It’s no surprise why Michigan made online sports betting a part of its most recent gambling expansion. After all, mobile sports betting has proven to be an extremely viable and profitable offering for states that have gone before the Great Lakes State.

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However, the prospect of using a Michigan sports betting app might be a bit daunting.

As Michigan residents will soon find out, technology has allowed sports betting to take a giant leap forward in terms of flexibility and opportunity. So, here is a handy guide to help Michiganders step into the world of Android and iOS sports betting apps.

Best Michigan sports betting app bonuses

You have multiple MI sports betting apps to choose from. Each of the sportsbooks featured below offers an excellent app for both iPhone and Android. So, we thought we’d give you a short preview of each site and tell you about the features that distinguish one Michigan sports betting app from another.

BetMGM sports betting app

The BetMGM sportsbook app represents gaming behemoth MGM Resorts International. Naturally, the sportsbook enters Michigan in partnership with its sister property, MGM Grand Detroit. As befitting the representative of one of the world’s largest casino companies, the BetMGM betting app has plenty of opportunities to bet and a plentiful slate of promotions.

There is one feature that allows the BetMGM sportsbook app to stand out from the crowd, however. It’s called Edit My Bet.

Many sports betting apps have a Cash Out option. This functionality allows you to end your open bets earlier than the conclusion of the match. In exchange for a reduced payout, you can settle the wager without having to sweat out the final minutes of the game.

However, Edit My Bet allows a much greater level of flexibility to the bettor by empowering you to augment your Cash Out-eligible bets in a more meaningful manner. You can cash out, of course, but you can also change the amount of your wager, add teams to the bet, or swap out pieces of the existing ticket.

The Bet MGM Android and iPhone app also maintains a healthy roster of odds boosts each day. If you are looking for a reputable company with a few quirks, BetMGM Sportsbook might be just the app for you.

BetRivers sports betting app

The BetRivers sportsbook app is a relatively new brand of sportsbook that is quickly becoming a mainstay in US sports betting states. The book is owned and operated by Rush Street Interactive, which notably runs the Rivers chain of casinos in the Midwest and New England. For its Michigan launch, BetRivers has partnered with the Little River Casino.

The Bet Rivers app distinguishes itself first and foremost in how quickly the app moves. The speed and fluidity with which the app moves from screen to screen is noteworthy and important. Seconds count with online sports betting, especially for in-game wagering, and BetRivers won’t let you down on that front.

The BetRivers mobile sportsbook, somewhat unusually, also maintains a rewards program for its sportsbook customers. The iRush Rewards program allows you to earn points for both its online merchandise and your reward tier. There’s no cost to enter, and there’s only upside if you were planning to play on BetRivers anyway.

One thing to mention, however, is that the Apple version of the app remains a bit clunky. BetRivers did not have an iOS app for many months after its Android debut, and there are still some bugs. However, there are still plenty of reasons to take a look at BetRivers.

DraftKings sports betting app

The DraftKings Sportsbook App is one of the best in existence. The DFS giant splashed onto the sportsbook scene in 2018 and has never looked back. The sportsbook operates in cooperation with Bay Mills Casino.

One of the key reasons that the DraftKings Android / iPhone app is so stellar is its betting carousel. This wheel feature proposes possible bets to each player when they log onto the site. Each bet, however, is specifically chosen based upon the player’s stated preferences and past betting history. So, everyone gets a custom experience when they play on DraftKings.

DraftKings was also the first site to offer a live ticket system to players. The ability to cash out an open bet and avoid any sort of late-game catastrophe is quickly becoming a must-have for online sportsbooks in the US. None of them have been offering this feature longer than DraftKings.

FanDuel sports betting app

FanDuel is the DFS pioneer that has joined the sports betting market in a big way. The company continues to expand its reach into both retail and online sportsbook spaces across the country. Its Michigan partner is MotorCity Casino, where it operates the retail book.

The front-and-center reason to try FanDuel app for Android and iOS is its extensive promotional framework. No other sportsbook operator approaches FanDuel when it comes to a diverse set of generous bonus offers and promos each day.

That list of promos also includes an extremely healthy dose of odds boosts. There are boosted odds available in every major market, and you can put yourself in a great spot to pick up some extra cash each day.

Like DraftKings, FanDuel also integrates its DFS and casino functions into the site. So, it’s a snap to move back and forth between the different types of games.

Between the integration and the swath of promotions available, it’s easy to see why FanDuel Sportsbook is so popular. Give it a try, and see what you think.

Fox Bet Sportsbook App

FOX Bet Sports Betting is a joint venture between two powerhouses in the gambling and sports worlds. The Stars Group, which owns the top Michigan poker site PokerStars, has joined forces with media giant Fox Sports to create this amalgamated offering. FOX Bet is partnered with the Little Traverse Bay Band of Odawa Indians.

