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With 15 of the best sportsbooks to choose from, like FanDuel, DraftKings, and Caesars, Iowa sports betting operators need to get creative with their best betting offers. This guide will break down all IA sportsbook promos and sign-up offers, plus point out the top five sports betting promos.

Top Iowa sports betting promos

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

#1

Up To $1,500 Back In Bonus Bets

Bonus bets will expire in 7 days. One new customer offer only. Additional terms and conditions apply.

Features

  • Some of the best live-betting odds.
  • Great deposit options.
  • Earn MGM Rewards from betting activity.
Bet Now

BetMGM Review

BetMGM is one of the top-rated sportsbooks in the U.S. offering some of the best live betting odds in the industry. They’re also the largest iGaming operator across the U.S.

Features

#2

Bet $1, Get 10x 100% Profit Boosts

New users only. Must use promo code. Min. $10 deposit. Max. additional winnings $2.5K per token. Tokens expire in 14 days. Void where prohibited. Full terms.

Features

  • Earn Caesars Rewards from betting activity.
  • Live streaming of NFL games.
  • User-friendly mobile app.
Bet Now

Caesars Sportsbook Review

Caesars is proving to be one of the most aggressively expanding brands in sports betting. Unfortunately, like all major U.S. sportsbooks, they are quick to limit you if you go on a tear and their odds boost promos offer low maximum bet limits.

Features

#3

Bet $5, Get $150 in Bonus Bets

Deposit required. Bonus Bets wager excluded from returns. T&Cs, time limits and exclusions apply. 21+. Gambling Problem? Call 1-800-BETS-OFF

Features

  • Extensive live betting options.
  • More markets than any other sportsbook.
  • One of the best apps in the industry.
Bet Now

bet365 Review

Terms and conditions: Deposit required. Bonus Bets wager excluded from returns. T&Cs, time limits and exclusions apply.

bet365 is one of the largest and most popular sportsbooks globally. With a well-received mobile app, popular same-game parlays, and a wide variety of sports leagues to bet on it’s no wonder 80 million sports bettors worldwide continue to use bet365.

Features

#4

Bet $5, Win $150 in Bonus Bets

New customers only. Deposit min. $5. Place first bet of $5+ and win $150 in Bonus Bets (within 72 hours).

Features

  • Top-tier app experience.
  • Same Game Parlays and SGP+.
  • Extensive promos and odds boosts.

FanDuel Review

FanDuel reigns supreme right now as the No. 1 betting site in America. And it has largely earned that spot on the strength of superior brand recognition, an easy-to-use product, an overwhelming number of markets for North America’s most popular sports, and representation in every state in which it is permitted to offer legal sports betting.

Features

#5

Get up to $1,000 in No Sweat Bets

Terms and conditions apply.

Features

  • Live in 21 states
  • Extremely powerful brand history and recognition
  • FanCash reward system is great for sports fans

Fanatics Sportsbook Review

Fanatics Sportsbook has launched its app in 22 states already, with plans to expand to more in the near future. Fanatics is poised to be a major player in the sports betting industry.

Features

#6

Bet $5, Win $150 in Bonus Bets

Terms and conditions apply.

Features

  • Lots of promos and odds boosts.
  • Wide range of sports and bet types.
  • Seamless integration with DFS.

DraftKings Review

DraftKings had a solid reputation as the leading DFS provider in the country, so the shift to legal sports betting felt natural. They offer one of the most voluminous collections of ongoing promos and odds boosts in the industry as they cater to the beginner crowd.

Features

Each product featured on our website has been meticulously researched and selected by our team of experts. If you sign up through our links, we may get a commission.

All Iowa sportsbook promo codes

While there are 15 legal and regulated Iowa sports betting apps, the competition is going to ramp up in the near future. Why? Because Iowa sports betting law states that more than 50 online sportsbook licenses will be granted soon. This would make Iowa one of the most competitive states in the country when it comes to sportsbooks fighting for users' attention. While this may seem intimidating to some players, it's also good news, as more competition should mean more aggressive welcome bonuses and sign-up promos.

