Iowa Online Casinos and Gambling (updated February, 2023) Discover legal online gambling in Iowa and get the latest updates on IA gambling bills
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Iowa Online Gambling
In 2018 when PASPA was repealed, Iowa was the 11th state to legalize online sports betting. However, online casinos in this state are still illegal. There’s been no movement on this front since the publication of Iowa’s sports betting bill.
The 2018 repeal of the Professional and Amateur Sports Protection Act (PASPA) gave US states the power to regulate sports betting at the state level. Iowa was one of the earliest states to take advantage of the changing federal law, legalizing sports betting and fantasy sports in May 2019.
Several prominent online and land-based sports betting options are already live in the state, and there's a flourishing land-based casino industry that’s home to 19 regulated casinos, three tribal casinos, and two racecourses.
The state initially required in-person registration for sports betting, but since 2021 this has been suspended, meaning picking a top-notch Iowa sportsbook and signing up takes just seconds. You can also claim competitive welcome bonuses that'll boost your bankroll from your first deposit as a new player at any of the live IA gambling sites.
Is Gambling Legal in Iowa?
Sports Betting in Iowa - What are the Rules?
In May 2019, bill SF 617 was signed into force, legalizing in-person and online sports betting and daily fantasy sports as well as expanding the land-based casino industry. The bill also provided for “taxes and fees, making penalties applicable, and including implementation and effective date provisions.”
Each of IA’s 19 casinos can apply for a sports betting license, which allows them to operate two skins; the state has a potential for 38 sportsbooks. What’s incredible about IA is it only took three months for this state to implement the new laws, with some casinos launching legal sports betting as early as August 15th, 2019.
Many experts see Iowa as the perfect example of balanced gambling regulation in the US. The current Iowa online gambling laws include:
- A $45,000 license fee and a $10,000 yearly renewal.
- 6.75% tax rate on revenue.
- Industry regulation is controlled by the IA Racing and Gaming Commission.
- Two skins per license are available to established IA casinos.
- Remote registration for players from Jan 2021.
Top 15 IA Licensed Sportsbooks
| IA Sportsbook | Welcome Bonus | Online Since |
|---|---|---|
| Caesars | Get up to $1,100 in first bet insurance (T&Cs apply) | Aug 15th, 2019 |
| Elite Sportsbook | Up to $500 risk-free (T&Cs apply) | Aug 27th, 2019 |
| Q Sportsbook | N/A | Nov 12th, 2019 |
| PointsBet | Two risk-free bets up to $2,000 (T&Cs apply) | Nov 26th, 2019 |
| Hard Rock | Up to $100 risk-free bet (T&Cs apply) | Dec 16th, 2019 |
| DraftKings | 20% deposit bonus up to $1,000 (T&Cs apply) | Feb 19th, 2020 |
| FanDuel | Up to $1,000 risk-free (T&Cs apply) | Sep 9th, 2020 |
| Betfred | Info N/A | Sep 10th, 2020 |
| BetMGM | Up to $1,000 risk-free bet (T&Cs apply) | Jan 4th, 2021 |
| BetRivers | Deposit $250, get a $250 free bet (T&Cs apply) | Jan 4th, 2021 |
| theScore Bet | Up to $1,000 deposit match (T&Cs apply) | Feb 16th, 2021 |
| Unibet | Up to $250 risk-free (T&Cs apply) | Sep 1st, 2021 |
| Fubo | Up to $1000 + 1 month free fuboTV (T&Cs apply) | Sep 23rd, 2021 |
| Circa | No welcome bonus currently. | Oct 1st, 2021 |
| Betway | Up to $250 risk-free bet (T&Cs apply) | Oct 8th, 2021 |
Top 3 Iowa Online Gambling Sites
With 15 live sportsbooks to choose from, you might be wondering which is the best. According to the welcome bonus and overall service, here are our top three IA gambling sites for sports bettors.
PointsBet IA
BetRivers IA
Caesars IA
Other notable sites are BetMGM which is best if you collect M life reward points, and DraftKings, which is best for fantasy sports, although the welcome bonus isn’t up to much, with convoluted terms and conditions.