The FOX Bet betting app has all the bells and whistles that you’d expect from a joint effort from such large companies. In fact, the Stars Group already had an existing sportsbook platform prior to its union with Fox, so the site has plenty of experience behind it.

What you’ll notice about FOX Bet, though, is the unmatched level of integration between the two aspects of its corporate ownership. There are running promotional series on the site that feature “picks” from various Fox Sports personalities.

In addition, Fox Sports now hosts content specifically designed as extra information about wagering for its clients. You can hear the explanations behind the picks and get some more ideas if you watch Fox Sports while you play on FOX Bet.

In a way, FOX Bet is ahead of its time. As you’ll see, the melding of a sportsbook operator and a media company makes all the sense in the world.

PointsBet Sportsbook App

PointsBet is an Australian sportsbook that has made quite the splash into America in the past few years. It has been one of the first to market in several states. Its Michigan partner is the Northern Waters Casino.

PointsBet is unlike any other sportsbook due to its namesake product. Points Betting is a unique innovation that puts a clever twist on the classic spread or totals bet.

You begin one of these wagers by making a selection as usual. For spreads, you pick the team you expect to beat or cover the spread. For totals, you choose over or under.

However, the distance that the outcome of the game is from PointsBet’s estimate serves as a multiplier for your winnings or losses. If you win, your payout will increase by however many points of difference that exist. Of course, if you lose, then your losses are compounded by the difference.

So, if you make a $10 bet on a game to go over and it goes over by 10 points, you will win $100. On the other hand, if the game goes under by 10 points, then you are now on the hook for $100. Needless to say, there is a high-risk, high-reward component to Points Betting, but it’s certainly a memorable way to place a bet.

PointsBet has also shown itself to be quick to recompense players in the case of unforeseen outcomes, like referee mistakes or other external errors. The site’s commitment to the players is actually palpable, and makes PointsBet worth a try.

Other sports betting apps in Michigan

There are several other sportsbooks available in Michigan right now and others that will arrive soon. We will update our list as news occurs.

• TwinSpires
• WynnBet
• Four Winds

Stay tuned. It’s an exciting time for sports betting in Michigan.

All the apps listed above are live in Michigan, but new ones could arrive in the future. There’s simply not enough data to know which company will be the next Michigan online sportsbook.

A couple wildcards exist with FireKeepers and Soaring Eagle casinos. Those two notable Native American gaming properties could launch their own sports betting apps.

However, we can safely assume that the procedures for using each app will be virtually identical.

Sports betting app instructions for Apple users

There are two main types of mobile devices that Americans use on a daily basis. The first of these types is Apple devices, which use the iOS platform to run.

The good news is that downloading and accessing a sportsbook app will be largely the same process as any other app. Here is the procedure:

• Click through our link above to access the sportsbook of your choice.
• Once there, look for the Apple download button to get started.
• The button should take you to the download site, where you can click the “Get” button to begin the process.
• However, make sure to double-check that the app you’re downloading works in Michigan. Some sportsbook apps are specific to particular states, and won’t work in Michigan.
• Once the app is downloaded to your device, click to open it as you normally would open any other app.
• If you have an existing account with the sportsbook, go ahead and log in. If not, look for a button that says “Register” or “Sign Up” to begin the process of opening a new account.
• If you are registering for a new account, make sure to check PlayMichigan for any bonus codes we might have. They could be worth hundreds of extra dollars in your account.

System requirements

Most MI sports betting apps will work with iOS version 8 or higher. However, just to be safe, it might be worth updating your phone to version 9 or above — a few sportsbook apps do require the latest updates to function properly.

Sports betting app instructions for Android users

Android users will be able to download and use betting apps in Michigan, too. However, there will be a couple of extra steps in the process.

The reason is that Google does not allow gambling apps to download from the Google Play Store. As a result, it is necessary to get the programs directly from the sportsbooks themselves. Here’s how to go about it:

• First, you will need to set your phone or device to allow downloads from other sources. You can accomplish this task by going to Settings.
• Once in Settings, select More, then the Security button. Select Unknown Sources, and you’re done.
• Then, use our link to find the sportsbook of your choice.
• The link should take you to a page with a download link and the Android logo.
• Download and install as usual. If you get any error or warning messages, go ahead and accept the terms.
• As is the case with Apple users, you can log in directly if you already have an account with your sportsbook of choice.
• If not, look for the registration function at the top right corner of the page. It will be a prominent button, and you won’t be able to miss it.
• Be sure to check our page for any bonus codes before you submit an application for a new account. We often have exclusive discounts and deals that you cannot find anywhere else.

System requirements

Usually, Android users with Version 5.1 or higher will be able to use most sportsbook apps.

