Best Iowa Sports Betting Apps: $5,855 in Welcome Bonuses April 2024

Top 5 legal Iowa sports betting apps reviewed

Iowa's online betting landscape has grown significantly since its 2019 launch and is in constant motion. A couple of operators even dropped out of the IA market in the last year or so, but they were quickly replaced by newcomers bet365 and Betfred.

At the moment, there are 19 active sports betting apps in Iowa, with BallyBet set to become the next member later in 2024. Some are well-known brands that operate across the country, like DraftKings, FanDuel, and Caesars. However, you'll also find smaller operators and even the Iowa-exclusive DRF Sportsbook.

With so many choices, new bettors may find themselves overwhelmed and struggling to pinpoint the best sportsbooks in the state. To help you make the correct picks, we downloaded all available sports betting apps in Iowa and identified these as the top five using our expert analysis.

1. DraftKings Iowa sports betting app 👑

Bet $5, Get $200 in Bonus Bets

+ No Sweat SGP Every Day of NBA Playoffs 🏀

Claim $200

Sportsbook Review may receive advertising commissions for visits to a sportsbook betting site. 21+ and present in IA. Gambling Problem? Call 1-800-BETS-OFF.

DraftKings constantly experiments with innovative features, from their revolutionary Flash Bet function to analytics-based Stats Hub and engaging Pool Contests. When you add that to a smooth app experience and one of the best sportsbook promos for new users in the industry, it becomes clear why DraftKings ranks first on our list of the top betting apps in Iowa. New users can bet $5 and get $200 in bonus bets — no DraftKings promo code required.

Those who love the excitement of in-game betting will enjoy DK’s micro-betting markets, and bettors trying to find an edge will appreciate the platform’s steady stream of daily odds boosts. Additionally, players can earn a No Sweat Bet token on select NBA same-game parlays once per day during the NBA playoffs. Some odds restrictions and betting limits will apply.  

For more details about one of the best sportsbooks in Iowa, check out our DraftKings review.

2. FanDuel Iowa sports betting app 🔵

If we were just rating the app alone, FanDuel would easily top our list, as it arguably boasts the smoothest and most functional betting software in the U.S. Users love it, which is why FanDuel has by far the best overall rating in the App Store and Google Play combined.

Aside from a standout app, FanDuel is known for featuring plenty of odds boosts, diverse proposition bets, and valuable bonuses. FanDuel first introduced the same-game parlay concept and currently offers it for most popular sports. They expanded on the feature with SGP+, which lets you combine same-game parlays between different games. It should be no surprise that FanDuel made our list of the best NFL same-game parlay betting sites.

It’s also worth noting that FD’s bet $5, get $150 in bonus bets offer provides a bonus-bet reward that can be split into multiple bets, allowing you to make more of the offer than some other first bet insurance promos. You won't need a FanDuel promo code to qualify for this offer.

Our FanDuel review will tell you everything else you might want to know.

3. Caesars Iowa sports betting app 🏛

Bet $1, get 10 100% Profit Boosts

Terms and conditions apply

Bet Now

Sportsbook Review may receive advertising commissions for visits to a sportsbook betting site. 21+ and present in IA. Gambling Problem? Call 1-800-BETS-OFF.

Caesars is another well-rounded sportsbook with a great mobile betting app. What immediately draws the attention is the sportsbook’s welcome offer that gives first-time users ten 100% profit boost tokens when they make a qualifying first wager of $1 or more. Just use the Caesars promo code SBRBONUSDYW to claim it.

Caesars' odds are competitive throughout the market menu, while there are also plenty of daily odds boosts on a wide selection of props and parlays (albeit some with limits). If you need help creating your betting slip, you can use the Quick Pick feature, generating parlays daily. Many users also praise the sportsbook’s attentive customer service.

Head over to our detailed Caesars review for more information.

