Top 5 Betting Apps for Iowans
The best Iowa betting apps come in all shapes and sizes. Give each of our top picks a look and think about how they line up with your own preferences. And finally, go to each site and take a look around. Once you’re happy with what you’re seeing, register and give those promos a go.
Betfred
Overview
A UK-based brand,
Betfred
is an unlikely entry on our list of the best Iowa betting apps. Regardless, they’ve adapted to the US market rather quickly. And with their considerable experience overseas, it’s no wonder they’re Gambla’s top pick.
Pros & Cons
Pros
- Best for in-play betting
- Generous welcome bonus
- A diverse array of sports
- Plenty of exotics
Cons
- Doesn’t post odds too early
- The welcome bonus is a bit complex
Odds and Markets
Betfred has much better lines than some other European providers in various US states. They’ve obviously studied the situation closely before deciding to apply for a license. MLB and NFL markets are what impressed us the most. Not even some US sportsbooks have this level of coverage.
With just a $50 deposit, you can get up to $1,111 through a number of ways. The first one involves a $111 batch of Fred bets (free bets at Betfred). This would be decent enough on its own, but it’s followed by five weeks of $200 cashback. The minimum bet is $50 and futures are excluded, though.
Banking
Betfred accepts in-person deposits at Elite Casino Resorts venues throughout the state. You can also use the VIP+ card, as well as Visa and ACH. We’d like to see a few more e-wallets in the future, but this is good enough for the large majority of users.
Support
Despite having no FAQ section in the app, Betfred handles all issues with the class. You can contact their agents 24/7, using the usual means — live chat, phone, and email. They obviously have many years of experience handling customer queries, so this is kind of expected. Great, nevertheless.
Final Verdict – 4.9/5
Betfred just goes to show that the best Iowa betting apps come in all shapes and sizes. This UK-based sportsbook did its homework and delivered a product competitors must be envious of. Gambla would recommend Betfred to both rookies and experienced players.
FanDuel
Overview
A known commodity in the US sports betting market,
FanDuel
pulls no punches. They have perhaps the most detailed approach on this list. Therefore, Gambla thinks they’re the best choice for intermediate players. If you want bells and whistles, this is the bookie that provides them.
Pros & Cons
Pros
- Extra content
- Live streaming
- Above average odds
- Lots of props
Cons
- UI could be more refined
- Needs more niche sports
Odds and Markets
All our tests indicate that FanDuel’s lines are above the industry average. This is consistent across a number of different markets. From basic money lines to complex handicaps, this Iowa betting app maintains a player-friendly approach.
This sportsbook has one of the biggest promos on this list. And although it can ‘swell’ up to $1,000, it still provides great bang for your buck. In addition, this is true for all of their promos. They’re easy to claim and come with as few restrictions as possible.
Banking
PayPal, Check, and several card networks are available at FanDuel. Just like DraftKings, they made sure to include the most popular options. After our initial tests, we were also pleased with all the FAQs about the depositing and withdrawal processes.
Support
Trying into our last observation, it’s really easy to get a solution for your problem. No matter how mundane and common your issue is, the agents will approach it with care. They’re online 24/7, with live chat far surpassing phone and email in terms of ease of use.
Final Verdict – 4.8/5
FanDuel looks like it’ll remain one of the best Iowa betting apps for years to come. They have the reputation and track record to match their ambitions. Gambla loves what they do, especially the extra features, such as live streaming.
BetRivers
Overview
Owned by Rush Street Interactive,
BetRivers
isn’t as established as some of the other entries on this list. However, they still displayed some excellent results in our proprietary tests. We like their support and UI the most, but everything else is top-notch, too.
Pros & Cons
Pros
- PayPal betting app
- Nice selection of futures
- Great UI
- Outstanding NFL coverage
Cons
- No iPhone app
- No 24/7 support
Odds and Markets
When talking strictly about the sportsbook, this app is best known for its NFL coverage. They started with futures even during the offseason, which is pretty unique. Gambla also likes the NBA and NHL coverage.
