Is Online Gambling Legal In Iowa

Posted : admin On 7/25/2022
  • Legal Iowa sports betting is here. The state legalized wagering as of May 2019 and went live with retail and online betting in August 2019. As of January 2021, you can sign up for online sportsbooks from anywhere in the state. Read on for more about the present and future of Iowa sports betting.
  • Legal gambling in Iowa For those who want to gamble in Iowa, you can either choose one of the 23 land-based caisnona, where both slots but also unique poker rooms are available. In addition to that, there are currently 6 land-based sportsbooks and an associated online section for those of you who prefer it.
LegalGamblingUSA.com - Legal Online Gambling Guide By State - Legal Online Gambling In The State Of Iowa

Iowans who are looking to gamble on the Internet will find that there are very few problems stemming from the laws. Legal online gambling for Iowa residents consists of many options, all of which have been proven safe and reliable over the years. Being that Iowa is not a major gambling hub, those interested in horse racing betting, sports wagering, casino gaming, and even bingo may have little to no local options. That paired with the fact that online gaming sites provide better odds, huge bonuses, and a wider range of games make them ideal for Iowa residents.

If you are going to look into the laws that are governing online gambling in the state, you have come to the right place. While we do not actually have all of the state's statutes, we have done what we can to summarize these laws, as we want to put the fear of the law on the back burner. If you want to gamble online, you have very few worries outside of knowing where, as the legalities of online gambling in Iowa have all been listed here.

Online Gambling Age For Iowa Residents

One alternative to land casinos is for players to get the same thrills through Legal Iowa.

The 2021 Iowa online gambling age is 21 years old. Iowa's gambling laws begin with the age requirement in place, and those who live in the state have to adhere to these limitations. Iowa's residents have to be at least 21 years of age in order to participate in any form of gambling period. There is no form of gambling that can be enjoyed under the age of 21, so don't bother trying.

Iowa Online Gambling Laws

In Iowa, there are numerous avenues in which one can gamble using the internet legally. If looking to place bets at an online sportsbook in Iowa you can, but some hurdles will have to be jumped through if looking to play online casino and poker games. Iowa first legalized online sports betting on May 13, 2019 with the passage of SF 617 and since that day Iowans have had a plethora of online sports betting options available at their disposal. As far as iGaming legislation currently stands in Iowa, it doesn’t appear that Iowa lawmakers have any bills or amendments proposed or being considered that would bring state-regulated online casino games.

Lawmakers in Iowa are working on expanding online sports betting options allowing bettors to wager on eSports as well as individual awards with House Study Bill 200. Once Iowa’s lawmakers expand sports betting, the state could turn its attention to online casino gambling in the coming years. The lack of legislation from internet casino games doesn’t prevent bettors from playing legally, though. Every one of the gambling avenues we recommend on this page are 100% safe and legal for those residing in or visiting Iowa to use.

Gambling Sites That Accept Iowa Residents

Residents of Iowa will find that there are many ways for you to participate in the games. When we came to the gambling sites Iowa offers, you will find that the options are nearly limitless. Sportsbooks, poker rooms, casinos, bingo halls are all available online.

Bovada: Trusted Online Sportsbook For Two Decades

When the elections of the US come around, we always look to the people of Iowa for their first choice in presidential nominees; but where do the people look for the best overall gambling site in Iowa? They log into Bovada, where they can find a premier gaming and online casino experience. Bovada has everything a land-based casino would offer and then some, with its full online sportsbooks and betting. Bovada offers the political junkies of Iowa a chance to play their best bets on their favorite politicians. With the interactive mobile sportsbooks, the players can place bets and watch for the updating odds in real time. Also, users of Bovada join a large community of online poker players for weekly tournaments with large payouts.

Tally up the votes and it’s easy to see that Bovada offers its players the best choice of online casino games. It has a lot of online slot machines that offer huge jackpots. Play on any number of their five or three reel slots, as well as specialty and real-series, but that’s not all. The large selection of wager types will keep players betting in the sportsbooks year-round. They’ll select any number of different games from blackjack to baccarat, to craps, to roulette. This site is the primary place for Iowa residents to do their online betting with the greatest sportsbooks on the web. Go To Bovada!