Who is allowed to bet on sports in Michigan?

The gambling age in Michigan varies between 18 and 21, depending on what type of gaming it is and which casino you are at. The three Detroit casinos set the age requirement at 21 for all forms of gambling, sports included. Betting on sports at tribal casinos varies by the tribe. However, by virtue of the new law, it will be necessary to be 21 or older to bet online in the Great Lakes State.

Though it might seem obvious, it will be necessary to be physically inside the state in order to play. Neither state nor federal law permits sports betting across state lines.

How would they know where I’m playing?

The short answer is that all online sportsbooks use geolocation verification software. The programs that they use create a virtual fence around Michigan to keep out those from other states and countries.

This software is quite effective at performing its stated function. Most books set the parameters of their programs to deny service a few feet inside state lines.

In other words, there is a small chance that someone who actually should be able to play would get falsely denied. There is no chance that a player across the border could slip by.

In most cases, the software uses the GPS functions of your phone to verify your location. There’s really no extra step required on the part of the user.

However, if you happen to be using a laptop or other computer, make sure that you are stationary and using a valid in-state IP address. Use of a VPN, a virtual client network, or any other connection that allows remote access could get you booted from your sportsbook of choice.

Michigan Android and iOS App Features

If you’ve never used an online sportsbook app before, you may be surprised to learn how in-depth they are. Few sportsbook apps cannot match the offerings of their land-based counterparts.

In fact, in many cases, they exceed their retail brethren in terms of the number of bets, types of bets and flexibility that they offer. Numerous features make sportsbook apps a better option than retail books much of the time.

Bonuses and promotions at Android / iPhone betting apps in Michigan

One of the first things you might notice about Android and iOS sportsbook apps is the frequency and breadth of bonuses and promotions. It is common practice for many sportsbooks to offer at least one new promotion every single day.

This practice contrasts sharply with retail sportsbooks, which might only offer one or two promos every month or so. However, mobile sportsbook in Michigan have to deal with much stiffer competition since their competitors are only a button press away.

Because of that pressure, sportsbook apps can ill afford to be stingy with their offers. There are several types of bonuses that you could encounter when you log on to your app of choice. Here are a few of those bonus types:

No deposit bonuses

No deposit bonuses are perhaps the best type of bonus that you can find. Consequently, they are also some of the rarest.

In a no deposit bonus, a player receives a perk or prize from the sportsbook for little in exchange. Usually, the bonus comes as a reward for something relatively innocuous, like signing up for a new account.

So, once the player completes the required action, he or she will find the bonus waiting in the account. It will usually come in the form of free sportsbook bets or bonus dollars, as cash bonuses are quite rare.

Bonuses in these first two formats are not eligible for withdrawal, so you will have to bet them in order to convert into any withdrawable winnings. However, since you were wanting to “test drive” the site anyway, it shouldn’t be a problem to gamble with these types of vouchers.

First deposit bonuses

Deposit bonuses are the opposite of their no-deposit cousins. For this type of bonus, you are required to place money into your sportsbook cashier account.

Once you claim the bonus and do so, the sportsbook will match a certain percentage of your deposit with its funds. The book will specify both the match percentage and the absolute limit for bonus dollars that you can receive.

The sportsbook will require you to play through your bonus amount a certain number of times before the bonus becomes eligible for withdrawal. This number of times will be a predetermined multiple of the bonus amount, and is known as the “playthrough requirement.”

Once you finish wagering the required amount, the deposit bonus money will become part of your account.

Cash back offers

A cash-back bonus is a parachute for when things go wrong. Instead of adding extra money to your account, cashback serves as insurance for any net losses that you show in a given time period or on a given bet.

As is the case with deposit bonuses, a cashback bonus will come with a specified percentage and limit for the amount of refund you can get. Although it might not be much, it can help to take the sting out of a bad day of wagering.

One thing to note, however, is the fact that cash back only activates for net losses. So, if you suffer some setbacks but still show an overall profit, you won’t receive anything extra.

Odds boosts

Odds boosts are so common to sportsbooks that they often get overlooked as bonuses. Instead, sportsbooks pull them out as a regular feature onsite.

Nevertheless, they are a promotional item, and they can help to sweeten the pot for players. The sportsbook will select various bets each day and increase the payout potential for each one.

Odds boosts are most common with moneyline wagers. They are usually denoted by a line striking through the original moneyline and the boosted line appearing next to it. So, a bet opportunity at +200 might move to +220, for instance.

The amount of the boost is usually not enough to warrant making a special bet. However, if you were already planning to make a similar wager, it might be worth a look, considering that the payoff for a successful bet is now more attractive.

What markets can I bet on using a sportsbook app in Michigan?