Even though we’d like to see a bigger welcome bonus, we can’t complain about the other promos. Regular players are treated well here, which is good news for high-rollers and casuals with a consistent routine.
Banking
BetRivers has its own Play+ card, as well as PayPal and Visa acceptance. We’d like to see Neteller or Skrill in the future, though. But other than that, everything flows smoothly and is beginner-friendly.
Support
The agents are very helpful and knowledgeable. Whether it’s live chat, phone, or email, you’ll get the same smooth experience. If you’re not the type of person to have late-night sessions, then the shortened working hours won’t be an issue.
Final Verdict – 4.8/5
BetRivers is one of the best Iowa betting apps in 2024. The brand is serious about its long-term prospects. Gambla loves its live streaming options, color theme, and the overall simplicity of the UI.
BetMGM
Overview
As the name suggests,
BetMGM
is run by MGM Resorts International. This means the app comes from a company that knows sports betting inside and out. With a shiny new UI to match the performance, Gambla is pleased with what it’s seeing.
Pros & Cons
Pros
- Memorable UI
- Plenty of outright bets
- Stable platform
- Great for older phones
Cons
- Needs more MLS markets
- Not enough bonuses for regular players
Odds and Markets
Like most Iowa betting apps, BetMGM focuses on college basketball and NFL games. You can follow in-state teams, with the bookie even offering limited-time offers during March Madness. The diversity has improved over the years, which the Gambla team appreciates.
With a welcome offer that goes up to $1,500, BetMGM is one of our top bookies when it comes to promos. They’d be first if it weren’t for the lack of other promos. Regardless, we’ll be monitoring the situation further.
Banking
For the most part, we enjoyed banking at BetMGM. They also allow in-person deposits and withdrawals, which is also a plus. Of the other options, Visa, Mastercard, PayPal and PayNearMe stand out. Payments are processed quickly, too.
Support
The FAQ is outstanding in this app. But if you aren’t able to find a solution, agents are at your disposal 24/7.
Final Verdict – 4.7/5
Despite its relative inexperience compared to Betfred or DraftKings, BetMGM is more than capable of handling your routine. They come from a provider well-versed in land-based betting. That counts for something, right?
DraftKings
Overview
Owned by CEO Jason Robins and a couple of other people,
DraftKings
is an Iowan staple. Even in their DFS, Iowans love its clean UI and an extensive array of options. One could say their betting app has the same qualities.
Pros & Cons
Pros
- Recognized by 20+ other regulators
- Great for NBA
- Easy and fast payouts
- Nice bonuses
Cons
- Could use more pro-level features
- The color scheme can get a bit annoying
Odds and Markets
Both depth and variety are top-class at DraftKings. They offer a well-balanced choice for most events, even less-coveted MLB and NFL matchups. We also like how they’ve expanded their international sports section in the last couple of months.
First-time depositors can get a 20% deposit match up to $1,000. There are also incentives such as bonus bets and other variations. When it comes to promos, few can match DraftKings. That’s why Gambla appreciates them so much.
Banking
DraftKings is also serious when it comes to payments. You can use e-wallets like PayPal, cards, or even vouchers. We’re also pleased with how fast withdrawals arrive. And don’t even get us started about the educational content.
Support
There’s nothing we can complain about here. All our questions got answered swiftly, with only slight delays during peak traffic hours. This is perhaps the main reason why we’d recommend DraftKings to beginners.
Final Verdict – 4.6/5
DraftKings checks all the essential boxes. They also seem far from done, so the Gambla team is eager to see what improvements they make. Until then, you can enjoy supreme variety and great odds.
Staying Safe at Iowa Betting Apps
Everyone says it’s easier to stay safe online than ever before. And honestly, they’re absolutely right. Both app-side and player-side security have improved. But that doesn’t mean you can just relax and leave everything to your OS, browser, and bookie. To ensure your data always remains out of criminals’ hands, add these things to your checklist for Iowa betting apps:
Check the Licensing
Gambla only considers and recommends betting apps with a license from the Iowa Racing and Gaming Commission. However, there will be times when you find a bookie before we release a review. In that case, you should always look for the IRGC logo in the footer.