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BetOnline: Make Bets From Your Phone Or Tablet

If you live in the Hawkeye state, you may be left with nothing to do except for log on to the best overall gambling site in Iowa, BetOnline. This site offers its users the most interactive sportsbooks on the web. If you’re traveling through the middle of Iowa, you can always log on to BetOnline’s outstanding mobile site and make a wager 24 hours a day. Its live up-to-date mobile service is the cream of the crop. Even if you can’t find Iowa on the map, you’ll be able to find everything BetOnline has to offer on it’s easy to use website. The sportsbooks, casino, and card rooms are all available 24/7 and ready for any player.

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Signing up for an account is really easy and no one has to look any further than the main page. Type in the information, including a valid email address and click “Join now”. Within minutes, receive an email confirming the account. Once the sign-up process is finished, BetOnline accepts almost every form of currency as deposits. With the great bonuses on the first deposits, players can be making bets and wagers instantly using Visa, MasterCard, or Bitcoin. If you’re looking for sharp betting lines and the fastest payouts, even to the middle of the crop fields, join BetOnline and start making your wagers today. Go To BetOnline!

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Online Casinos That Accept Iowa Residents

While state-regulated casinos in Iowa aren’t yet legalized this doesn’t have to prevent one from using the internet to still play their favorite casinos games to win real money. There are a vast number of online casinos to choose from if in Iowa, but we’ve filtered the pack to find the safest online casino accepting residents in Iowa. Bovada, Slots.lv, and Ignition are three online casinos that provide a legal and secure experience for all Iowa gamblers. Whether wanting to play slots, blackjack, or poker each of these three online casinos allow you to gamble legally without having to worry about breaking the law.

Legal Online Sports Betting Sites In Iowa

Online sports betting in Iowa launched a few months after the first retail sportsbook opened in August 2019. Now Iowans have a plethora of legal online sports betting options available to them as they can bet on sports without every leaving the comfort of their homes with these sites or apps. In order to use some of these sports betting apps such as BetMGM, DraftKings, PointsBet, or William Hill gamblers may have to comply with Iowa law and register for accounts in person. If using legal sports betting sites like Bovada, BetOnline, or MyBookie to bet on sports the sign-up process is quick, and bettors can begin betting almost instantly using one of the many secure deposit methods offered.

  • BetMGM Sportsbook
  • MyBookie
  • Bovada
  • DraftKings Sportsbook
  • BetOnline
  • Q Casino Sportsbook
  • PointsBet
  • William Hill
  • Elite Sportsbook

Iowa Sports Betting Sites

Online Poker Sites That Accept Iowa Residents

Poker players in Iowa can rest easy knowing that they don’t have to travel in person to play in a poker room any longer. Poker sites have quickly become one of the best ways to play poker online in Iowa as players don’t even have to leave the comfort of their own homes. Ignition Casino, Bovada, or Slots.lv., for example, can be accessed from any mobile phone, tablet, or laptop allowing Iowans to play poker while at the barbershop or doctor's office. Another advantage these sites provide is that the poker rooms are open 24/7 featuring easy-to-follow instructions on switching table on the site.

Online Bingo Sites That Accept Iowa Players

Real money online bingo has become more popular over the years, which is why you will find that there are many options for you on the Internet. We have seen players earn some serious cash through online bingo, and we have various sites where you can participate in what could be a very lucrative game. The best site for online bingo is Downtown Bingo, with 75, 85, and 90-ball games. The earning potential is huge between the big bonuses and cash prizes, which is why most players prefer online bingo sites that accept Iowa players.

Is Online Gambling Legal In Iowa?

So players ask us if there is online gambling legal in Iowa. No matter what you want to play, you will find that there are options at online gaming sites. If you decide you want to gamble online, you will not have anything to deal with other than legitimate gambling sites. The legislators have not actually banned online gambling, so you have no fear of getting in trouble.

Is Online Gambling Legal In Iowa

After reading through the Iowa Code, we can tell you with confidence that online gambling is not illegal in Iowa. There is not one law that prohibits online gambling, nor mentions the internet in any capacity. Iowa has not taken the time to update their laws to include language regarding the internet, and that is an advantage to the gamblers in the state. There have been no recent attempts for Iowa to offer regulated online gambling sites to its residents, but that is why so many gamblers choose to use offshore gambling sites.