*Caesars Sportsbook retail locations can be found at Horseshoe Council Bluffs, Isle Casino Hotel Bettendorf, Isle Casino Hotel Waterloo, Prairie Meadows Casino, and Harrah's Council Bluffs

 4. BetMGM Iowa sports betting app 🦁

An excellent layout and good stability characterize the BetMGM mobile app. It boasts a good selection of bonuses and promotions, starting with up to $1,500 in bonus bets for new users. Use the BetMGM bonus code SBRBONUS to get started.

One of BetMGM’s prime features is Edit My Bet, which allows you to add or remove selections from your slip, perform an early cashout, or increase your stake. This feature is great for changing your mind about a given wager or when the bet isn't how you hoped. Cashing out early for a partial loss is better than losing the wager entirely. 

The Easy Parlay option is also worth mentioning, as it assists you in setting up your multi-bets in a much simpler way. There's a score of prop bets, especially for football, making BetMGM one of the best NFL prop betting sites you can pick.

Like Caesars, BetMGM features a competitive rewards system that lets you collect points to unlock various benefits online or throughout MGM’s land-based locations. 

Our in-depth BetMGM review will tell you everything else about this great Iowa sports betting app.

5. BetRivers Iowa sports betting app ⚡

Up to a $100 Second Chance Bet

Terms and conditions apply

Claim $100

Sportsbook Review may receive advertising commissions for visits to a sportsbook betting site. 21+ and present in IA. Gambling Problem? Call 1-800-BETS-OFF.

Completing our top five is BetRivers, which lags slightly behind the industry giants we already covered but still ranks above the majority of available Iowa betting apps.

The sportsbook’s main calling cards are the wide selection of props and alternative lines and a well-rounded rewards program (iRush Rewards), which paves the way to special offers, custom deposit limits, exclusive VIP gifts and events, and many other perks. These rewards somewhat make up for a rather pedestrian welcome offer, which is a $100 second chance bet in Iowa. Use our BetRivers promo code SBRBONUS to claim it today.

BetRivers also earns extra points for its flexible bet slip design, calculating how much you should wager based on the amount you type in the TO WIN box.

Head over to our BetRivers review for more expert insight.

Best Iowa sports betting apps promos and bonuses

Our welcome bonus tracker below shows what you can get as an Iowa betting app newbie. Here's a list of all 19 legal IA betting apps (including the one that hasn't launched yet), their current welcome bonuses, and a promo code to claim them (if applicable).

Gambling problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER

How to get started with Iowa sports betting apps

Using Iowa online betting apps comes with the convenience of having a sportsbook in your pocket at all times and being able to place a wager wherever you are (as long as you’re within state lines). However, before placing bets, you must download and install the apps.

How to download Iowa sports betting apps

Downloading sports betting apps in Iowa is simple. It's just like using any other app on your phone, whether Facebook or Candy Crush. How you do it depends on your device’s operating system, but the routes are similar whether you’re using iOS or Android.

iOS Iowa betting apps

1. Open the App Store on your iPhone or iPad.
2. Search for your chosen sportsbook or find a link to the App Store on the sportsbook’s website.
3. Once you check the memory and system requirements, tap "Get" to initiate the download.
4. Wait for the app to download and install. It shouldn’t take more than a few minutes.
5. Launch the app and proceed to register an account.

Android Iowa betting apps

1. Open the Google Play Store.
2. Search for your favorite sportsbook. Alternatively, you can find a link to the app on the sportsbook’s mobile website.
3. Review the installation requirements and tap "Install" to start the process.
4. The app should download and install in a couple of minutes.
5. Tap the app icon to open it and proceed to sign up.

How to use Iowa betting apps

Now that the app is installed on your mobile device, you can register an account, make a first deposit, and claim any welcome bonus on offer. After completing these short steps, you can finally enjoy placing your first bet.

1. Choose a sports betting app

Pick from any of the 19 Iowa betting apps, although you don’t need to limit yourself to just one. The more betting apps you install, the more bonuses you can claim. Joining multiple sportsbooks can also be useful for odds shopping and maximizing profits — more on that later.