For those unfamiliar with sportsbook apps, you might think that a traditional retail book would outpace the electronic version in terms of different sports it could offer. However, not only are online books able to compete, but they are often able to outpace their land-based counterparts in terms of selection.

Here are the sports currently being wagered on in Michigan sports betting apps:

• Boxing (IBF/WBA/WBC/WBO)
• Division 1 NCAA men’s and women’s college basketball
• Division 1 NCAA Football – FBS only
• Major League Baseball
• Major League Soccer
• Mixed Martial Arts (UFC and Bellator)
• NASCAR
• National Basketball Association
• National Football League
• National Hockey League
• PGA/LPGA/European Tour golf
• Winter and Summer Olympic Games

What are the bet types?

Of course, all that selection would be meaningless if the online books could not offer more than a couple of types of wagers. However, this is decidedly not the case.

In fact, online sportsbook apps have pushed the envelope for what bets are available. The result is a sports betting experience that only vaguely resembles the old days of backrooms and chalkboards. Here are some of the most common types of bets on mobile betting apps:

• Point spreads
• Money lines
• Totals (over/under)
• Futures
• Propositions
• Parlays
  ○ Teasers
  ○ Pleasers
  ○ Round robins

In addition to the above selection of sports betting options available, live betting on sporting events is another form of gambling that has exploded in popularity online.

Live betting

Most of those types of bets are familiar, even to those who are not sports bettors. However, one of the biggest innovations in sports betting for the last few decades has been the rise of live betting.

Live betting, or in-game wagering, allows players to wager on events that are already underway. Instead of making a bet before the game and waiting, you can now wager throughout the course of a game.

Live bets tend to come in three distinct flavors:

• Continued pregame wagering: The book simply keeps point spreads, money lines and totals bets going as play proceeds. The only difference is that the lines become dynamic and change according to the progress of the game.
• Milestone achievement: Bets may appear about whether a player or team will achieve a given milestone by the end of the game or a certain period of play. These milestones can be any statistic of the sportsbook’s choosing, and can span the game, the season or even a career.
• Partial game results: A sportsbook may choose to offer action on the eventual outcome of a particular segment of the game. These pieces of the game can be anything from major periods of play down to single game events.

This last type of live bet, partial game results, is the source of live betting’s ascension. The technology that sportsbook apps use for live betting allows for an extreme amount of granularity in the betting options.

Bettors can bet on the outcome of single plays in a game or match. As a result, it’s not uncommon for a single game to offer more than 100 different wagers.

Naturally, the sportsbook is happy to offer as many bets as it can. Generally speaking, a sportsbook’s profit increases as the number of bets goes up.

However, bettors like this flexibility, too. Live betting offers the ability either to augment pregame selections that seem to be going well, or hedge against those that are going badly.

Cash-out option

Another feature of sports betting apps for Android and iOS is the cash-out option. Like live betting, the cash-out option yields a tremendous amount of flexibility to your wagering, and creates a situation with positives for both sportsbook and sports bettor.

The cash-out option usually takes the form of a button on the bottom of your bet slip. After you make a wager, you will have to keep an eye on the button during the game.

Should it appear that your bet is destined to win, the cash-out button may illuminate and display a dollar amount to you. In effect, the sportsbook is offering to settle the bet for that amount.

Of course, you don’t have to take the payout. It will be less than if you were to wait until the end of the game, so it’s obvious why the sportsbook would want to offer it.

However, the cash out option is a great way to guard against any kind of late collapses or roaring comebacks that might destroy your wager. Were something like that to happen, you could rest easy in the knowledge that you took a safer alternative.

Parlay bettors might be especially inclined to use the cash-out option. Given how precarious a parlay bet is, a bettor might be persuaded to forgo the final leg of the bet and accept a lower cash-out value.

Many have heard the expression that a bird in the hand is worth two in the bush. The cash-out option is sports betting’s bird in the hand.

Advantages of using a sportsbook app

Between the commercial and tribal casinos in Michigan, there are 26 locations that could potentially host a sportsbook in the near future. So you might wonder if it’s even worth fooling with the online games at all. However, there are several reasons that a sportsbook app might be a better fit for your needs.

• Convenience: Naturally, an app on your phone is more convenient than having to drive to a physical location. Almost every corner of Michigan could play host to a sports bet through online sports betting apps. In a state with such frigid winters and inclement weather, the ability to place sports bets on your phone could be the only avenue you have available — at least, some of the time. Even without weather woes, there’s no question that it’s easier to sit in a favorite chair at home and play. It’s even possible to place a bet in pajamas!
• Bonuses: Online sportsbooks are not run by stupid people. They know that you have a range of choices when it comes to looking for the best sportsbook in Michigan. So they understand the need to entice you to play. Their struggle is to your benefit. Unlike retail sportsbooks, which may not have as much direct competition due to geography, a mobile sportsbookis much more likely to offer bonuses to attract your business.
• Flexibility: There’s no question that there are more ways to wager online than in retail sportsbooks. The mere presence of live betting explodes the options beyond the capabilities of a land-based sportsbook. However, some sportsbook apps offer a live ticket system as a means of equipping bettors with greater flexibility. A live ticket system, or cash out option, allows players to cash out their open tickets under certain conditions in a game.

