Iowa Sports Betting

Editor’s note: As of Jan. 13, 2021

Make all the “Field of Dreams” jokes you want, but Iowa – a state with no major professional teams but two big-time college sports programs in the University of Iowa (Big Ten) and Iowa State (Big 12) -- did build a sports betting operation that began accepting bets in mid-August 2019, about 90 days after Gov. Kim Reynolds signed the legislation into law.

Build it and they will come, indeed.

In fact, the famous “Field of Dreams” will host its first Major League Baseball game on August 13, 2020 between the New York Yankees and Chicago White Sox. It will be played in a temporary 8,000-seat ballpark constructed in the corn on the Dyersville farm site where the classic film was shot. So that will be a one-off pro sports event in Iowa.

Is sports betting currently legal in the state?

Yes

When did Iowa start accepting bets?

Betting became legal on July 5, 2019 and the first bet was made on Aug. 15, 2019.

What is the legal age to bet on sports in Iowa?

21 years old

What restrictions are there on sports betting in Iowa … is online wagering allowed?

Both retail and mobile betting is available. Bettors must register for mobile privileges in person at an Iowa casino until January 2021.

Where can you open an account in Iowa?

At 15 casinos throughout the state: Ameristar II (Council Bluffs); Catfish Bend Casino (Burlington); Diamond Jo Casino (Dubuque); Diamond Jo Casino (Northwood); Grand Falls Casino & Resort (Larchwood); Hard Rock Casino (Sioux City); Harrah’s Council Bluffs Casino & Hotel; Horseshoe Casino Council Bluffs; Isle of Capri (Bettendorf); Isle Casino Hotel (Waterloo); Lakeside Casino (Osceola); Prairie Meadows Racetrack & Casino (Crater Lake);Q Casino (Dubuque); Rhythm City Casino (Davenport); Riverside Casino and Golf Resort.

What do I need to open an account in Iowa?

Players need to provide proof of age and identity to set up a betting account at a casino.

What are the betting-related banking options in Iowa?

There are various ways to fund a sports betting account including the casino’s cashier cage, credit/debit cards, online banking transfer, casino pre-paid cards, PayPal, Neteller, ACH eCheck or PayNearMe.