With offshore gambling sites, you can legally gamble on sports, horses, and casino games. All of the sites have the proper credentials to accept bettors from Iowa and all over the United States. Many of the websites have been in the industry for more than two decades. When you want to safely gamble without limits, you can join a legitimate gambling site.

Is It Safe To Gamble Online If You Live In Iowa?

Those who live in Iowa need not worry when participating in any form of online gambling. This is because it is safe for the consumer (the person that gambles online for entertainment) to play online casino games, play online poker or simply put a few bucks down on the Hawkeyes. Where the problems arise is when entrepreneurs try to open their own gambling sites or gambling ventures on state soil, or U.S. soil for that matter.

Since we're just looking to enjoy what other sites have to offer, there is nothing for Iowa residents to fear in terms of legal repercussions. We do advise that you adhere to the recommendations we make on this page. These are sturdy gambling enterprises which are based offshore and not subject to any penalties from the U.S. or Iowa state government. Plus, we know these gambling portals to be trustworthy and pay players in a responsible manner.

Are Online Casinos Legal In Iowa?

Iowa has not passed any legislation that allows the states land-based casinos to offer iGaming options. Furthermore, there are also no laws in the Iowa Code that make gambling on the internet illegal, this gray area in legislation allows gamblers to use the online casinos we recommend on this page without fear of breaking the law.

Is Online Gambling Legal In Iowa

Is Online Sports Betting Legal In Iowa?

Online sports betting is legal and regulated in Iowa and has been so since August 2019. Iowans have a selection of both state-regulated sports and online sports betting sites on its legal gambling menu that sports bettors have been using for decades. Whether wanting to bet on the Iowa Hawkeyes to win the college football national championship or your favorite baseball team in Iowa all of this can be done from any phone, laptop, or tablet that is connected to the internet. However, pay attention to Iowa regulations, which ban some collegiate betting odds.

Is Online Poker Legal In Iowa?

There are no state-regulated poker sites in Iowa but online poker can be legally at any of the online casinos we recommend on this page. Using the poker sites we have listed on this page such as Bovada, Slots.lv, and Ignition Casino, bettors are ensuring that they’re playing at a reliable and safe online poker room

Can I Legally Bet On Horse Racing In Iowa?

You can legally bet on horse racing in Iowa at any of the top horse racing betting sites that are currently accepting residents. Pari-mutuel wagering is legal in Iowa, and online racebooks add even more excitement to the races. You can bet on the Triple Crown and live stream horse races as you wait on results. Online racebooks also offer sizeable bonuses and promotions, such as welcome offers and horse bet rebates. You can wager on your horse to win, place, or show, or go for an exotic wager. Horse betting sites such as Bovada also have the latest horse news and horse racing results for players to enjoy. Iowa residents can start betting on the ponies today.

Iowa Legal Gambling FAQs

What Are The Best Funding Methods For Iowa Residents?

The best funding methods for Iowa residents are bitcoin and credit cards. Bitcoin is the most expedient deposit method, with your funds reaching your account within 15 minutes. There are no fees associated with bitcoin, and you can usually deposit anywhere from $20 to $25,000 almost instantly. Rather than having to enter in banking information, you can just transfer the funds from your wallet to the BTC address provided by the site.

Credit cards are also instantly credited to your account, with Visa and MasterCard being accepted at the majority of cashiers. Most of us use credit cards for plenty of everyday purchases, which is why it is extremely convenient to use them at gambling sites. The limits on credit cards will range from $20 to $5,000, and you may be charged an international purchase fee by your card issuer.

Do Racebooks Have Mobile Betting Apps For Horse Racing?

All of the best online racebooks also offer mobile betting apps for horse racing. With mobile horse betting apps, you can take your racebook with you wherever you go. You will have access to nearly all of the same features that you are used to, give or take a few that are not essential. Mobile apps still allow you to place exotic or straight wagers, make deposits, and request your winnings. There is no charge for using a mobile horse betting platform, just visit the racebook from your iPhone or Android and start wagering on horses.

