would have legalized wagering on professional and college sports at local casinos, race tracks, and via licensed online sports betting sites. That bill never made it through the legislative process, but it set the stage for more legislation to come the following year.

In 2019, lawmakers introduced SF 617 to legalize retail sports betting and allow local casinos to apply for mobile sports betting licenses. The bill sought to allow each casino to operate up to two separate betting sites, accept wagers on pro and college sports, and legalize daily fantasy sports.

The Iowa House and Senate both approved the bill to send it to the desk of Governor Kim Reynolds. Governor Reynolds signed the bill in May 2019, officially legalizing sports betting in Iowa. The first sportsbooks and betting apps went live just a few months later.

Iowa Horse Racing Betting

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Horse racing betting is legal in Iowa and regulated by the IRGC. Customers must be 21 or older and physically located within state lines to place wagers via authorized horse racing betting sites (ADWs).

The state does not issue licenses to individual ADWs, but several major operators provide online and mobile betting to Iowans. Trackside parimutuel wagering is limited to the state’s single racetrack, Prairie Meadows in Dubuque.

Prairie Meadows racetrack, the Iowa Greyhound Park, and several casinos operate off-track betting parlors (OTBs) where customers can place wagers on races held anywhere in the country. Iowa is one of the last remaining states with live greyhound racing, but that will come to an end soon. Iowa Greyhound Park officials plan to close the track permanently after the 2022 racing season.

Iowa Daily Fantasy Sports

Iowa prohibited daily fantasy sports for much longer than most states, but that changed in 2019 when lawmakers legalized DFS and sports betting in one swoop via HF 617.

The Iowa daily fantasy sports market is limited to two operators, but it provides effective regulation designed to keep players safe and DFS contests fair. Readers can learn more about the best Iowa fantasy sports sites and the legal landscape in BettingUSA’s guide below:

Iowa Online Gambling

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Online casinos and poker sites are illegal in Iowa, although some sweepstakes casinos offer casino-style games that offer a similar experience.

IA Code § 725.7 provides a wide-ranging definition of illegal gambling that covers all forms of online gambling not expressly authorized by the state:

1. Except as permitted in chapters 99B and 99D, a person shall not do any of the following:

a. Participate in a game for any sum of money or other property of any value.

b. Make any bet.

c. For a fee, directly or indirectly, give or accept anything of value to be wagered or to be transmitted or delivered for a wager to be placed within or without the state of Iowa.

d. For a fee, deliver anything of value which has been received outside the enclosure of a racetrack licensed under chapter 99D to be placed as wagers in the pari-mutuel pool or other authorized systems of wagering.

e. Engage in bookmaking, except as permitted in chapters 99E and 99F.

The expansive nature of Iowa’s stance on illegal gambling is partially why even daily fantasy sports sites refused to operate in Iowa until legislation specifically authorizing DFS was passed. Similarly, online gambling in Iowa is clearly prohibited, both for operators and players.

Two attempts to legalize Iowa online poker failed to advance in 2012 and again in 2014. Lawmakers have never seriously considered legalizing online casinos in Iowa.

Iowa Senate File 2275 was proposed in 2012 as a means to license additional land-based casinos and internet poker. If passed, the bill would have included a bad actor clause (sites that previously accepted wagers in the US contrary to the UIGEA would not be eligible for licensing). It would have opened Iowa to sharing player pools with other states.

Senate File 2275 never made it into law and was eventually replaced with Senate Study Bill 1068 in 2013. SSB 1068 had much in common with SF 2275, including a bad actor clause and licensing criteria for operators. SSB 1068 died in committee a month after its introduction.

Over the intervening years, Iowa lawmakers have taken no further action to legalize online gambling. There appears to be no desire among the legislature to authorize Iowa online casinos at this time.

Iowa Electronic Markets Election Betting

Iowa is home to the only legal election betting website, Iowa Electronic Markets (IEM).

IEM is run by the University of Iowa’s Henry B. Tippie College of Business and allows politically minded people from around the world to wager on the outcomes of real-world events, particularly US elections.