As of right now, only three operators require promo codes at the time of your first deposit to redeem a welcome bonus:

IA Sportsbook 🏆Promo Code ✅Last Verified ✔️
CaesarsSBRBONUSDYWDec. 21, 2024
bet365SBRBONUSDec. 21, 2024
BetMGMSBRBONUSDec. 21, 2024

Of all online sportsbooks, the majority of sign-up offers for new Iowa players are some form of first-bet insurance or bonus bets deal. In some cases, a player’s first bet must lose in order to cash in on any welcome bonus funds. If a player’s first bet wins, first bet insurance promotions go away. Some of these promotions are valued at $1,000 or more:

If you’re looking for a deposit match bonus, newcomer Tipico is offering a $250 deposit bonus when you deposit $200. Be sure to read the playthrough requirements because you do need to make some wagers in order for bonus funds to become withdrawable.

Iowa sportsbook 🏆Welcome bonus 💰  Promo code Last verified ✔️
⭐bet365Bet $5, get $150 in bonus bets or $1,000 first betSBRBONUSDec. 21, 2024
⭐BetMGMUp to $1,500 in bonus betsSBRBONUSDec. 21, 2024
⭐FanDuelBet $5, win $150 in bonus betsNo Code RequiredDec. 21, 2024
⭐CaesarsBet $1, get 10x 100% Profit BoostsSBRBONUSDYWDec. 21, 2024
⭐FanaticsUp to $1,000 in No Sweat BetsNo Code RequiredDec. 21, 2024
⭐DraftKingsWin $150 in bonus bets + $1,000 deposit bonusNo Code RequiredDec. 21, 2024
⭐Bally BetBet $25, get $150 in bonus betsNo Code RequiredDec. 21, 2024
⭐Betfred Sports$105 on FredNo Code RequiredDec. 21, 2024
⭐BetRivers$250 second chance betNo Code RequiredDec. 21, 2024
⭐Circa SportsSharp OddsNo Code RequiredDec. 21, 2024
⭐DRF SportsbookBonus bet up to $500No Code RequiredDec. 21, 2024
⭐Elite SportsbookBonus bet up to $500No Code RequiredDec. 21, 2024
⭐ESPN BETUp to $2,000 in bonusesNo Code RequiredDec. 21, 2024
⭐Q Sportsbook100% match bonus up to $300No Code RequiredDec. 21, 2024
⭐TipicoDeposit $200, get $250No Code RequiredDec. 21, 2024

Gambling Problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER

BetMGM IA Welcome Offer 🦁

The King of Parlays has a great welcome offer for new Iowa players. BetMGM’s welcome bonus is an up to $1,500 First Bet Offer, paid in the form of five (5) bonus bets when your first losing bet is $50 or more. If your first bet of $49 or less loses, BetMGM will stake your account the full amount in a single bonus bet. Use BetMGM bonus code SBRBONUS during sign-up.

  • Min. $10 deposit required.
  • First bet must lose to earn bonus funds.
  • First losing bets of $50+ are refunded in the form of five (5) equal bonus bets.
  • First losing bets of less than $50 are refunded as a single bonus bet.
  • Bonus bets must be used within seven days.
Screenshot of BetMGM Sportsbook app on Android.
BetMGM Android App
ProsCons
✅ Low minimum deposit❌ Bonus bets expire quickly
✅ No risk first wager for new players❌ First bet must lose to claim
✅ Highest IA bonus value

Why BetMGM's bonus is better than others

When choosing a betting site, it’s worth noting that few offer welcome bonuses valued at $1,000 or more. The fact that BetMGM pays out a maximum of $1,500 gives it an edge in terms of total dollar value, making it arguably the best option in Iowa if you want to make a big first bet.

Caesars IA Welcome Offer 🏛

Iowa has welcomed Caesars Sportsbook with open arms both online and at each of its five retail sportsbooks. New players that register with its sports betting product can now acquire 10 100% Profit Boost Tokens just for placing a $1 wager. The Caesars Sportsbook promo code SBRBONUSDYW is required at the time of the first deposit.

