If you’re looking for essential, up-to-date information that can help you navigate the Iowa online gambling landscape, you’re in the right place. We’ve examined the state’s licensed operators based on a strict set of criteria, including safety, game diversity, and mobile user experience. With our help, you can easily find an operator that suits your unique preferences.

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• We have extensive experience in tracking gambling laws and their changes for each state, with the Iowa Racing and Gaming Commission as a major resource.
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What Types of Online Gambling in Iowa Are Legal?

You can legally access two IA online gambling products from the state – sportsbooks and Daily Fantasy Sports (DFS) platforms. If you are eager to explore these types of gambling, you’ve come to the right place, as we’ve covered everything – from market diversity to odds. Despite being a limited market, Iowa offers several excellent options for sports fans.

Sports Betting

Sports betting was illegal in Iowa until 2019, when the state tabled a bill to legalize sportsbooks.^[1] Casinos throughout the state can now offer betting both at their retail locations and online. Those who would prefer to bet online in Iowa can choose between mobile apps and desktop platforms.

Live Gambling in Iowa

While playing live casino games is illegal in the Hawkeye state, wagering on live sporting events is allowed for players aged 21 and above. With the legalization of this form of online gambling in Iowa, you can now also take advantage of betting platforms that offer live streaming of popular sporting events.

Daily Fantasy Sports

DFS betting in the state was illegal until fairly recently. However, in May 2019, the state governor signed a bill to legalize daily fantasy sports in Iowa. This form of gambling is known for having no fixed odds and a less steep learning curve.

Casinos

Online casinos have seen significant advancements in the last decade, and regulated markets offer excellent opportunities to players across the globe. Unfortunately, you won’t see them among any list of Iowa online gambling sites, as they are still prohibited in the state. However, we’ll update you if something changes and IA casino sites become available.

Poker

Playing poker in this Northern state is only allowed at land-based casinos. Similar to other games, there isn’t a separate clause in the state’s legislation that permits playing poker on Iowa gambling sites. However, social poker platforms where you don’t play for real money are allowed.

Lottery

Playing the lottery online in Iowa is prohibited. If you want to play the lottery, you must buy tickets from land-based retailers in the state. Unfortunately, you will not find any apps or online portals that allow you to participate virtually.

Promo Codes & Bonuses at Iowa Gambling Sites

When it comes to gambling, whether it be online or at land-based establishments, there is one thing that always attracts the players’ attention. We’re talking about bonuses, and the best online gambling sites in Iowa we’ve selected have some of the most generous offers we’ve seen.

However, remember they all have terms and conditions like wagering requirements, validity, and minimum deposit. You can explore these conditions with our help or review them on the operator’s website. Everything that could affect your ability to bet and withdraw winnings should be clearly outlined.

Furthermore, note that there are different types of offers. Some bonuses require a deposit, while others are granted upon registration. Nevertheless, even those no-deposit offers have wagering requirements. So, we advise you to explore what Iowa online gambling sites provide and pick a promotion that fits your budget and betting style.

Deposit Bonuses

These bonuses require players to make a minimum deposit after registering. Once that step is completed, the operator will provide bonus money based on a predetermined deposit match percentage or grant you credits, tickets, free spins, etc. It depends on the specific gaming product and should be clearly stated in the terms and conditions.

Usually, land-based casinos and gambling sites offer these deposit bonuses as welcome offers for new players. After you make the required deposit, usually between $5 and $10, you will receive the additional funds, which can help you improve your chances of winning by increasing your budget and playtime.

No Deposit Bonuses

No-deposit bonuses do not require you to put any of your money into the account to be granted the bonus. Instead, you receive a free cash prize, a free bet, or another reward for registering with the operator. However, remember that most of these offers come with specific wagering requirements.

Gambling Apps in Iowa

Without a doubt, mobile betting has become one of the leading trends in the IA online gambling industry. Both land-based gaming establishments and sites are trying to modify their services and meet the preferences of those players who are frequently on the go.

New technologies have even made it possible for gamblers to bet on and stream live sporting events on their phones and tablets. You can visit an operator’s optimized mobile site through your device’s browser or download a native app. They’re available for iOS and Android and offer extra benefits like customized push notifications and biometrics login.

Many land-based casinos and gaming sites offer dedicated mobile bonuses to those who register for the first time through their smartphones. In addition to a competitive welcome bonus, the betting app we’ve highlighted for Iowans also boasts excellent mobile support and diverse payment methods.

Deposits & Withdrawals at Gambling Sites in IA

Players have many deposit and withdrawal options when online gambling in Iowa. The most preferred payment methods in the state are debit cards such as Visa or Mastercard, with eWallets becoming increasingly popular. In addition, note that deposits are instant, but cashouts can take between 1 and 5 working days.

Online sports betting and DFS in Iowa were restricted until recently, so people are still more used to the payment methods available at land-based gaming venues, such as cash and debit cards. However, e-wallets like Skrill, Neteller, and PayPal have become more popular. Venmo gambling sites are also on the rise, so the industry is developing quickly.

Payouts and Odds

An online gambling platform’s average payouts and odds for individual sporting events are vital to consider when picking an operator. If you examine them carefully, you should be able to estimate your eventual chances of winning. However, if you’re new, you must first understand the terms and the theoretical nature of these figures.

Payout rates are not that relevant for Iowa players, as they primarily relate to online casinos. However, if this form of gambling becomes legal in the state, it’s good to know that the RTP is a theoretical percentage representing how much money wagered on a game could be paid back to players over time. It’s no guarantee of winning and should be taken with a grain of salt.