The option allows players to guard against any kind of late charge if their bet appears to be winning. The sportsbook can settle likely losses for less money and allow both parties to move on with their lives.

Some sportsbooks even allow players to propose their own wagers. Such a concept would be a rare thing to see in a retail sportsbook.

Disadvantages of using online sportsbook apps

Of course, nothing is perfect. There are some downsides to sportsbook app play that simply do not exist in retail settings.

Social

The most obvious ding against sportsbook apps is that they negate the social aspect of sports betting. Even if a bettor visits a retail book alone, there is a natural camaraderie between bettors who have taken the same bet on a game.

Retail sportsbooks are designed to be the most comfortable areas in the entire casino, too. It’s possible to relax and have some food and drink with friends in most land-based sportsbooks, and there are always plenty of televisions to watch.

Sportsbook apps don’t offer anything like that. Although you may be sitting comfortably at home, there’s probably nobody there to root for your chosen bets along with you.

Trust

Sportsbook apps require a certain degree of trust from their players. After all, you’re sending your personal information and banking data out into the ether to a faceless company.

In most cases, this isn’t a problem. Sportsbooks are heavily regulated and monitored, and it’s unlikely that any kind of monkey business might occur.

Nevertheless, an online sportsbook transaction is far more nebulously stressful than a bet in a retail sportsbook. In retail books, you bark out your bet to the tired staff member, hand over your cash and that’s it.

So there might be some who feel an understandable amount of reservation about online betting versus the simplicity of retail.

Complexity

Actually, the entire notion of retail sports betting is simpler than online betting. A retail sports bet is an easy transaction — it’s usually made with cash, and there’s no need for names. Structurally, it’s not much different from buying a doughnut.

Sportsbook apps, however, require much more work to move forward. You will have to provide them with a variety of personal and banking information, and God help you if you misprint a number or letter.

With so many different bets available, a sportsbook app might also seem overwhelming to the uninitiated sports bettor. So, understand that there may be a learning curve associated with using a sportsbook app.

Iowans, welcome! Iowa is now a full-fledged sports betting state. There are both mobile and land-based options blooming all over the Hawkeye State.

The boom of sports betting in the state is quite impressive for its relative speed. After all, sports betting only launched in the state in August 2019. The launch came just three months after Iowa Governor Kim Reynolds signed bill SF617 into law.

This page looks at the best sportsbooks in Iowa, how to claim bonus offers, how to fund your account and which apps are next to launch. Read on for all the latest news and updates.

Legal Iowa online sports betting apps

The drive for state regulated sports betting came from a US Supreme Court decision in May 2018. After a court case brought by New Jersey, the Supreme Court overturned the Professional and Amateur Sports Protection Act of 1992.

The act created what was effectively a federal ban on sports betting. The Supreme Court ruled that this contravened states’ rights under the 10^th amendment. Now Iowa is reaping the benefit of the return of powers to state government and sports betting is making great progress.

The thirteen casinos with sports betting in place during the permitted 17 days of August pulled in over $8.5 million of bets producing revenues of $2.2 million and state gambling taxes of $146k.

These numbers will rapidly increase. In the year since New Jersey introduced sports betting the state has seen $3.8 billion in bets and nearly $250 million of sports betting revenue. Before legalization most of this money would have flowed offshore to black market operators where Iowa customers had no legal protection.

For a comprehensive guide to the who, what, where and when of Iowa sports betting read on!

How old do you have to be to bet in Iowa?

The minimum legal age for gambling in Iowa is 21.

What sports can I bet on in Iowa?

The typical range of sports betting options offered by both casinos and online operators includes:

• Auto Racing–NASCAR (including Monster Energy Series, Xfinity Series Truck Series); Formula One; IndyCar
• Baseball–MLB and MLB Draft; NCAA – Division 1; Minor League Baseball – Triple A
• Basketball–NBA and NBA Draft; WNBA and WNBA Draft; NCAA – Division 1; Euro League and Euro Cup; International Basketball Federation (country v. country qualifiers/games/tournaments)
• Bowling–Pro Bowling Tour
• Boxing–International Boxing Federation; WBA; WBC; WBO; Association of Boxing Commissions and Combative Sports
• Cricket–Men’s and Women’s World Cup; International Cricket Council
• Darts–PDC
• Football–NFL and NFL Draft; NCAA – Division I; Canadian Football League; Arena Football League
• Golf—PGA; PGA Tour Champions; LPGA; Champion’s Tour; European Tour; Senior European Tour; International Events (i.e. Ryders Cup, Presidents Cup); World Golf Championships; Koran Ferry Tour
• Hockey–National Hockey League and National Hockey League Draft; NCAA – Division 1; International Ice Hockey Federation; World Championships
• Lacrosse–NCAA – Division 1
• Mixed Martial Arts–Ultimate Fighting Championship; Bellator MMA; One Championship; Professional Fighters League; Association of Boxing Commissions and Combative Sports
• Olympics–Summer and Winter (including trials)
• Rugby–Six Nations; World Cup; World Rugby (International country v. country qualifiers/games/tournaments); Four Nations
• Sailing–Americas Cup; International Sailing Federation
• Soccer–FIFA Sanctioned Events; Major League Soccer; UEFA – Champions League, EUROPA and Super Cup; English Premier League; Spanish La Liga; German Bundesliga; Italian Serie A; French Ligue 1; Mexican Liga Bancomer; NCAA – Division 1
• Softball–NCAA – Division 1
• Tennis–United States Tennis Association; Association of Tennis Professionals; Women’s Tennis Association; International Tennis Federation; NCAA – Division 1
• Track and Field–International Association

As mentioned above, the big exception under Iowa law is prop bets on in-state college sports.

What types of sports bets does Iowa offer?

Not only do modern sports books allow you to bet on an enormous range of sports, they also allow a lot of different bet types. Some of the most common are:

Moneyline bets

Moneyline bets are the easiest of all—which team will win a specific game. The Moneyline simply presents the odds of a team winning outright.

The odds are expressed as a positive or negative number e.g. -150 or +140. The plus and minus signs are important!

Odds expressed as -150 mean you have to bet $150 to win $100. If your winnings are less than the bet amount it means you’re betting on the favorite. Odds of +140 mean you win $140 for every $100 you bet. You are betting on the underdog.

An easy way to remember is “minus means less money plus means more money.”

Moneyline odds are used for a lot of the different bet types.

Parlay bets

A parlay links two or more wagers into a single bet. The upside is that the bettor can win more money than betting on each game independently. The downside is that you have to win all the bets in the parlay or you walk away with nothing.

Parlays with several legs (each bet in the parlay is often called a leg) are extremely hard to win. On the other hand they offer the chance to win life-changing money for only a small initial stake.

Spread bets

Spread bets are the most popular form of sports betting in the US. To win you have to beat the spread which is a line set by the bookmaker. The point spread represents the difference between the winning and losing team’s scores.

These bets work well in games where many points are scored by both teams, but suit games like soccer less well.

The odds are always set slightly in the bookmaker’s favor and are typically offered at 11-10 odds. In other words you have to bet $11 to win $10.

Futures bets

Like all bets these are bets placed on an event in the future, but in this case, not the near future. In a futures bet you don’t bet on a match taking place tomorrow. Futures bets are placed on events well into the future, but normally within the same sports season.

If the NFL season begins in September and you place a bet on who will win the Super Bowl at the end of the season, then you have made a futures bet.

Totals bets

Totals bets are made on the score of both teams added together. You can bet on the “over” or the “under.”

There are variations, but the basic Totals bet is on the final score of the game. If you bet the over and the score is higher than the quoted number you win. If you bet the under and the score is lower you win.

For example in the recent match between the Dodgers and the Padres, the Totals bet was quoted as:

• LA Dodgers O 10.5 +100
• SD Padres U 10.5 -130

Ameristar Sports Betting App Indiana

The odds aren’t exactly the same for the over and the under. The difference represents the price of the bet, and ensures the sportsbook makes a margin.

Teaser bets

Teaser bets are points spread bets where the spread is adjusted by points in the player’s favor on more than one game. They are normally offered only on football and basketball games.

In football, a player may move the published point spread 6.5, 7, 10 or 14 points. In basketball, the options are 4, 5, or 6-points.

The bet is like a parlay because you are adding several wagers into one bet. In moving the point spread that applies to the bet you make the individual legs easier to win. Naturally the odds the sportsbook offers change depending on how far you shift the spread.

Calculating all this is easy when you place your bets online. Before you finally commit to making your bet, you can experiment with different options to get the payout you are looking for given how much you want to bet.

Round Robin bets

Round Robin bets allow you to lay several parlay bets at the same time in a single wager.

To create the bet you make a list of the teams you want in your parlays and the number you want in each parlay. E.g. you might choose to add 8 teams to your list with each parlay consisting of three legs. The round robin then creates a list of all the combinations of parlays for those three teams.

Unlike a standard parlay, you don’t have to win every wager in the bet to win. In a round robin you must win every leg of a parlay, then parlays you have won are added together to create your payout.

