Iowans now have multiple options for legally gambling online. Here at PlayIA.com, we cover the latest news, bonuses and reviews for online gambling in Iowa.
Sports betting is the latest addition, alongside daily fantasy sports (DFS) contests. You can bet on sports at retail sportsbooks or via mobile apps. When you register at an online sportsbook, you will need to use our promo code to qualify for bonus offers.
Big sports betting brands, including PointsBet, William Hill and FanDuel, have partnerships with several brick-and-mortar casinos in Iowa. They provide access to a range of sports betting options via mobile apps, websites or at the land-based casino.
You’ll be able to bet on single games, add multiple selections into parlays or take advantage of innovations such as in-play and cash-out betting.
The Iowa Lottery raises money to assist veterans and their families, the environment, infrastructure and community projects. The IA Lottery has been running since 1985, and includes a website portal in addition to retail kiosks.
You’ll be able to enter Iowa draws including Pick 3 and Pick 4. The biggest prizes are available via multi-state draws, including the Powerball and Mega Millions.
Retail sportsbooks are operating at many of Iowa’s biggest casinos. Many use the expertise of the major sports betting brands.
Expect walls of HD TVs for watching games, and staff to be on hand to take you through the details of sports betting. Many retail sportsbooks have food and beverage options.
With daily fantasy sports contests legal alongside sports betting, picks contests are live in Iowa. Major brands, including DraftKings and FanDuel, offer DFS contests.
Unlike sports betting, you are not betting on individual games. Instead, DFS contests involve picking line-ups of players, which compete against other people’s picks in tournament or head-to-head contests.
While there are no state-regulated online casinos in Iowa; however, there are options under sweepstakes rules. Popular sites, including LuckyLand Slots and Chumba Casino, operate nationally, using a virtual currency called “sweeps cash.”
You’ll be able to enjoy slots (some with progressive jackpots), plus limited table games and keno options. “Sweeps coins” are available for free.
Iowa has not introduced an online poker bill, nor is internet poker up for discussion. Iowa players have a variety of local poker rooms to choose from in addition to sweepstakes-style sites.
Global Poker uses sweepstakes gambling laws. This site operates nationally and welcome credit card payments. Like the sweepstakes casinos, you can receive free “sweeps coins” by entering into contests or requesting them by mail.
Bill 617 is the most recent addition to the gambling legislation in Iowa. Gov. Kim Reynolds signed the sports betting bill into law on May 15, 2019.
It set out a licensing framework for both retail and online sportsbooks. Each of Iowa’s 21 riverboat and land-based casinos can apply for two online sportsbook licenses. The low taxation on gambling revenue ensures that there will be plenty of competition in the Hawkeye State.
To gamble legally in Iowa, you need to be at least 21 years or older. You don’t need to be a permanent resident, though you must be present within state lines to bet. Until the end of 2020, you will need to complete your sportsbook registration in person at a license-holding casino.
Here are some key details from Bill 617:
Yes, the bill SF 617 licensed online sports betting in May 2019. William Hill was the first sportsbook operator to launch. You can legally bet on pro sports, college sports and a range of international fixtures in Iowa.
Furthermore, must be 21 years or older and within state lines to place sports bets in Iowa. Online sportsbooks use geolocation technology to ensure wagering is done legally.
Until the end 2020, you will need to register in person at a license-holding casino first before you can wager online.
In Iowa, you can bet on major pro leagues, individual sports and college action; however, you cannot wager on Iowa collegiate sports.
You can wager on NFL, NBA, NHL and MLB games, including soccer, boxing, MMA, golf, tennis, rugby and cricket. Depending on which sportsbook app you choose, there will also be a long list of niche and international sports from which to choose.
No, you don’t need to be an Iowa resident to register for an online sports betting account. However, you will need to complete your registration in person (until the end of 2020). It isn’t possible to place sports wagers at Iowa sportsbooks from outside state lines.
Betting apps give you access to the range of single and multiple bets and entertaining side bets (props). There are also innovative types available, including in-play and cash-out bets.
Here is the list of the popular bet types:
Note, there are many more bets that are sports-specific.
When you deposit at regulated sportsbooks, you’ll have access to mainstream deposit methods. These include credit and debit cards, bank transfers, e-wallets and cash options (via the casino cage or retail stores).