You always need to read the terms and conditions of any bonus before you opt in, as that’s where you’ll find the rules of how you can use a bonus and withdraw any winnings; hence these details can change the worth of a reward.
When will Iowa Online Casinos Launch?
Despite having a well-developed land-based casino and online sports betting industry, Iowa has thus far not set its sights on regulating internet casinos. If you want to play real money casino games, you need to visit one of the state's 19 casinos or three tribal establishments.
If you’re set on playing online casino games, you can opt for a sweepstakes casino. This is a completely legal online gaming option that provides casino slots, table games, and in some cases, even live dealers under a free-play model.
Top 3 Iowa Online Casinos (Sweepstakes)
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How Can I play Casino Games in Iowa
Sweepstakes are a totally legit way to play real casino games. These sites use virtual coins, which you’ll win through playing (and stake) and bonuses. The same software developers and titles that you’ll find at real money sites are featured, but usually, the lobby is a tiered system, and you’ll unlock more games the more you play.
There’s an increased social gaming element at these casinos. You’ll be encouraged to bring your friends on board and share your progress/enter competitions via social media to win more virtual coins and keep spinning.
While there’s no real money involved, sweepstakes provide all the entertainment and competition you’ll need for thrilling online gaming sessions.
Iowa Casino Bonuses (Sweepstakes)
Comparing bonuses at sweepstakes sites is just as important as at a real money casino, as this is what’ll keep you playing if your bankroll is running low.
This type of site usually gives daily or hourly coin packages to players, and while some sweepstakes allow you to deposit and buy more coins, there’s no need to, as you can await your next free installment instead.
Discover more About Casino Games
Joining Your First Iowa Gambling Site and Depositing
Iowa suspended the in-person registration requirement for online sports betting in 2021. You can sign up, claim your welcome bonus and start playing at an IA online sports gambling site or casino in seconds.
- Use any of the provided links to go directly to the operator's sign-up page.
- Complete the registration form with your contact details, address, SSN, and DOB.
- Verify your account and log in.
Depositing:
- Head to the cashier and select your payment method.
- Input the amount and select your welcome bonus.
- Complete the transaction.
- Start betting.
Responsible Gambling in Iowa
Gambling regulation in Iowa is controlled by The Iowa Racing and Gaming Commission. Responsible gambling is taken seriously, and there’s a state-wide voluntary self-exclusion program (Tribal casinos are not part of this), along with support services via phone at: 1-800-BETS-OFF and online support at yourlifeiowa.org.
Iowa Gambling News.
Read our weekly Casino Cabbie digest to stay up to date with all the latest gambling news in Iowa and beyond. Here we covered the hottest news from US casinos and new game releases.
Online Gambling and Casinos Iowa FAQs
Are online casinos legal in Iowa?
Online casinos are currently not legal in Iowa. However, you can play at a sweepstakes casino (see our top 3 above) or any of IA’s 19 + 3 land-based and tribal casinos.
Does Iowa allow online gambling?
Iowa allows online sports betting, fantasy sports, and lottery. Online casinos are not legal in this state, and there is no proposed regulation.
What are the Iowa state laws on online gambling?
SF 617 legalized online and in-person sports betting in Iowa. It details a provision for 38 sportsbooks (two skins per land-based casino license), a license fee of $45,000 (with $10,000 yearly renewals), and a tax rate of 6.75% on revenue. The IA Racing and Gaming Commission heads all regulation and compliance in this state.
Can you gamble in Iowa?
You can gamble at land-based and tribal casinos and sportsbooks, buy lottery tickets, enjoy race days at IA’s two racetracks and place sports bets and fantasy sports wagers online.
How many sportsbooks are there in Iowa?
There are currently 15 sportsbooks, with space for 38 (two per land-based casino license).
What are the best online casinos in Iowa?
You cannot play at real money casinos in IA. Therefore, if you want to play online, you need to use a sweepstakes casino. Our top recommendation is BetRivers.Net, as it’s got everything from free sports bets to slots, tables, and even live dealers!
Do I need to pay tax on gambling winnings in IA?
IA has a 5% state withholding limit, and there is also the federal 24% tax rate on gambling winnings. However, losses can be deducted from the winnings with net amounts declared.
What is the legal gambling age in IA?
The legal gambling age in Iowa is 21.
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