Here's a guide to acquire your bonus:

  1. Create an account and register with promo code SBRBONUSDYW
  2. Deposit at least $10
  3. Place a wager of $1 on any qualifying market
  4. After you place your wager, your account will be credited with 10 100% Profit Boost Tokens that you can use on any market
  5. The max wager for each rewarded Profit Boost is $25
  6. The max additional winnings for each rewarded Profit Boost is $2,500
  7. Profit Boosts expire after 14 days
Screenshot of Caesars Sportsbook for Android. 
Caesars Android App
ProsCons
✅ Second chance first bet❌ Bonus bet cannot be split into smaller pieces
✅ $10 minimum deposit❌ 14-day expiration date
✅ Large maximum value

Why Caesars' bonus is better than others

Though it's incredibly unlikely, maxing out this bonus would net you $25,000, the most of any sportsbook in North America. But as we already said, maxing this bonus out is nearly impossible. Still, the Profit Boost Tokens give you more control over how you want to use your bonus, and having 10 of them allows you to try out numerous markets, including ones you may otherwise not play. This level of freedom can be hard to find when granted bonuses. Plus, Caesars has one of the best loyalty rewards programs in the business, making it a tough offer to beat if you visit one of Iowa's Caesars-owned hotels and casinos.

DraftKings IA Welcome Offer 👑

DraftKings still hasn’t felt the pressure to embrace first-bet insurance yet, as new players in Iowa can earn $150 in instant bonus bets after betting $5 or more. No DraftKings promo code is required.

  • Minimum deposit of $5 or more.
  • Minimum first bet of $5 or more.
  • Winning bet of $5+ will grant $150 in bonus bets.
  • Bonus bets are granted instantly on winning bets only.
  • Bonus bets arrive as six (6) $25 slices.
  • Bonus funds must be used within seven days.
  • New users can also claim a 20% First Deposit match bonus, up to $1,000 in bonus funds.
Screenshots of the DraftKings Sportsbook iOS app.
DraftKings iOS app
ProsCons
✅ No promo code required❌ Lower overall bonus value
✅ Only $5 wager required❌ Quick expiry
✅ Easy to understands terms and conditions

Why DraftKings' bonus is better than others

Very few Iowa online sportsbooks offer bonus bets that can be spread around on multiple future wagers. DraftKings' welcome bonus also requires a very low initial risk of just $5, which you don't even have to lose to qualify for the offer.

FanDuel IA Welcome Offer 🔵

FanDuel likes to mix up its welcome offerings. So, before you sign up, check back in often to see if the operator is offering a player-friendly bonus. Right now, new players in Iowa can enjoy a bet $5, win $150 in bonus bets offer without needing a FanDuel promo code.

  • You must use the FanDuel sportsbook app to receive the sign-up offer.
  • Min. deposit of $5 is required.
  • Make a first wager of $5 or more on any market.
  • If it wins, you'll earn $150 in bonus bets.
  • Bonus bets cannot be withdrawn as cash.
  • The bonus bets expire after seven days.
Screenshot of the FanDuel Sportsbook app for Android. 
FanDuel Android App
ProsCons
✅ Low initial risk❌ Available in-app only
✅ Bonus can be broken down into multiple bets❌ Quick expiry (7 days)
✅ Only $5 min. deposit required❌ First bet must win

Why FanDuel's bonus is better than others

FanDuel Sportsbook offers $150 in bonus bets for a minor risk of $5. While this offer is similar to what other Iowa sportsbooks offer, FanDuel's flexibility gives it an edge. You can split up your bonus bets however you want. In other words, you're not obligated to use all $150 at once or limited to using them in $25 chunks.

bet365 IA Welcome Offer 🟢

Sign up using bet365 bonus code SBRBONUS, make a deposit of $10 or more, and place a wager of at least $5 on any available sports market. Keep in mind that your final wager must have at least one selection with odds of -500 or longer. Once that is settled — win or lose — $150 in bonus bets will be added to your account. Customers must claim the bonus bets within seven days of registering for an account.

  • You can only claim the bet365 welcome bonus in the mobile app.
  • Minimum deposit of $10 or more.
  • Ensure your first $5 bet meets the odds requirements.
  • Collect $150 in bonus bets, win or lose.
  • Bet credits will expire after seven days.