Calculating payouts is tricky if you try to do it by hand! The eight team three leg parlay above produces 56 different parlay bets. You must wager the same amount on each bet, so wagering $2 on each would produce a round robin with a total cost of $112.

The odds are different for each parlay, so in each case your $2 wager will produce a different amount if you win.

Fortunately, online mobile sports betting apps do all the work for you.

Live Betting

A lot of Iowans have accounts at offshore online sports betting sites. Not only is it illegal for these to offer sports betting, their product is far inferior to the legal operators. One of the biggest differences is in-game or live betting.

In-game betting refers to bets made after a match has started. Most of the normal bets remain available because modern legal sports betting operators have access to near real time data feeds. This means they can adjust their odds as play progresses, second by second.

Offshore operators do not get access to these data feeds, so they can’t offer anything near the range of opportunities the legal market puts on the table.

Live betting is one of the main reasons to switch from your offshore account to the legal operators in Iowa. Of course, you also get legal recourse in case something goes wrong, and you know your deposits are safe.

In mature sports betting markets like the UK, around 80% of all sports betting is now in-game betting. It’s extremely popular because it adds so much fun to watching a game—especially if you have friends around.

In-game bets can be as simple as who will score the next touch down, or what the score will be at the end of the next quarter. But many more betting options are available. When you get your first account set up, give it a try!

How do I start online sports betting in Iowa?

Until Jan 2021, all players must register in person to open an online account. This means going to your local casino.

At the moment, there are several sites available in the state. You can register for these sites by going to one of the following casinos:

DraftKings Sportsbook

Use this link to download the DraftKings Sportsbook app.

• Wild Rose Casino (Clinton): Opening hours; Mon-Wed: 2 PM – 10 PM, Thu & Sun: 10:30 AM – 10 PM, Fri-Sat: 10:30 AM – 11 PM. Address: 777 Wild Rose Drive, Clinton, IA 52732.
• Wild Rose Casino (Emmetsburg): Opening hours; Mon, Thu, & Fri: 11 AM – 11 PM, Tue-Wed: 2 PM – 10 PM, Sat-Sun: 9 AM – 11 PM. Address: 777 Main Street, Emmetsburg, IA 50536.
• Wild Rose Casino (Jefferson): Opening hours; Mon – Thu: 11 AM – 10 PM, Fri: 11 AM – 11 PM, Sat: 9 AM – 11 PM, Sun: 9 AM – 10 PM. Address: 777 Wild Rose Drive, Jefferson, IA 50129.

PointsBet Sportsbook

Use this link to download the PointsBet Sportsbook app

• Catfish Bend Casino: Opening hours; Open 24 hours. Address: 3001 Winegard Dr, Burlington, IA

William Hill online sportsbooks

• Prairie Meadows Casino: Opening hours; Mon-Fri: 10 AM – 12 AM, Sat: 8 AM – 1 AM & Sun: 8 AM – 12 AM. Address: 1 Prairie Meadows Drive, Altoona, IA 50009.
• Lakeside Casino: Opening hours; Mon-Fri: 10 AM – 12 AM, Sat: 8 AM – 1 AM, Sun: 8 AM – 12 AM. Address: 777 Casino Drive, Osceola, IA 50213.
• Isle Casino Bettendorf: Opening hours; Mon-Thurs: 10 AM – 12 AM, Fri: 10 AM – 1 AM, Sat: 8 AM – 1 AM, Sun: 8 AM – 12 AM. Address: 1777 Isle Parkway, Bettendorf, IA 52722.
• Isle Casino Waterloo: Opening hours; to be announced. Address: 77 Isle of Capri Blvd, Waterloo, IA 50701.

Bet.Works online sportsbooks

• Rhythm City Casino: Opening hours; Mon-Thurs: 11 AM – 11 PM, Fri: 11 AM – 1 AM, Sat: 10 AM – 1 AM, Sun: 10 AM – 11 PM. Address: 7077 Elmore Ave, Davenport, IA 52807.
• Riverside Casino: Opening hours; Mon-Thurs: 11 AM – 12 AM, Fri: 11 AM – 1 AM, Sat: 10 AM – 1 AM, Sun: 10 AM – 11 PM. Address: 2184 Hwy 22, Riverside, IA 52327.
• Grand Falls Casino: Opening hours; Mon-Fri: 12 PM – 12 AM, Sat: 8 AM – 12 AM, Sun: 10 AM – 12 AM. Address: 1415 Grand Falls Blvd, Larchwood, IA 51241.

Other online sites will be available soon. Check TheLines for the latest announcements.

Opening a mobile sports betting account online

After January 2021 the process gets a lot easier. No longer will you have to take a drive to get started sports betting.