The IEM website explains the basic idea in simple terms:

The Iowa Electronic Markets is a futures market run for research and teaching purposes. Traders can buy and sell real-money contracts based on their belief about the outcome of an election or other event. Using this “wisdom of crowds,” the price of a contract at any given time is a forecast of the outcome.

IEM is not licensed or regulated as a sports betting operator or financial trading platform, but it is permitted to operate in the US because it is run for research purposes and does not generate a profit.

The Commodity Futures Trading Commission (CFTC) has issued two no-action relief letters in response to queries from IEM asking for permission to operate. Those letters (here and here) explain that the CFTC will not pursue legal action against IEM for as long as it operates in its current format.

IEM is open to customers worldwide but limits each individual to invest between $5 and $500 as it is designed for research purposes only.

Readers interested in participating or learning more can visit the Iowa Electronics Market website here.

With IEM, users trade contracts based on future political events, national fiscal policy, and other future events. In simple terms, IEM creates contracts for each side of an outcome in an event such as the Presidential election. Users may buy and sell contracts at whatever value they deem appropriate, much like a traditional exchange. Generally, market forces dictate the value of each contract.

For example, a contract on the next President being a Republican would expire at a value of $1.00 if the Republican nominee goes on to win the election. Likewise, that same contract would expire worthless if the Democrat candidate wins. During the run-up to the election, people would buy and sell contracts for each candidate in an attempt to cash in on their prediction.

To continue our example, if the Republican is perceived to be slightly ahead, contracts on that candidate might trade at $0.55 by traders hoping to cash in on that candidate’s victory, which would result in each contract expiring at $1.00

IEM has, at times, proven to be more accurate at predicting future outcomes than traditional polling data, hence the continued interest in the project.

Responsible Gambling in Iowa

Several responsible gambling resources are available in Iowa. Iowa sports betting regulations also require online sportsbooks to provide methods for customers to pause their accounts temporarily or indefinitely and impose wagering and deposit limits.

Additionally, anyone who suspects they have a gambling problem can contact the Iowa Department of Health Gambling Treatment Program or find additional resources through the National Council on Problem Gambling Iowa page.

Iowa Sports Betting and Gambling Self-Exclusion

The Iowa Racing and Gaming Commission manages a voluntary self-exclusion program covering all casinos, race tracks, sportsbooks, online wagering, and daily fantasy sports. Once enrolled, patrons may not enter the gaming floor or sportsbook of any facility licensed by the IRGC, and they will be unable to use any online sportsbook licensed in Iowa.

Gamblers can enroll by mail or in person for a five-year period or life via four methods:

  • Self-Exclude by Mail: Download and complete an enrollment form at home, but do not sign it. Take the form to a notary public in Iowa to sign it in the notary’s presence. Mail the completed form, a copy of the front of your active driver’s license or state ID, and a photo clearly displaying your head and shoulders to the Iowa Racing & Gaming Commission.
  • Self-Exclude in Person at the IRGC in Des Moines: Call the IRGC at 515-281-7352 to schedule an appointment for assistance completing and submitting a self-exclusion request form. Bring a valid government-issued ID with you to the office.
  • Self-Exclude in Person at a Gambling Treatment Provider: Visit any Iowa Gambling Treatment Provider Agency (locations available statewide) to enroll in person. Bring a valid government-issued ID or passport and a photo including only your head and shoulders.
  • Self-Exclude at Any Licensed Gambling Facility: Visit any casino or race track licensed in Iowa for assistance with completing and submitting a self-exclusion request.

Important Iowa self-exclusion points:

  • Anyone on the self-exclusion list who enters the gaming floor or sportsbook at any licensed facility will be escorted from the property and potentially charged with criminal trespassing
  • Individuals who have self-excluded may still visit hotels, convention centers, and other non-gambling areas of licensed casinos and race tracks in Iowa
  • Gamblers may only submit self-exclusion requests for themselves; no one may self-exclude from Iowa sports betting and gambling on behalf of a friend, loved one, or family member
  • There is no way to end a self-exclusion period early or rescind a lifetime request, and there are no exceptions
  • Licensed Iowa online sportsbooks and casinos may operate internal exclusion programs separate from the IRGC’s self-exclusion program; these programs may continue to ban individuals indefinitely, even if they have completed a five-year exclusion period
  • Some Iowa betting sites and casinos may extend self-exclusion requests to all of their other properties nationwide

Iowa Sports Betting FAQ

Yes. Iowa lawmakers legalized retail sportsbooks and online sports betting in May 2019. The first retail sportsbooks and sports betting sites launched three months later.