Alternatively, you can nab the sportsbook's other welcome offer instead — a $1,000 First Bet Safety Net. Just keep in mind that you can only claim one sign-up bonus with bet365.

  • Deposit $10 or more within seven days of claiming the offer.
  • Redeem the reward within seven days of registration.
  • Make your first wager of any amount on any sports market.
  • Should your wager lose, you'll get your stake back, up to $1,000, in bonus bets.
  • The bonus bets will arrive in your account within one hour of your qualifying wager settling.
Screenshot of bet365 Sportsbook app in iOS.
bet365 iOS app
ProsCons
✅ Low-risk first wager amount❌ Smaller overall bonus amount      
✅ Guaranteed bet credits, win or lose❌ Cannot cash out bonus bets
✅ Can split bonus bets into smaller bets

Why bet365's bonus is better than others

This bonus is better than others because it comes with an ultra-low risk. You only have to bet $5 of your own money to earn $150 in bonus bet credits. After that, you can be as aggressive or conservative as you like with your bonus bet picks. Whatever you do, it's a great way to get familiar with bet365's site without risking much of your own bankroll at the start.

BetRivers IA Welcome Offer ⚡

BetRivers is offering new players in Iowa up to a $250 second chance bet. If you lose your first wager with the sportsbook, BetRivers will return your money, up to $250, as a bonus bet. You don't need a BetRivers bonus code to collect this offer.

  • New players can wager on any sports market.
  • The $250 bonus bet cannot be chopped up into smaller parts.
  • You must play through the bonus bet once at odds of -200 or longer.
  • If you don't use the bonus within 30 days, it will expire.
Screenshot of the BetRivers Sportsbook app for Android. 
BetRivers Android App
ProsCons
✅ Attached safety net❌ First bet must lose
✅ 30 days to complete conditions❌ Small max amount
✅ Great for new players

Why BetRivers' bonus is better than others

BetRivers' $250 Second Chance Bet allows new players in Iowa a second chance to try out different betting markets you might otherwise avoid if it was your own money. This makes it a great option for first-time bettors dipping their toes into the sports betting space.

Fanatics IA Welcome Offer 🧢

Fanatics Sportsbook is greeting new customers in Iowa with up to $1,000 in potential welcome bonuses. To grab it, you must download the Fanatics app, create an account, and make a real-money deposit.

Then, place a first-time wager of $1 or more on a market with -500 odds or longer. If your bet loses, Fanatics will refund your stake amount, up to $100, as a bonus bet. Repeat this process for the first ten days after account activation, and you can snag up to $1,000 in No Sweat Bet opportunities. No Fanatics Sportsbook promo code is necessary to redeem this stellar offer.

  • Minimum $1 wager required to earn a bonus in each of the ten days following account registration.
  • After day one, opt-in is necessary to activate the offer.
  • If you fail to opt-in on a given day, you can't gain a bonus that day. However, you can still redeem bonuses on the following eligible days.
  • Bonus bets only awarded if your first qualifying daily wager loses, up to $100 per day.
  • Bonus bets expire after seven days.
Fanatics Screens
Fanatics Android App
ProsCons
✅ 10 days of potential bonuses❌ Daily opt-in required
✅ Low minimum wagering requirement❌ Can't deposit with a credit card
✅ Earn up to $1,000 in bonuses ❌ First daily bet must lose to claim bonus

Why Fanatics' bonus is better than others

Even though this bonus only pays out when you lose your first daily bet, it still has plenty of appeal. For starters, you can wager as little as $1 per day and still collect the No Sweat Bet bonus if you lose. Secondly, this bonus spreads itself out over ten straight days, giving you multiple chances to collect. 

More sportsbook promo codes

We've covered our top seven IA sportsbook promos in-depth, but there are a few others still worth your time. Check out any of these options for further bonus opportunities:

Betfred is a great choice with a unique welcome offer. Our Betfred promo code gets you a returned stake of up to $105 if your initial bet doesn't win.

The ESPN BET promo code works a little differently, with up to $1,500 in bonuses + a 200% deposit match (up to $500) available to new users.

