Is sports betting legal in Iowa?
Legal, online and in person
Yes. Sports betting is legal in Iowa, including online and mobile betting through state-licensed sportsbooks.
| Status | Legal, online and in person |
|---|---|
| First legal bet | August 2019 |
| Regulator | Iowa Racing and Gaming Commission |
| Last checked | November 2, 2026 |
Retail and online sports wagering is offered through operators tied to licensed Iowa casinos and regulated by the Iowa Racing and Gaming Commission. Sports wagering began in August 2019; the state tax rate on sports wagering revenue is 6.75%.
Licensed online sportsbooks in Iowa
As listed by the Iowa Racing and Gaming Commission:
- Bally Bet
- bet365
- BetMGM
- BetRivers
- Caesars Sportsbook
- Circa Sports
- DraftKings
- Fanatics Sportsbook
- FanDuel
- Hard Rock Sportsbook
- Q Sportsbook
- Sporttrade
- theScore Bet
What these books charge
Every sportsbook builds a margin into its prices. We measured it on NBA player props over the 2025-26 season. Lower is cheaper for you. Among the books licensed in Iowa:
| Sportsbook | Average NBA prop margin | Lines measured |
|---|---|---|
| FanDuel | 6.19% | 112,996 |
| DraftKings | 6.66% | 125,315 |
| BetMGM | 7.07% | 129,131 |
| Fanatics Sportsbook | 7.10% | 48,864 |
| Caesars Sportsbook | 7.29% | 64,651 |
| BetRivers | 7.40% | 55,504 |
Margins are national averages across states. Full tables by market: which sportsbook charges the most vig. What the number means: hold vs vig.
Questions
Is sports betting legal in Iowa?
Yes. Sports betting is legal in Iowa, including online and mobile betting through state-licensed sportsbooks.
Who regulates sports betting in Iowa?
The Iowa Racing and Gaming Commission.
Sources
- Iowa Racing and Gaming Commission: Sports Wagering Operators
- Iowa Racing and Gaming Commission: 2025 Annual Report
Other states with the same status: Arizona, Colorado, Connecticut, Delaware, District of Columbia, Florida, Illinois, Kansas. All states.