Iowa sportsbooks reported a total of $191,112,434 in wagers for May 2026, marking a 5.66% decline compared to $202,573,365 in May 2025.

However, revenue was on the rise, with gross gaming revenue reaching $20,785,835—up 3.62% year-over-year—thanks to operators holding 10.88% of every dollar wagered, a notable increase from the 9.90% hold in the previous year.

The state’s 6.75% tax on net receipts generated $1,403,044, reflecting the same percentage growth. Online sportsbooks dominated the betting landscape, accounting for nearly all the activity at $181,499,185, or about 95% of the total, while retail sportsbooks added $9,613,248 to the mix.

Iowa was quick to embrace legal sports betting after the repeal of PASPA in 2018, officially launching its market in August 2019. Since that time, the state has broadened access to both retail and online betting, notably removing the in-person registration requirement in January 2021, which significantly increased participation and set the stage for impressive year-over-year revenue growth.

With 11 licensed online sportsbooks and 20 retail locations, Iowa boasts a well-regulated market that continues to produce substantial tax revenue for essential public initiatives, such as infrastructure and workforce development. Today, bettors have the flexibility to wager in person, on desktop, or through mobile applications, enhancing convenience for consumers.

The industry consistently contributes to rising tax revenue for Iowa, which helps support state budgets and funds initiatives like the “Rebuild Iowa Infrastructure Fund,” dedicated to essential infrastructure projects.