Iowa bettors can also use the Bally Bet promo code to earn up to $150 in bonus bets for meeting certain betting requirements.

Tipico is also a good choice, with a straightforward welcome bonus. Use our Tipico promo code to get $200 in bonus bets when you deposit $50.

For more information on these sportsbooks and other promotions, visit our Iowa sports betting apps page.

Iowa sports betting promos summary

➡️ Legal betting age21+
🏆 Best IA bonusFanDuel: Bet $5, win $150 in bonus bets
📱 Sports betting apps15
Do bonuses require codes?Sometimes
Can you withdraw bonus funds?No
💰 Biggest IA bonusBetMGM: Up to $1,500 in bonus bets
🎰 Casino appsNo
🃏  Online pokerNo
☎️ Problem gambling hotline1-800-BETSOFF
ℹ️ Gambling addiction counselingYes
  🔔 IA regulatorIowa Racing and Gaming Commission

How we rate and review sports betting promotions

Our editorial team independently reviews and rates each Iowa online sportsbook and sports betting app for quality, safety, and user experience. Our team of experts applies the same rigorous evaluation when critiquing the sports betting promotions operators offer new and veteran players. We want everyone to do their due diligence and make an educated decision before signing up with a new online sportsbook, and the quality of the sites’ and apps’ promotions is a big part of the puzzle. Some areas we concentrate our attention on are:

  • The sign-up offers' minimum and maximum value.
  • Whether the welcome promo is guaranteed or if another action must be performed, such as a minimum deposit or minimum first bet amount.
  • Whether the operator is offering a deposit match bonus, bonus bets, or first bet insurance.
  • Whether a promo code is required at the time of deposit.
  • Details on playthrough requirements and terms and conditions of the sign-up offer or what needs to occur before payout.
  • How quickly the expiration date is on the bonus funds or bonus bets.

Types of Iowa betting sign-up offers and bonuses

Like every other state where sports betting is legal, Iowa’s three most common sign-up bonuses are deposit matches, bonus bets and first bet insurance. Before you sign-up with any online sportsbook or sports betting app, be sure you understand how these welcome bonuses work so you aren’t surprised by terms and conditions.

Deposit match bonus

The deposit match bonus is considered one of the most appealing sign-up offers as new players can earn bonus bet money regardless of whether their first bet wins, loses, or even if they bet at all.

For instance, a 100% deposit match up to $500 would entitle a new player who deposits $500 to receive a $500 bonus, resulting in $1,000 in available funds in their account wallet. Similarly, a 50% deposit match up to $1,000 would translate to a $2,000 deposit earning $1,000 bonus funds, giving players $3,000 to start with.

Although the deposit match bonus is one of the most satisfying sign-up bonuses, it's becoming harder to find as more operators enter the market.

Bonus bets

Some of the industry leaders prefer bonus bet promotions over deposit matches and first bet insurance. In such cases, new players are required to make a minimum deposit, usually around $10, and in most instances, make a small first wager to activate the bonus bet funds.

Occasionally, these bonus bets will be divided into increments, such as six (6) $25 bets on a $150 bonus bet promotion, or the entire value of the bonus bets can be utilized on a single future wager. For instance, if a sportsbook provided a bonus bet promotion of $150, the new player might first need to deposit $10 and place a $5 first-time wager. Once that initial bet clears, the $150 would be credited to their account, and they could then risk the $150 on any future bet.

Keep in mind that terms and conditions, in addition to playthrough requirements, may apply before requesting a payout.

First bet insurance

The most common welcome bonus in Iowa is some version of first bet insurance though it may also be referred to as a no-sweat first bet. Unlike other sign-up offers, first bet insurance is not guaranteed to increase your bankroll or guarantee you extra funds. In fact, in order for new players to see any welcome bonus monies from first bet insurance, the first wager must be ruled a loser.

For example, Caesars frequently offers a first bet insurance promo valued at up to $1,000. That means new players can be really aggressive with their first bet since Caesars will credit their account with up to $1,000 if they lose. This is an incredible safety net that does possess solid value. If your first bet wins, your bankroll grows, but your welcome bonus opportunity expires.

