Bettors in Iowa wagered a record $182.9m on sports events during July 2026, marking a measurable increase from the $176.7m total recorded a year earlier. The Iowa Racing and Gaming Commission released the official monthly figures, outlining the distribution between digital and physical wagering channels.
Wagering Distribution and Revenue
Digital platforms captured the majority of activity, generating $173.2m in online handle. Brick-and-mortar locations contributed the remaining $9.7m. Despite the higher total volume, sportsbook revenue remained stable at $17.97m, nearly matching the $17.996m recorded in July 2025.The operator hold rate declined to 9.82%, compared with 12.27% during the same month last year. This reduction in retention offset the growth in wagering volume, keeping overall earnings consistent. The state applied its standard 6.75% tax rate to the gross revenue, resulting in $1.21m in collections for the month.