Understanding betting odds is much more critical, as they directly relate to sports betting. Also theoretical, they try to define the likelihood of an outcome for each side of a competition. They can be expressed in decimal and fractional formats, with the unfavorable outcome usually preceding the favorable one.

Some casino game categories are considered to be more profitable than others. The same goes for sports, yet we advise you to consider this aspect in combination with factors such as your understanding of the sport, recent team statistics, etc. Relying solely on odds is not a good idea, as they are highly variable and often influenced by public perception.

How to Gamble Online in Iowa

With the latest changes in Iowa gambling laws, players can now bet on sports online, but where do you start? If you’re a beginner or haven’t gambled on a betting site before, we’ve outlined the essential steps, like registering and choosing a suitable payment method for your needs.

Once you go through the steps that we have described, you will be able to start playing safely at any of the licensed Iowa online gambling sites. Just remember to set a budget before you start betting. Responsible gambling is fundamental, whether you play online or in person.

Responsible Gambling in Iowa

The Iowa Department of Public Health provides most of the responsible gambling services people battling gambling-related issues in the state need. It offers a Gambling Treatment Program, which includes a live chat, a 24/7 phone helpline, and support via text message.

Another reputable institution that deals with gambling addiction is the National Council on Problem Gambling (NCPG). It offers services to all US citizens who require help or information. The NCPG was first established in 1972 and works on a national level. However, the local affiliates in Iowa are those who coordinate the work of the institution.

Online vs. Retail Gambling

Gambling online brings many advantages, such as enhanced convenience, various bonuses, and more game diversity. However, just like land-based gaming, it also has some cons. You need to consider both to get a complete picture and decide which form suits your preferences better.

It’s true that when you gamble online, you don’t have to leave the comfort of your home, but that also makes the experience less interactive. It also means you can’t receive your winnings immediately. However, while land-based gambling offers these benefits, it’s not as rich when it comes to bet types, bonuses, markets, and so on.

Land-based Gambling in Iowa

Gambling at land-based casinos in Iowa has been legal since 1972.^[2] It’s strictly regulated by the Iowa Racing and Gaming Commission, which has licensed around 19 casino venues. Three of them are run by Native American tribes, while the rest are commercial.

You can also find many kiosks that sell lotto tickets. The state lottery has been running since 1985, and many Iowans still test their luck with its games. Poker is another form of gambling that players from the Hawkeye state can engage in at licensed physical casinos.

Horse and dog racing are next on the list of legal forms of gambling in the state. Both have been around since 1983, when the Pari-Mutuel Wagering Act was passed. The final step was the legalization of online DFS and sports betting in 2019.

Iowa Gambling Laws

Iowans who like to bet on sports are in luck, as this form of online gambling is legal in the state. Before 2019, you could only engage in pari-mutuel betting on horse and greyhound competitions, which can be fun but is not for everyone. Nowadays, you can bet on all types of popular sports, like basketball, baseball, and football.

Unfortunately, Iowa’s online gambling laws are more strict when it comes to casino gambling. It is only allowed at land-based establishments, and there has been no news about online legalization. However, we hope the major change in sports betting laws will inspire action in other areas of the industry.

Legal Gambling Age in Iowa

Usually, online gambling in the US is only allowed for individuals aged 21 or above. The same rule applies when talking about the Iowa gambling age. For all types of gambling, whether it’s casino games at physical venues, purchasing lottery tickets, or betting online, you must be at least 21 and be able to provide a valid ID.

Some other states have lowered the legal gambling age from 21 to 18 to increase gambling revenues. However, Iowa’s authorities have strictly specified they have no plans to make changes in this area. If online casinos become legal, the same rule will apply to them.

• Legal Gambling Age
  You must be 21+ to gamble in Iowa.
• Legal Drinking Age
  The legal age for alcohol purchase and consumption in Iowa is 21+.
• Legal Age for Marijuana
  Marijuana is only permitted for medical purposes in Iowa.

Expected Changes in Regulation

The most likely change to Iowa gambling laws is the legalization of additional products. However, there are no bills currently under observation, as there is some debate on how best to move forward. We will update you if anything changes.

History of Gambling in Iowa

Starting with the Pari-Mutuel Wagering Act of 1983, the state’s gambling history is intriguing. A considerable change occurred in 1991, when the state’s first riverboat casino became operational, setting an example for what has now become 19 locations both on and off the water. Following that event, there wasn’t much development until 2019, when online sports betting and DFS were legalized.

Iowa State Facts

Iowa, also known as the Hawkeye State, is one of America’s agricultural meccas. It produces more corn than any other state, but farming aside, it’s also the home to over 15 land-based casinos. In 2023, locals spent more than $2.2 billion gambling at these venues and online, contributing $13 million in state taxes.^[3]

Conclusion: Great Variety for New and Experienced Players

The Iowa online gambling industry is on the rise, with more reputable sportsbook operators joining the market. The top platforms we’ve recommended boast competitive welcome bonuses, live betting for both mobile and desktop, and a wide variety of sports, among other benefits. We’re confidant you can find a site or app that suits your preferences by examining the highlights our experts have provided.

Other Gambling Guides

• Online Gambling in WI
• Online Gambling in IL
• Online Gambling in MO
• Online Gambling in NE

References

1. Dormann, T. (September 24, 2021), Iowa’s gambling flood gates opened 50 years ago, The Gazette, Retrieved January 9, 2024.
2. Green, B. (July 11, 2023), Iowa sports betting hits $2.2 billion for 2023 fiscal year, CBS Iowa, Retrieved January 9, 2024.
3. Gruber-Miller, S. and Opsahl, R., (May 14, 2019), Kim Reynolds signs sports betting and fantasy sports bill into law in Iowa, Des Moines Register, Retrieved January 9, 2024.