Referral bonus

Most sportsbooks keep the promotions going, even after you've claimed a welcome bonus. A referral bonus can be earned by sharing a download link, which the sportsbook will provide, with a friend. If your friend uses that link to register an account and make a real-money deposit, you'll earn a bonus. Check out our list of the best sportsbook referral bonuses for more information.

Iowa online sportsbooks

The Hawkeye State wasted no time in legalizing sports betting after the Supreme Court struck down the Professional and Amateur Sports Protection Act (PASPA) in May 2018. By the next spring, legislation passed the Iowa House and Senate, the following month, the governor signed the bill into law, and by August 2019 both retail and online sports betting had launched.

As of mid-2024, 15 online sportsbooks and sports betting apps are available to players. However, and this is staggering, Iowa law states that more than 50 sports betting sites and apps are eligible for licenses. Operators of online sportsbooks need to keep their products fresh and welcome bonus promotions attractive to keep players coming back.

Iowa online and mobile sportsbooks

Iowa sportsbookBest known for
Bally BetDaily odds boosts
bet365Great live betting options
Betfred SportsOngoing promotions
BetMGMKing of Parlays
BetRiversAward-winning parent company
CaesarsCaesar Rewards
Circa SportsHigh limit sports betting
DraftKingsIndustry leading products
DRF SportsbookPlayer trusted
Elite SportsbookFirst online sportsbook to launch in Iowa
ESPN BETPersonality driven promotions
FanDuelTop-rated sports betting app
FanaticsFanCash Rewards
Q SportsbookLoyalty Rewards
TipicoPartial Cash Out Option

Latest Iowa sports betting news

Nov. 27, 2024: BetMGM combines its Rewards Points program into a single digital account, allowing Iowa users to carry over points across jurisdictions.

Nov. 25, 2024: Caesars updates its welcome offer for Iowa bettors, giving new users 10 100% Profit Boost Tokens. To acquire these tokens, users need to place an initial wager of $1 or more.

Nov. 18, 2024: DraftKings updates its IA welcome offer. New users can claim up to $150 in bonuses when their first bet wins.

Nov. 12, 2024: ESPN BET updates its IA welcome offer. New users can now claim up to $1,500 in bonus bets + a 200% first deposit match up to $500.

Nov. 5, 2024: bet365 updates its welcome bonus to a choice between a bet $5, get $150 offer or a $1,000 First Bet Safety Net.

Oct. 28, 2024: FanDuel lowers its Iowa welcome bonus to a bet $5, win $150 in bonus bets deal. New customers can claim it without a promo code. 

Oct. 7, 2024: FanDuel switches its IA welcome bonus, now offering a bet $5, win $300 in bonus bets deal. 

Sept. 16, 2024: ClutchBet officially closes its online sportsbook in Iowa, leaving the market indefinitely. 

Sept. 1, 2024: ClutchBet, an Austrailian-based sportsbook, announces it will be exiting the state of Iowa (and all other U.S. markets) on Sept. 16, 2024. 

Aug. 30, 2024: Multiple IA sportsbooks, including FanDuel, DraftKings, and bet365, have increased their welcome offers ahead of the new NFL season. 

Aug. 12, 2024: The Iowa Gaming and Racing Commission reports a monthly July handle of $138.1 million, a 6% drop compared to June. 

July 22, 2024: Superbook announces it is no longer accepting bets or deposits in Iowa (and seven other states) as it prepares to exit the U.S. market. 

July 10, 2024: Betway announces it will exit the entire U.S. legal sports betting market, including Iowa.

July 10, 2024: The IRGC reports Iowans bet roughly $146.7 million on sports in June, a 19.6% decline from May. However, the June figures are a 20.7% year-over-year increase from June 2023.

June 17, 2024: Fanatics makes a slight change to its welcome offer. New users can earn $200 in bonuses in the first five days following account creation. While the maximum amount you can earn from the offer ($1,000 in bonuses) doesn't change, the steps to earn them are a bit different.