2. Sign up

Register with your name, address, birthday, SSN, and other details. You must be at least 21 years old. You don’t need to be an Iowa resident, but you must be physically present in Iowa (or other states where a given sportsbook is licensed) to make bets legally.

3. Deposit

Navigate to the "Banking" or "Cashier" section to initiate your first deposit. Keep any welcome bonuses in mind, as they are often tied to the size of your initial deposit or wager.

Top up your account with however much is necessary. You can usually use credit and debit cards, Play+, bank wire, PayPal, or several other banking methods. The deposits are usually instant and don’t incur any fees.

4. Place your bet

Make your first bet on any eligible market. It could be anything from an NBA moneyline to an NFL spread or an Over/Under on the number of games in a tennis match. You can also put multiple bets on your slip and create a parlay for a bigger payout (with more risk, of course). Tap the odds to place a bet on your slip, type in the stake amount, and then submit the wager to lock it in.

Ensure you take a look at our guide on how to bet on sports, too.

5. Collect the bonus

Check the terms and conditions of the welcome offer. In the case of deposit match bonuses, all you need to do is make a deposit. However, first-bet-insurance style bonuses will require you to place a qualifying bet. It may have conditions, like minimum odds or a maximum dollar value. If the promotion requires a bonus code to activate, type it in when prompted (usually during registration).

6. Withdraw

Most of the time, you can cash out the same way you deposited. The sportsbook will usually take one to five business days to review your withdrawal, after which the money will be on the way. Remember that bonus bets or deposit matches cannot be withdrawn as cash. You must use the bonus bets to make additional wagers before they expire (and you can only withdraw the profits, minus the bonus amount). Deposit matches are usually earned as a percentage of future bets, otherwise known as playthrough requirements.

Sports available on Iowa betting apps

Although it doesn’t field any professional teams from the Big Four North American leagues, Iowa is very much in love with pro sports. With access to betting apps, Iowans can now get action on their favorite squads and players, as well as bet on a vast number of other popular and niche sports and competitions, including:

Football 🏈

Football is the undisputed number one sport in the U.S., Iowa included. Football betting is open throughout the NFL and college football seasons, with moneyline, spread, and totals being the core bets. However, there are also a ton of game, player, and season props, plus plenty of futures to speculate on. Check out our NFL picks for frequent tips on the best bets.

Basketball 🏀

Basketball betting is also quite popular in the Hawkeye state. Moneyline, spread, and totals are the three main bets, but many also like prop bets on specific player points and other statistical categories. The game’s high tempo is also ideal for micro-betting, allowing you to predict short-term occurrences, like how the next bucket will be scored. You'll find our NBA picks and NCAA basketball picks handy during the seasons. Then head to one of the best NBA betting sites to get started. 

Baseball ⚾

MLB’s long campaign and busy schedule make it ideal for betting since it provides plenty of opportunities for finding an edge. Numerous games are played nearly every day for six months. Moneyline, run line, and totals are the main baseball betting markets. However, a slew of creative prop bets have emerged lately, like pitcher strikeout totals or no-run first-inning bets. See our MLB picks all summer long to get some expert insight.

Hockey 🏒

Hockey is another classic American sport commonly highlighted at Iowa betting apps, especially during the NHL playoffs. You can bet on who wins the game outright, who covers the puck line, the total number of goals, and numerous other markets. Like other sports, there are many prop bets, like how many saves a goalie will make or how many shots a certain winger will record. Don't forget to browse our NHL picks through the season to gain valuable insight.

Other sports ⛳

A top-rated betting app in Iowa will feature over 20 sports. Other popular sports you can bet on include tennis, golf, MMA, Formula 1, and soccer, to name a few. If you're looking for really niche sports, the largest sportsbooks offer markets on cycling, rugby, darts, and billiards too. We have you covered with a ton of UFC picks and other sports picks too.

Iowa sports teams to bet on

While no major pro league teams are based in Iowa, the state is home to many competitive college athletic programs, including four teams representing their schools in NCAA Division I.

Iowa State Cyclones 🎓

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.

How to choose the best Iowa sports betting app

Picking the best Iowa betting apps shouldn't only be about their welcome offers and other promotions, as there are various other data points to consider. Here are the factors we considered when ranking our top picks.

User experience

No one likes apps that crash or lag, so it’s imperative that the app works smoothly on both iOS and Android and allows for uninterrupted betting.

Interface

A worthwhile betting app should have a simple interface that makes browsing markets and making bets easy. The ultimate goal is to submit a wager in as few taps as possible.

Features

Consider what key features contribute to the quality of your betting experience. DraftKings' Stats Hub is worth exploring if you like making data-driven decisions. If you prefer quick access to your app, try finding one that provides efficient Face or Touch ID logins. Maybe same-game parlays are your thing, in which case nothing beats the FanDuel app.

Bet types

A quality betting app reaches beyond the main markets of moneyline, spread, and Over/Under bets. Many bettors enjoy props and micro bets, like predicting who will score next in a basketball game or whether the next goal in a hockey game will be scored within ten minutes. Generally, the more betting markets there are, the better.

Payout speed

If you value quick withdrawals, check the sportsbook’s payment policies. The wait times on withdrawal requests may vary by sportsbook and your chosen payment method. No one likes to be kept waiting for their money, so see our picks for the fastest payout sportsbooks to help you decide.

Banking options

Ensure the Iowa betting app you select accepts a banking method you’re comfortable using. The best sportsbooks accept many payment options, including debit and credit cards, PayPal, Play+ cards, bank wires, and more. Many Iowa sportsbooks also operate at land-based casinos, allowing you to deposit and withdraw cash in person at their brick-and-mortar locations.

Registering an account

This standardized process takes roughly the same time, regardless of which betting app you select. Registering an account will always include filling out required fields like your email, name, address, age, SSN, etc.

Importance of multiple apps and line shopping

Iowans should make the most out of having nearly two dozen betting apps in their state. Each sportsbook can offer slightly different odds than the next one, so you should always check between the books to see which one has the best price for a particular bet that you’re trying to make.

It may not seem like a big difference, but winning a bet with +150 odds at one book compared to +140 at another can help you maintain a profitable margin. Shopping around for frequent promotions and odds boosts will also help you manage your bankroll more efficiently. In short, there's no reason to pick a single sports betting app and stay loyal to it. 

There are no restrictions on how many Iowa betting apps you can install on your device. We suggest you stack as many of them as possible to shop for the absolute best odds and bonus offers easily. If you want to see how two of the heaviest hitters in the game stack up, our FanDuel vs. DraftKings head-to-head comparison is a great place to start.

Iowa sports betting apps rules and regulations

Iowa sports betting was launched in August 2019 after the signing of Senate File 617 by Gov. Kim Reynolds. At first, Iowa bettors were required to register in person at one of the sportsbooks operating inside Iowa’s land-based casinos, but this rule was abolished at the beginning of 2021.

Like in most states, the legal betting age in Iowa is 21. It is legal to bet on both professional and college competitions, although college betting is stripped of player props. On the other hand, betting on high-school sports, entertainment events like the Academy Awards, U.S. political races, and eSports is not allowed in Iowa.

Anyone can use Iowa betting apps within state lines, even if they aren't IA residents. If elsewhere in the U.S., check with SBR's legal sports betting states tracker to ensure you can legally place wagers from your current location.  

Quick facts: Iowa sports betting apps

*Some college prop bets are excluded

More Iowa sports betting resources

Iowa Racing and Gaming Commission — the state’s sports betting regulator

SF617 — a bill that led to the legalization of sports betting in Iowa

Your Life Iowa (Gambling) — a state-funded organization helping in the prevention of gambling addiction

Iowa problem gambling helpline: 1-800-BETS-OFF

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

Sports betting across the U.S.

Are you looking for information on sports betting across the U.S.? Check out our comprehensive guides to legal sports betting in the United States:

Legal sports betting apps by state

Stay updated on the latest U.S. sports betting app news, including the best sports betting apps in each state, promotions, and regulatory changes.