WOYALE.
What's legal
Iowa legalized sports betting in 2019, and the first sportsbooks opened in August 2019. The Racing and Gaming Commission licenses sports wagering through the state's casinos, which can partner with outside operators to run online sportsbooks. In its release for September 2026, the Commission says 19 casinos are operating and 10 state-licensed entities offer online sports betting.
The Commission's operator page lists 13 licensed online operators, including Caesars, Bally Bet, FanDuel, BetMGM, Circa, DraftKings, Q Sportsbook, Fanatics, bet365, theScore Bet, Rush Street Interactive (BetRivers), Hard Rock and Sporttrade. The monthly release count of 10 is the number currently offering online betting.
You must be 21 and in Iowa. The state taxes sports wagering revenue at 6.75%. In September 2026 bettors wagered $290.24 million, operators kept $23.75 million of it, and the state collected $1.60 million.
Crypto and offshore sites
The Commission has stated Iowa's position directly: gambling with cryptocurrency is not currently allowed, and licensed operators cannot accept credit cards. In a September 2025 warning it told Iowans that a gambling site asking for a credit card or crypto is a sign it may not be legitimate.
The same warning says online casino games and poker are illegal in Iowa and only sports wagering is allowed online, and only through licensed operators. Offshore crypto sportsbooks hold no Iowa license, and fake sites often copy the logos of licensed Iowa casinos.
To check a site, compare it against the Commission's licensing page for sports wagering operators.
What's changing
Gov. Kim Reynolds signed Senate File 2289 on May 15, 2026. It took effect July 1, 2026 and gives the Commission power to issue cease-and-desist orders and seek court injunctions against unlicensed operators offering games of chance, gambling, sports wagering or sweepstakes in Iowa. Before this law, the Commission's main tool against unlicensed sites was a public warning.
Tax
Iowa taxes income at a flat 3.8% for 2026, and gambling winnings are part of the income it taxes. Federal tax applies on top.
Common questions
Is online sports betting legal in Iowa?
Yes. It has been live since August 2019 through casino-linked sportsbooks licensed by the Racing and Gaming Commission. You must be 21.
How many online sportsbooks does Iowa have?
Ten licensed operators took online sports bets in September 2026, per the Commission's revenue release. Its operator page lists 13 licensed operators in total.
Are offshore crypto sportsbooks legal in Iowa?
No. They hold no Iowa license, the Commission says crypto gambling is not allowed, and a 2026 law lets it order unlicensed sites to stop.