Will I get addicted to online gambling?

Addiction is a real issue that we work hard to prevent for our readers. You do not immediately get addicted to online gambling just because you casually place wagers, but there are steps that you can take to keep yourself out of the danger zone. Set a time limit for how long you will spend on a gambling site, and also cap the amount of money that you can spend. Additionally, if you find yourself on a losing or winning streak, know when to cut it off and either accept the losses or enjoy wins. There are numerous resources for those that think they may have a gambling problem, or just want to learn more prevention techniques. Below is a list of sites that you may find helpful:

Will I go to jail for online gambling in Iowa?

Iowans who decide to turn to the games found online, you will not have to face the risk of arrest for doing so. No Iowan has ever been arrested for gambling online, so we can tell you that the options are nearly limitless. Provided you do not actually violate any tax laws or something similar, you will be well on your way to enjoying the best legal online gambling for USA players.

Home » US Poker Laws – State by State Reviews » Iowa Poker Laws & Online Gambling Legislation

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April 30th, 2018 Last updated on November 2nd, 2020
Iowa Poker Laws & Online Gambling Legislation
Last Updated November 2, 2020

Iowa is a state which, like the majority of states in the US, has a healthy population of online poker players. Unlike some other states, Iowa could also play play a pivotal role in the regulation of online poker in the US.

Iowa law with regards to gambling is somewhat unique. Gambling not directly approved by the state is likely illegal, but the severity of the charge is directly related to how much money is involved in the activity. In short, the bigger the game, the worse the crime (assuming the game is, in fact, illegal).

We’re going to walk through the picture of gambling in Iowa, with a focus on online poker and the law, regulation, and culture of the state of Iowa. Read on for that and more in our Guide to Online Poker in Iowa.

Legal Gambling & Poker Laws in Iowa Summarized

Type/CodeSummary
State Code Section(s)III.99A-G; XVI.725.5-19
Legal DefinitionsGambling: Any activity where a person risks something of value or other consideration for a chance to win a prize.

Game of chance: a game whereby the result is determined by chance and the player in order to win completes activities, such as aligning objects or balls in a prescribed pattern or order or makes certain color patterns appear; specifically includes but is not limited to bingo.

Game of skill: a game whereby the result is determined by the player’s ability to do a task, such as directing or throwing objects to designated areas or targets, or by maneuvering water or an object into a designated area, or by maneuvering a dragline device to pick up particular items, or by shooting a gun or rifle.

Legal social gambling: A person shall not receive or have any fixed or contingent right to receive, directly or indirectly, any amount wagered or bet or any portion of amounts wagered or bet, except an amount which the person wins as a participant while playing on the same basis as every other participant.

Online Poker/GamblingThere were online poker and casino games bills presented to lawmakers in 2012 and 2013, the first in 2012 winning a Senate vote but not prompting a House vote. The 2014 CEO of the Iowa Gaming Association planned to watch other states that legalized internet games before moving another bill but has yet to do so.
Live PokerThere are live poker rooms in riverboat casinos and those in Native American-run casinos, as well as at some racetracks converted to racinos.
CasinosRiverboat casinos were legalized in 1991, and three Indian tribes were allowed to build their own casinos per the 1988 federal Indian Gaming Regulatory Act. Racetracks were also permitted to install slot machines and table games in order to compete with other gambling facilities.
Sports BettingA bill is under consideration to allow sports betting in currently-established casinos, but it did not come up for a vote in 2018.
DFSA 2017 bill to legalize daily fantasy sports carried into 2018 but never made enough progress to be considered for a vote.
Other Forms of GamblingHorse and dog racing, pari-mutuel betting, bingo, raffles not exceeding $200, social gambling not exceeding $200, charitable gambling.

Online Poker in Iowa

The importance of playing at a legal and regulated site is obvious – players want assurances that rules are in place that promote fair games and ensure the security of player funds. That’s just one of the reasons why all of our top poker sites in IA hold valid licenses in their operating country – along with the best welcome bonuses and most generous VIP programs:

Poker Sites Open to Players From Your State
Bovada$500 Bonus3-4 Day PayoutsAccepts Visa, Bitcoin, Wires
Ignition$2000 Bonus3-4 Day PayoutsAccepts Visa, Bitcoin, Wires

Can Poker Players From Iowa Play Online?

