With just hours left to go before the 2020-21 NFL season begins, Hawkeye State wagerers have a new online sports betting option: Betfred Sports.
The United Kingdom-based sportsbook will try its hand at tackling the Iowa sports betting market from the get-go.
Several factors may limit that success, however.
Betting online with Betfred Sports
Along with its launch online, the Betfred-branded sportsbook at Grand Falls Casino & Golf Resort in Larchwood is now open.
That’s a crucial detail because of the legal landscape in Iowa.
For the remainder of the year, Iowa sports bettors have to first register in person for their online sportsbook accounts. It’s a one-time trip to Larchwood, which is near the South Dakota and Minnesota borders.
Any wagering desires you have after that, e.g., if you want to bet on the Chicago Bears this Sunday, can occur from anywhere within the state.
There’s no doubt as to the intentional nature of the launch. Bryan Bennett, COO of Betfred USA Sports, made that clear in the press release.
“Launching Betfred Sports online betting in Colorado and Iowa in time for the football season is a significant milestone for us. We look forward to utilizing our various partnerships including the Denver Broncos, Sanford International, Grand Falls Casino & Golf Resort and Saratoga Casino Black Hawk to grow our online base and take advantage of our unique offers.”
Betfred is offering new Iowa customers s a one-time deposit match. If you’ve never bet with Betfred anywhere else, Betfred will match the value of your first deposit, up to $200.
Because of Betfred’s experience and success in other markets, IA bettors will find competitive odds on popular North American sporting events. Other IA sportsbooks may still have a leg up on it, however.
Primary advantage other IA sportsbooks have over Betfred
In the online sports betting business, the easier you make it for bettors to access your platform, the more likely it is that they will do so frequently. However, Betfred has some work to do there.
Right now, there isn’t a Betfred sportsbook Android or iOS app available in Iowa. While the Betfred Iowa website is optimized for use on mobile devices, apps are a preferable platform among bettors.
It’s uncertain when Betfred will make an app. The company may wait until New Year’s Day, when Iowa sports bettors can register for accounts entirely online.
For the time being, Betfred will rely on other measures to try to grab a share of handle in IA. There’s no better time to start.