Ameristar Casino Sportsbook App

First check the reviews of Iowa online sportsbooks at TheLines and decide which best suits your needs. New player offers and bonuses change so make sure you get the best offer by using the sign-up link on the review page.

First you will need to download the app if you want to bet using your mobile. If you only use your computer, then downloads are not normally necessary, but it depends on the site.

On the sign-up page enter your personal details, then choose your screen name and password.

Before you can begin betting you will need to make a deposit. Again this is one advantage of using legal sportsbooks instead of offshore sites. Deposits are easy and there are many payment methods accepted.

If you have a sports betting account in another state where it is legal, you cannot use that account in Iowa. You will need to open a new account for your Iowa betting.

How do I deposit cash at an Iowa online sports betting site?

The deposit methods in available in Iowa will include:

• In person at the cashier’s cage of the casino offering the online app.
• Credit/debit cards
• Online bank transfer
• Casino prepaid cards
• PayPal
• NETELLER
• ACH eCheck
• PayNearMe

Withdrawing your winnings is just as easy. Not all deposit methods allow withdrawals, e.g. PayNearMe, but most will be available.

A major advantage of the legal state-regulated sports betting market is that it is easy and fast to get your cash back. The offshore unregulated market takes much longer since US banks are not allowed to process their transactions. Another important reason to switch to the state-regulated Iowa sportsbooks.

Iowa’s sports betting law

Iowa’s legislators have passed a law which sets the state up to get the maximum benefit from legal sports betting—with a couple of minor exceptions.

The SF617 law consists of a series of amendments to the existing Gambling Games Regulation. The main points of the law are:

• The regulator is the existing IRGC
• Gambling taxes levied on the operator’s revenues are 6.75 percent. This matches the rate in Nevada
• License fees are low compared to other states at $45,000 with a $10,000 renewal fee
• Sports betting licenses are restricted to IRGC licensed casinos
• Mobile sports betting is allowed
• Up to two brands (skins) are permitted for each licensee
• Until Jan 1, 2021 bettors who want to register for mobile sports betting must open their accounts in person at a casino
• No in-game prop bets are allowed on in-state college teams. Betting on other college games is allowed

Iowa’s new law got a vote of support from the American Gaming Association (AGA):

“The state of Iowa has set its legal sports betting market up for success with a reasonable tax rate, mobile wagering, strong consumer protections and provisions that put responsible gaming at the forefront. Through the leadership of champions like Iowa Gaming Association President and CEO Wes Ehrecke, Iowans will now have a safe alternative to the illegal market that has thrived in the Hawkeye State and across the country.”

Weaknesses will limit the success of the new law

Iowa has only authorized online sports betting. It has not legalized other online casino games such as slots, roulette or poker.

New Jersey and Pennsylvania both allow a wide variety of games and this makes a big difference. The research shows that restricting access to a wide range of online gambling reduces the rate at which people switch from the black market operators to the legal market.

Put this together with the delay to opening accounts online, and the expected profits for casinos and gambling taxes will be lower than otherwise. More importantly, it will still leave some Iowans at the mercy of offshore illegal operators where they have no legal protection.

Nevertheless, sports betting should go well. It helps that no neighboring states offer legal sports betting, although Illinois will launch sometime after July 2020.

Assuming sports betting goes well Iowa legislators will have an incentive to add other online gambling games in the future.

Where can I make legal sports bets in Iowa?

The IRGC licenses 19 casinos in Iowa. The thirteen which managed to get sports betting launched by the end of August 2019 are highlighted in bold.

The only casino which has not applied for a licence is the Casino Queen Marquette (in italics). It has an application in preparation.

Top international sports betting brands come to Iowa

Four of the sportsbooks are operated by William Hill: Prairie Meadows Racetrack & Casino, Lakeside Hotel & Casino, Isle Casino Hotel Bettendorf, and Isle Casino Hotel Waterloo.

William Hill also launched the first mobile Iowa sports betting app on August 21.

Elite Casino Resorts, which owns the Rhythm City Casino Resort has struck a deal with UK company BetFred to provide live and mobile sports betting. Using the Bet.Works brand, this is BetFred’s first venture into the US market.

Both William Hill and Bet.Works have launched live mobile applications. The other casino groups will follow shortly.

Each casino is allowed to launch two brands, so expect the market to become even more competitive. There could be a total of 38 brands offering online sports betting by the middle of 2020.

Other top US and international brands expected to launch in Iowa include:

• 888
• Bet365
• BetAmerica
• Caesars Sportsbook

Will I be able to play online poker and online casino games in Iowa?

No, only online sports betting is legal under the new laws. If you find yourself at a site that offers online casino games or poker, you have strayed onto a black market site or a site where you are not allowed to register from Iowa—best to leave. Use the links on TheLines review pages to make sure you are going to the official sports betting sites in Iowa.