Bettors can visit land-based casinos to place wagers in person or download mobile sportsbooks to bet online from anywhere in state lines.

Iowa law enforces a minimum age of 21 to bet on sports.

Personal preference plays an important role in determining the best Iowa sports betting sites for individual bettors. Some sportsbooks excel in providing competitive lines, while others offer rewarding loyalty programs.

With that said, the best sportsbooks are generally large, name-brand providers that have the experience and funds to develop and invest in promotions, technology, and user experience. Some of the leading apps in terms of popularity based on monthly revenue include:

  • Caesars Sportsbook
  • DraftKings Sportsbook
  • FanDuel Sportsbook
  • BetMGM

Iowa’s sportsbooks are quite spread out geographically, making Caesars Sportsbook at Prairie Meadows the most convenient option for anyone in Des Moines. Bettors can find it in Altoona, a suburb just a short drive to the northeast of Des Moines proper.

Additionally, Des Moines residents can download any licensed sports betting app to place wagers from anywhere in Iowa.

No. Bettors can download, register, deposit, and bet online from anywhere within state lines. Iowa’s in-person registration requirement ended in January 2021.

Yes. Iowa law permits sportsbooks to accept wagers on NCAA Division I, II, and III games.

The one exception is that sportsbooks may not offer prop bets on individual athletes who play for Iowa colleges. For example, bettors cannot wager on how many touchdowns the Hawkeyes’ running back will score in his next game.

The Iowa Racing & Gaming Commission permits a limited variety of player prop bets on athletes who play for out-of-state colleges.

No. The Iowa Racing and Gaming Commission has considered the matter and concluded that esports events do not meet the state’s legal definition of an athletic event upon which sportsbooks may offer wagers.

Yes. Licensed Iowa betting sites operate under conditional licenses issued by the Iowa Racing and Gaming Commission. State law enforces stringent security, fairness, and responsible gambling rules on licensed operators.

All online sportsbooks and mobile betting apps listed on this page hold Iowa licenses. Additionally, bettors can confirm the validity of any sportsbook’s license by visiting the Iowa Racing and Gaming Commission website here and selecting any casino to view its authorized online sports betting partner.

No. Retail sportsbooks and online sports betting sites may accept wagers from residents and non-residents alike. As long as you’re within state lines, you’re welcome to bet online from anywhere in Iowa.

Maybe, depending on where you’re going.

Iowa sportsbooks employ geolocation technology to verify customers’ physical locations and prevent them from placing wagers from outside state lines.

However, many states now offer online sports betting. Some Iowa sportsbooks allow bettors to use their same login information to place wagers from other states where those sportsbooks hold licenses. Others require customers to sign up for new accounts to place bets from different states.

Yes. Iowa horse racing betting fans may bet on the Kentucky Derby via TwinSpires.

TwinSpires is the official advance deposit wagering operator of Churchill Downs, home of the Kentucky Derby. TVG also offers horse racing betting in Iowa, but it does not allow customers from Iowa to bet on races held at Churchill Downs. As a result, TwinSpires is the best option for Kentucky Derby betting in Iowa.

Yes. Iowa passed legislation in 2019 to formally legalize and regulate daily fantasy sports. Iowa fantasy sites must acquire licenses to offer their services in Iowa and conform to various consumer protection regulations.

No, although the passage of an online casino bill somewhere down the line is not out of the question. Iowa is home to many large sports betting brands that have an online casino presence in other states, including DraftKings, FanDuel, and BetMGM. It’s almost a certainty that they’ll be lobbying for expanded online gambling.

In addition, Illinois lawmakers have advanced online casino bills as far as committees. If the neighboring state pushes ahead, it’ll put pressure on Iowa to do the same.

By 2021, Iowa generated over $175 million in sports betting revenue, most of it from online. However, revenue is taxed at just 6.75%, so sports betting has only generated roughly $13 million for state coffers.