This article originally appeared on whatidea1.com

Iowa has been in the forefront of gambling for a long time now. It was one of the first states in the country to legalize riverboat casinos. You could say Iowa is a gambling state, but it’s always been a bit behind when it comes to land-based sports betting.

However, Iowa was one of the first states to offer legal online sports betting after the PASPA ruling.

Here is a brief history of gambling and sports betting Iowa:

• The state first allowed charities to run bingo games in 1975
• It legalized riverboat casinos in 1989, becoming one of the first states to do so
• In 1991, it added pari-mutuel wagering at horse tracks, and voters approved a state lottery
• In 2004, Iowa added video poker machines to its riverboat casinos, and added table games in 2008
• In 2010, Iowa opened its Indian casino in Tama

Sports Betting in Iowa Today

It was one of the first states to begin accepting bets thanks to a bill signed into law by Gov. Kim Reynolds in late May. The law allows for sports betting at the state’s 19 licensed casinos and mobile wagering through apps on mobile devices.

Now that sports betting is legal, bettors may have questions about how to participate and what they need to know.

This guide explains all the basics of online sports wagering in Iowa, including a step-by-step guide for how to register an account and make your first bet. It also details some of the laws surrounding sports betting and answers some common questions you may have about getting started.

January 2021 Update

Sports betting launched in Iowa on August 15, 2019. At first, the state required bettors to register in-person at a licensed casino before they could place wagers online. In January 2021, the in-person registration requirement was lifted. Bettors can now register for an account remotely at one of Iowa’s licensed sportsbooks.

Iowa residents are able to register for online sports betting accounts from anywhere in the state. This means you can stay in the comfort of your own home or wherever you are, as long as you have an internet connection, and get started with the registration process.

Who Can Bet on Sports in Iowa?

Sports betting is open to anyone age 21 or older with a valid ID. That applies to both online and in-person betting, but online betting is restricted to people within state borders.

Are All Sportsbooks Legal?

No. Only licensed operators approved by the Iowa Racing and Gaming Commission may legally accept wagers. You can find a list of licensed casinos and sportsbooks here.

Iowa is one of the newest states to offer sports betting, but it has the potential to become a big player in the industry. The state offers a variety of retail and online sportsbooks with some of the top betting brands in the US. Iowa also offers one of the largest selections of banking options for both deposits and withdrawals.