Many online sports betting brands offer a prepaid debit card that you can use for deposits and withdrawals.
No, offshore sites are risky. With regulated sites in Iowa, there is no need to risk your bankroll. Licensed sites offer protection for your money and a way to complain (via the Iowa Lottery and Iowa Racing and Gaming Commission).
By contrast, the offshore sites don’t offer oversight and are based on the Caribbean Islands. If you have a dispute, or if the site simply closes and takes your bankroll with it, you have zero recourse. It is best to avoid these offshore sites.
There are options for legal online casino games, though these are national sites and not part of bill SF 617.
Sweepstakes casinos operate in 49 states using sweepstakes laws. Essentially, every spin or hand is a mini sweepstakes contest. You play using the virtual currency called “sweeps cash,” which you can exchange into dollars and withdrawn if you win.
To stay legal, casinos like LuckyLand Slots can’t sell you “sweeps cash” directly. Instead, you get this for free by buying “gold coins,” entering social media contests or sending a letter to a registered address.
To wager on sports online in Iowa, you’ll first need to complete your registration in person. This requirement is in effect until the end of 2020.
You can start the process online, though, you’ll need to go to the casino that has the license of the sportsbook to complete it.
Registering online is easy. You’ll need to provide the operator your name, email, date of birth, physical address and the last four digits of your Social Security number. The sportsbook will ask you to create a username and password, too.
Several sportsbooks are licensed for online betting in Iowa, which gives you a choice of bonuses and promotions. You can find out more about these on our sportsbook bonuses page.
Once you read our sportsbook reviews and have chosen a brand (or two), the next step is to decide how to access the betting site. You can download the sportsbook’s app or use your web browser.
Depositing using cash at the casino cage is one of many ways to fund your sports betting account. The biggest advantage of regulated gambling sites in Iowa is that you can deposit safely and securely using mainstream banking options:
When you choose a legal, regulated site, your money will be safe. While this is the main reason to choose Iowa betting sites, you’ll also find a better experience.
This starts with the brands. Names like William Hill, Betfair and FanDuel have years of experience creating popular betting apps. Their technology is simple to use, and you’ll be sure no glitches will stop you from placing a bet on time. With a depth of betting markets and bet types that are unrivaled offshore, you’ll have much more choice.
When it comes to depositing and withdrawing, the choice of a regulated site over an offshore one becomes a no-brainer. Instead of having to dive into the world of cryptocurrency or expensive gift card purchases, you can use regular payment options. With bank cards, cash and simple electronic transfers all available, you’ll be sure your deposits and withdrawals are fast and safe.
Finally, offshore sites have no oversight. In the past, gambling operators have disappeared, taking the entire bankroll of thousands of players. With regulated Iowa sites, your money is safe. In the event of a dispute, you can complain to the Iowa Racing and Gaming Commission.
You’ll find a number of sportsbooks around the state at riverboat and land-based casinos. Many of these include major betting brands, like William Hill or FanDuel.
This list includes sportsbook operators that are live:
Ameristar Casino, Council Bluffs
Catfish Bend Casino, Burlington: PointsBet
Diamond Jo Casino, Dubuque: FanDuel
Diamond Jo Casino, Northwood: FanDuel
Grand Falls Casino Resort: Betfred Sports
Hard Rock Hotel and Casino: Hard Rock Sportsbook
Harrah’s, Council Bluffs: Caesars
Horseshoe Casino, Council Bluffs: Caesars
Isle Casino, Bettendorf: William Hill Sportsbook
Isle Casino, Waterloo: William Hill Sportsbook
Lakeside Hotel Casino, Osceola, William Hill
Prairie Meadows Racetrack & Casino, Altoona: William Hill
Q Casino, Dubuque: IGT
Rhythm City Casino, Davenport: Elite Sportsbook
Riverside Casino and Golf Resort, Riverside: Elite Sportsbook
Wild Rose Casino & Resorts, Clinton: DraftKings
Wild Rose Casino & Resorts, Emmetsburg: DraftKings
Wild Rose Casino & Resorts, Jefferson: DraftKings
Protection and assistance for people who develop gambling issues are baked into Iowa’s gaming laws. Responsible gambling awareness, links to support organizations and tools to manage time and spending limits are available online.
You will find that all reputable gambling brands take responsible gaming seriously. Many have detailed resource pages and a range of tools available. Here is what to expect:
