Iowa is a quaint state in the Midwestern region of the United States. Unfortunately, there are no major professional sports teams in the region. There are two colleges that play in the FBS—Iowa State University and University of Iowa. This creates an in-state rivalry for local fans to rally behind. Just because there are no sports franchises in the state, Iowa residents aren’t left out of the loop when it comes to sports betting action. Using this guide, Iowa residents can learn about how to get involved with sports wagering safely and legally. Sportsbook betting is an exciting form of gambling entertainment to get involved with for both the bettors and avid sports fans. However, it’s important to be well informed on the state and federal laws that are relevant to sports betting in the US. This guide will help you gain insight into relevant US gambling laws that impact legal sports betting options for Iowa residents.
Is Sportsbook Gambling Legal in Iowa?
Iowa state law bars people from engaging in bookmaking, or taking wagers on sports events, and also declares aiding and abetting any “public offense” a misdemeanor. Multiple federal laws prevent Iowa residents from engaging in any type of US based sportsbook gambling that takes place within the state’s borders. On a more positive note, none of these laws prevent Iowa residents from legally engaging in licensed sports betting as long as the destination at which you placing your bets is subject to regulatory oversight and is located outside of the US. It is not against the law for Iowa bettors to place wagers online at legitimate offshore sportsbooks that are operating legally within the industry.
Most Popular Sportsbooks in Iowa
The sportsbooks that we’ve suggested below are all legally licensed, regulated and operated. They offer betting lines and odds comparable to the ones you’d find in Las Vegas sportsbooks. Our featured brands also have outstanding reputations for their customer service, incentive programs and security protocols. The list below comprises the best sportsbooks available to Iowa residents. Each of our suggested brands also offers a mobile betting app that allows you to place bets, manage your account and even partake in live in play betting on the go.
| Logo | Site Name | Bonus | Rating | USA | Visit Site |
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Betonline Sportsbook | 50% Max $2500 |  |
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Sportsbetting | 75% Max $1000 | |
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Visit Site |
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Bovada Sportsbook | 50% Max $250 | |
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Visit Site |
How Federal Gambling Laws Regulate Sports Betting in Iowa
The Professional and Amateur Sports Protection Act (PASPA) banned sports betting in 46 states—Iowa included. The Federal Wire Act outlaws placing bets online through US based betting sites. The Unlawful Internet Gambling Enforcement Act (UIGEA) monitors banks and their processing of transactions resulting from internet gambling.
PASPA keeps states like Iowa from hosting Nevada-style, state sponsored sportsbooks in the region. The Federal Wire Act deals with placing bets online through illegal means (US based betting sites) and the UIGEA focuses more on the banks than they do the individual bettor. Iowa state laws prohibit residents from operating their own sportsbook. They also restrict residents from betting at in-state sportsbooks which makes sence because the law does not permit any state licensed sports betting destinations to legally operate within the state. All of these laws apply to US-based sportsbooks only. The sportsbooks we’ve recommended for Iowa residents are based offshore and are 100% legally sanctioned. They operate outside the jurisdiction of PASPA, the Federal Wire Act, the UIGEA and Iowa state laws because US laws do not reach beyond our borders.
FAQs About Betting On Sports
Can I Bet On Multiple Teams?
Yes. You can even bet on teams outside of your region. Our recommended sportsbooks allow you to bet on teams from all the major professional sports leagues, NCAA games, horse and stock car races, boxing and MMA fights, soccer, cricket and many more. You can also bet on international sports teams and events from around the world.
What Other Types of Bets do these Sportsbooks offer?
There are a variety of bets and wagering options offered by our featured sportsbooks. They offer straight bets on the point spreads chosen by the odds makers, bets on the over/under of a total of a game, proposition bets (“prop bets”; like, “Will the Celtics score first in the third quarter?”), future bets (“Who will win the NCAA National Championship?”) and parlay bets, which are when you bet on multiple outcomes of games. These are just a few examples of some of the bets offered.
What Are “American Odds”?
American odds refer to what is known as the moneyline. The moneyline is usually shown with the regular point spreads as either a positive or negative integer. The negative number indicates the favored team to win and also how much money you’d have to bet to win $100. The positive number indicates the underdog and how much you stand to win for every $100 you wager. For example, if the spread reads Atlanta Falcons (+180) v. New England Patriots (-200), the Patriots are favored and therefore you have to risk more to get a profit. Most sportsbooks include these odds due to the large amount of American bettors using their betting services.
Why Is My ID Required To Make A Deposit?
These sportsbooks take their security protocols very seriously as part of their customer services and regulations. They also are compelled to comply with internationally recognized regulations regarding gambling related transactions. They screen bettors’ IDs to ensure they are at least 18 years of age, that they are the legitimate and true owner of the credit or debit card being processed and that they are the individual to whom a withdrawal payment will be reeased to. These measures prevent fraud and other issues that can come about with payments or deposits.
What Is Meant By The Term “The Spread”?
The spread is the designated number of points that a team is predicted to win or lose the game or match by. For example, if a team is a 5-point favorite, the spread is -5. If you bet on the favorite, the team must win by 5 or more to cover your wager. If a team is a three point underdog, the spread is +3. If you bet the underdog, they must lose by three or less points to cover your wager. Betting on the spread is one of the most popular sports betting options.
Do These Sportsbooks Offer Any Type of Promotions?
Yes. The sportsbooks that we’ve recommended for Iowa residents have a variety of bonuses available. Bonuses give bettors additional funds to place bets with. Most sportsbooks offer an introductory bonus that you receive as soon as you make a deposit into your account. Other bonuses include refer-a-friend bonuses, seasonal bonuses, lifetime bonuses, live betting bonuses, promotional bonuses and more.
Are These Sportsbooks Safe For Iowa Residents To Use?
Yes. These sportsbooks are legally sanctioned, operated and regulated. They are out of the jurisdiction of US federal and state laws and Iowa residents aren’t restricted from betting with them. These sportsbooks are safe to use and reliable. They are also the only legal way for Iowa residents to place bets within Iowa state lines.