Iowa was among the earliest Midwestern states to jump on the legal sports betting bandwagon and has since developed a reputation as one of the most open marketplaces, allowing for up to 57 mobile operators.
Disclaimer: For those outside of Iowa, you may face restrictions on the offers you see on this page.
About Sports Betting in Iowa
Iowa was among the earliest Midwestern states to jump on the legal sports betting bandwagon, launching sports wagering both online and in person in 2019. The Hawkeye State has since developed a reputation as one of the most open sports betting marketplaces, allowing for up to 57 mobile operators.
Flexibility is crucial in these fast-moving times, a trait Iowa proved it had when it did away with a requirement for sports bettors to register in person for mobile accounts in 2021. That led to Iowa sportsbooks collecting a then-record $2 billion in statewide betting handle in 2021.
There are 19 casinos and racinos in the state, each of which are permitted a total of three online "skins," meaning the total number of potential online sportsbooks is currently 57.
Tax rate is 6.75% on sports betting revenue. Operators must also contribute 0.75% of their gross gaming revenue, which is earmarked for charitable endeavors.
Prop bets on college athletes who compete for Iowa schools is prohibited, but more traditional wagering on in-state schools is allowed.
$45,000 initial license fee for sports betting operators, with a $10,000 annual renewal fee.
In-person registration requirement for mobile accounts was abolished in 2021, meaning Iowa is now a remote registration state.
21+ age requirement for betting.
Legalization Timeline
Sports betting legislation clears both chambers
April, 2019
Sports betting comes within the governor's signature of being legalized when both statehouse chambers pass SF-617.
Gov. Reynolds signs sports betting into law
May, 2019
Sports wagering is formally legalized in Iowa when Governor Kim Reynolds signs SF-617 into law.
First retail and online wagers placed
August, 2019
Both retail and online sports betting launch in Iowa, with Elite Sportsbook and William Hill accepting the state's first bets.
Iowa authorizes online registration for mobile sports betting accounts
January, 2021
State officials lift the requirement for in-person registration for mobile betting accounts. The shift to online registration results in Iowa clearing $2 billion in sports betting handle in 2021.
FAQs
Is sports betting legal in Iowa?
Sports wagering is legal in Iowa, which both legalized and launched that form of gambling in 2019.
Who can bet on sports in Iowa?
People who are 21 years of age or older can bet on sports in Iowa, provided they are physically located within the state's boundaries when they wager.
Who regulates sports betting in Iowa?
The Iowa Racing and Gaming Commission regulates sports betting. The agency also oversees commercial casino gaming and parimutuel horse wagering in the Hawkeye State.
What can I bet on in Iowa?
The IRGC has approved the following spots for legal wagering: Australian Rules Football, badminton, baseball, basketball, combat sports, cornhole, cricket, cycling, field hockey, football, golf, handball, ice hockey, jai alai, lacrosse, Olympic Games (team events only), auto racing, rowing, rugby, sailing, skateboarding, soccer, softball, table tennis, tennis, volleyball, water polo, NCAA wrestling, and Sumo wrestling.
What can't I bet on in Iowa?
While you can bet on games involving colleges located in Iowa, prop bets on athletes who compete for these schools are not allowed.
Is DFS legal in Iowa?
Daily fantasy sports contests are legal in Iowa, which included DFS legalization guidelines in its broad passage of sports wagering legislation in 2019.
Is it legal to bet on horse racing in Iowa?
Iowa has one active racetrack, Prairie Meadows in Altoona, where people can bet on live and simulcast horse racing. The state also boasts off-track betting parlors at places like Dubuque's Q Casino, which shared property with a greyhound track until it held its last race in 2022. Iowa horseplayers can also bet online through account-wagering sites like TwinSpires and TVG.
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