If you want to be extra thorough, check the regulator’s registry. There should also be any public record about infractions, scandals, and broken rules. You should only proceed if everything checks out.
Are There Any Player Safety Features?
Despite all the bells and whistles bookies might include, you’re still the last line of defense. This is because sports betting is inherently a risky endeavor. It’s still gambling, and you can’t expect to win. Thus, it’s easy to lose control and chase losses. Things like this happen, and Iowa betting apps must do something about it.
Things such as deposit and bet limits are important, especially when you can set them yourself. For instance, if your monthly gambling budget is $500, you can set that limit. Iowa betting apps are usually open to include features, which means you can’t possibly exceed your limits.
Bonus Terms & Conditions
When bonuses are advertised, you only see the amount. But that’s just the tip of the iceberg. The overall usability of the bonus depends on a lot of other factors. These include rollover requirements, restrictions, and cases for voiding the bonus. You need to know all of this before making a deposit and sharing your personal information.
It might seem like a hassle, but it’s paramount in 2024. If you don’t take half an hour to read the document, you’re exposing yourself to risk. Oftentimes, the least pleasant rules are hidden in the T&C. Finding out about them later on can be very unpleasant. To prevent this from happening, read Gambla’s reviews before playing.
Availability on the Official Marketplace
And last but not least, ask yourself — where does the app come from? The best Iowa betting apps do this the right way and provide official links. These lead to the Play Store and App Store, respectively. However, you’ll notice there are some sites that only provide installation files. It happens with Android devices and is often a hidden security risk players often don’t notice.
These APK files let you install an app that isn’t officially on the Play Store. Bookies offer these links because they’re often too lazy to go through the necessary approvals by Google. As a result, they can technically ship something janky or with lackluster security. Don’t fall for these tricks and pick another sportsbook instead.
How to Install a Betting App in Iowa in 2024
When it comes to Iowa betting apps, the installation process wasn’t always as easy as it is now.
Installation
- Verify your location: Iowa laws require you to be physically located within the state’s boundaries to place bets. The app will typically use geolocation technology to verify your location. So, if you’re out of state, wait until your return and you’ll be able to place bets.
- Read Gambla’s review: Just go to the list at the top of the page and select Read Review. This should give you all the information you need. Pay attention to all the key sections and think about how they align with your preference.
- Choose a betting app: Once you have a couple of favorites, explore their mobile websites and take a look around on the desktop, too. This should give you a good idea of how the experience will be. If you feel comfortable, move forward.
- Download the app: Remember, only go for apps that are on the official Apple/Google app marketplace. Otherwise, you’ll be putting your money and data and risk. Iowa betting apps usually aren’t large, so the download should be done in a few seconds.
Account Creation
- Open an account: Open the app and follow the instructions to create a new account. This usually means just personal information, including your name, address, date of birth, and similar things. Make sure everything is correct, or you might get banned or blocked at some point.
- Claim a bonus: During the registration, keep an eye out for any available promos. If there’s a no deposit bonus, use it as an opportunity to test the site. Since you don’t have to deposit anything, there’s no harm done if you end up not liking the site. Be more careful with traditional
- Deposit funds: Once your account is set up, you’ll need to fund it in order to make bets. Make sure you pick a payment option you’re comfortable with. Read the app’s T&C and scour the site for any information about deposit limits. You don’t want to find out about them when it’s already too late.
- Place bets: Refresh the page to see if your deposit went through. This should happen instantly, so contact support if this isn’t the case. Then, look through the app and pick a sport you’re knowledgeable about. Pick between a parlay or a single, but be sure to strategize before going for it.
- Claim your winnings: If your bet was a winning one, ask for a withdrawal. Just check that you don’t have any outstanding rollover requirements. If not, pick a withdrawal method and move forward. Good luck and play responsibly.
Best Betting Apps by US state