Playing online poker – cash games and tournaments – is a relatively easy feat for players from Iowa. With all of the major poker networks willing to accept Iowan players, your toughest task will be choosing among them. There are some regions of the US that face restrictions when it comes to playing online poker for real money – New York, for one – but poker players in Iowa have a pretty clear path to the virtual tables. Please read our real money poker page for details on how to play poker in Iowa for money.

Iowa Gambling Laws – What’s Legal?

With no direct mention of online gambling or poker, those who want to know if playing poker online violates Iowa law are left to interpret Iowa law for themselves. You can review the entire Iowa code at the state website . Here are a few aspects of the law that seem especially relevant to online poker players:

  1. Iowa law contains a sweeping prohibition against apparently all types of gambling. Section 725.7(1a) makes it a crime to “Participate in a game for any sum of money or other property of any value,”with the obvious exceptions for regulated gambling.”
  2. The same section (725.7(1b)) makes it a crime to “make any bet.” This would seem to render any distinction between games of skill and games of chance moot.
  3. As mentioned above, the size of the game dictates the severity of the charge. Section 725.7(2) lays out the thresholds for the “sum of money or value of other property involved,” with bumps at $100, $500 and $5000.
  4. Charges run up to the felony level at the top for both players and operators.
  5. Iowa law allows the government to seize all money involved in an illegal gambling activity – including money or property wagered in the course of the activity and money or property simply connected to the activity (Section 725.8).

Given the potentially harsh penalties players can incur under Iowa gambling law, it’s imperative to consult with a lawyer if you have any questions whatsoever about a given activity. We’re not able to provide legal advice – the above is only a summary, not an analysis, of some key components of online gambling in Iowa.

Will Iowa Legalize Online Poker?

Iowa might not be the first state that springs to mind when you think of legal online poker, but the state has actually been more active than most when it comes to legislation to regulate online poker. The state has failed to advance bills in the past and is currently studying the issue, but many believe that a bill could quickly arise and pass if other states start moving rapidly to embrace IA online poker regulation. In short, if you live in Iowa your chances of seeing state-regulated online poker are a good deal better than average.

Iowa Gambling Facts

Iowans no doubt engaged in quite a bit of gambling during the frontier days, as did many of the states in what was then the Western United States. For much of the last century, however, Iowa sat on the sidelines when it came to gambling expansion; it wasn’t until; 1983 that pari-mutuel betting got the official go-ahead, and Iowa actually introduced the lottery (in 1985) only four short years before approving riverboat gambling (in 1989).

Regulated Gambling Options in Iowa

Iowa is one of the few states in the US that offers the complete suite of the big five regulated gambling options: Lottery, pari-mutuel, commercial casinos, tribal gambling and charitable gambling. That doesn’t mean gamblers in Iowa have more choices by pure volume than someone on the Las Vegas strip, but it does mean there’s a broader selection than would be found in the average US state.

Does Iowa Offer any Regulated Online Gambling?

While Iowa is at a more advanced stage of regulating online gambling than most other US states, they are still a few critical steps away from actually offered a state-regulated online gambling product. For now, at least, Iowans will have to make do with online poker rooms regulated by other states.

All Poker and Gambling Laws by State

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Iowa Gambling Resources

Iowa Racing and Gaming Commission . The central location for official information regarding the Iowa gambling industry, regulation, licenses and more. In addition to providing access to statistics regarding gaming revenue, you can also view relevant laws and the statutes dictating commission activity.

Report on Iowa Online Poker Regulation. Commissioned by the state and conducted by the IRGC, this report takes a hard look at how state-regulated online poker would work in Iowa, and what the possible impacts would be on residents, revenue and land-based gambling.

History of Gambling in Iowa . A handy timeline of key events in the state’s relationship with regulated gambling. Provides quick snapshot of gambling expansion in Iowa, with links to additional information.

Is Online Gambling Legal In Iowa Caucus

Sources & Citations For This Article on Iowa Online Poker