Iowa sports betting handle in May jumped 11% to $202.6 million according to figures released by the Iowa Racing and Gaming Commission.

Handle was also 68.7% higher than the $161.4 million worth of wagers placed in March 2024, which was Clark’s first NCAA Women’s Tournament and the first year Hawkeye State bettors could legally wager on “March Madness” since the 2020 edition was canceled due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

It was the sixth-highest handle in 56 months of wagering in Iowa and the fifth above $250 million in the last six months. Though the IRGC does not disclose handle and revenue by sport, Iowa’s three wins during the NCAA Tournament in March — the Hawkeyes beat 2023 champion LSU in the regional final April 1 — likely contributed to the 6.7% statewide hold. Iowa bettors are not allowed to place player prop bets on college games involving in-state schools.