June 6, 2024: DraftKings and FanDuel, two of Iowa's most popular online sportsbooks, make changes to their respective welcome promotions. They are both now offering bonus bets in exchange for new players meeting certain conditions.

May 21, 2024: DraftKings switches its IA welcome bonus, now offering a No Sweat First Bet up to $1,500 to all new customers.

Apr. 24, 2024: DRF Sportsbook announces it will close in Iowa on April 30.

Apr. 15, 2024: DraftKings IA makes a change to its welcome promotion. It's now offering a bet $5, get $200 in bonus bets deal, plus a No Sweat SGP for every day of the NBA Playoffs.

Apr. 3, 2024: The Women's Elite Eight game between LSU and Iowa (with star player Caitlin Clark) was the most bet women's basketball game ever, according to BetMGM executive Seamus Magee.
 
Mar. 15, 2024: BetMGM announces a change to their IA welcome bonus. New users can now get an up to $1,500 First Bet Offer.

Mar. 5, 2024: Fanatics announces its Iowa welcome bonus: up to $1,000 in bonus bets ($100 a day for the first ten days).

Mar. 4, 2024: Iowa prosecutors drop all charges against four former Iowa State athletes who were previously accused of gambling-related violations. However, the case remains under investigation.

Feb. 13, 2024: The Iowa Gaming and Racing Commission released a report detailing sportsbook handles and revenues for January 2024. Bettors within the state placed $259.4 million in cumulative wagers during the month of January, down from the $282.7 million placed in December.

Feb 8, 2024: Fanatics announces they are live in Iowa, making it an even dozen legal state for the newly established sportsbook.

Jan. 15, 2024: Iowa announces $26 million in betting revenue from December 2023, bringing the annual total to almost $200 million.

Nov. 14, 2023: ESPN BET officially launches in Iowa, along with 16 other states.

Oct. 11, 2023: The Iowa Racing and Gaming Commission reports the state saw $245.7 million in sports betting handle during the month of September.

Aug. 10, 2023: Four Iowa-state football players are arrested and charged with tampering with records, after allegedly placing wagers on college games.

June 5, 2023: bet365 launches in Iowa, bringing the total number of legal IA sportsbooks up to 19.

Jan. 11, 2023: Tipico opens up its online sportsbook in Iowa, just the fourth state it operates in.

Nov. 1, 2022: ClutchBet debuts a new product called ClutchCash, a "first-of-its-kind player matchup tool" that allows bettors to make head-to-head player parlay bets in NBA and NFL games.

Oct. 27, 2022: SuperBook goes live in Iowa, extending its reach into a sixth legal state.

Oct. 17, 2022: Fubo closes down its sportsbook in Iowa. 

Aug. 29, 2022: BlueBet receives a license from Iowa's regulatory body to launch their ClutchBet sportsbook in the state.

Jan. 11, 2022: The move to remote registration helps Iowa soar past the $2 billion mark for the 2021 sports betting handle.

January 2021: Iowa allows fully remote registration to online sportsbooks. Previously, bettors were required to visit a brick-and-mortar casino to register.

August 2019: Legal sports betting launches in Iowa, with William Hill and Elite Sportsbook opening the first retail and online sportsbooks, respectively. 

Iowa sports teams to bet on

Iowa State Cyclones represent Iowa State University and field teams across many different sports, although betting on the Cyclones is usually limited to NCAA football and men’s basketball. College betting is allowed in Iowa, even on in-state teams like the Cyclones, with the exclusion of player props.

University of Iowa Hawkeyes 🎓

The state's other major college athletic program belongs to the University of Iowa Hawkeyes. The program is arguably best known for its stellar wrestling program with 37 Big Ten Conference championships. Still, it also boasts dozens of Conference titles in basketball (11), baseball (9), football (11), gymnastics (8), and a handful of other sports.

Vikings, Chiefs, Bears, Packers 🏈

Regarding the NFL, Iowa football fans also tend to split their loyalties between a handful of nearby teams; the Vikings to the North, the Packers off to the Northeast, the Westernly-located Bears, or the Chiefs directly South. Bettors in Iowa have access to the full NFL betting market on any of the licensed sportsbooks in the state.

Twins, Brewers, Cubs, White Sox, Cardinals, and Royals ⚾

Depending on where you live in Iowa, you might be geographically closest to any number of Midwest MLB teams. The baseball fandom in IA is pretty spread among these clubs, with summer road trips to stadiums in neighboring states a popular hobby. Or wait for the MLB Field of Dreams game to come around, played in a cornfield in Dyersville, Iowa.

Iowa betting resources

Before you wade too deeply into Iowa’s sports betting promotions, check out our other resource guides for the Hawkeye State. Our experts have researched and produced reviews of the best online sportsbooks in the state, a more in-depth look into how sports betting bonuses work in general and a closer look at why Caesars Sportsbook is the best sports betting app in Iowa.

Iowa Sports BettingBest Sportsbook PromosCaesars review
Review the best online sportsbooks and sports betting apps Iowa has to offer.Learn all about the various types of sportsbook bonuses that operators offer new and veteran players.Learn more as to why Caesars continues to reign supreme as the best online sportsbook and sports betting app in Iowa.

Sports betting by category

It doesn't matter what sport or league is your favorite; there's a great sportsbook bonus waiting for you at any number of legal and licensed sportsbooks in your state. Here's a list of the best sportsbooks by category, to make your decisions even easier:

For the most current legal information on sports betting in every single U.S. state, visit our legal sports betting state tracker page. 

Responsible sports betting with Iowa promos

The oversight of legal sports betting falls under the purview of the Iowa Racing and Gaming Commission (IRGC), which serves as the governing body. The IRGC's responsibilities encompass reviewing applications, granting licenses, conducting routine audits, upholding laws, and levying fines as appropriate. With a mission to safeguard the integrity of licensees and the interests of the sports betting public, the IRGC remains committed to fulfilling its duties.

In addition to responsibilities to the betting public, it also helps facilitate initiatives to curb problem gambling and encourage responsible sports betting within the state. Portions of tax revenues gathered from sports betting are earmarked for various prevention and treatment programs and other resources to help those with problem gambling.

In conjunction with the Iowa Department for Health and Human Services, the IRGC offers a wide range of resources to help individuals and family members take back control of their gambling habits. These include:

  • Self-exclusion programs
  • 1-800-BETSOFF hotline available 24/7
  • Outpatient counseling
  • Financial tools
  • Workbooks

Additionally, the online sportsbook operators have added options within each account to set monthly budgets and time limits on gaming sessions.

National U.S. gambling helpline: 1-800-GAMBLER

Iowa sportsbook promos FAQs

What’s the best sports betting bonus in Iowa?

The best Iowa sports betting bonus depends on your personal preference, but if you want to avoid first bet insurance – where you must lose your first bet to rake in bonus funds – then look for a sportsbook offering guaranteed bonus bets or deposit matches.

Which verified Iowa sportsbook promos are the best value?

The sportsbook promo with the best value depends entirely on the bettor. Experienced players may gravitate toward high-dollar first-bet insurance deals, while beginners may be more comfortable with guaranteed bonus bets that require minimal risk. 

How old do I need to bet on sports in Iowa?

You must be at least 21 years old to bet on sports in Iowa.

Do all Iowa sportsbooks provide sports betting promo codes?

No, not every Iowa online sportsbook and sports betting app provides sports betting promo codes. In fact, these days, most sports betting sites do not require promo codes to redeem welcome bonuses or promotions. In other cases, operators automatically apply promo codes to bonuses when a player opts-in to the offer.

What are the playthrough requirements on legal online sportsbooks in Iowa?

Before opting-in to any welcome bonus promotion, be sure to read the terms and conditions because each operator’s playthrough requirements prior to any withdrawal requests being accepted will vary. Modern Iowa online sportsbooks and sports betting apps do a nice job providing clear and concise language. So, you know what terms are prior to earning any bonus.

How many sign-up bonuses can I claim in Iowa?

New players may redeem one sign-up bonus per Iowa online sportsbook / sports betting app. Operators require social security numbers during the registration process, which helps avoid duplicate accounts from being made and keeps bad actors away from abusing the sign-up offers.