A Pair Of Sports Betting Bills Appear In Iowa’s Congress

DES MOINES, Iowa. – A pair of bills were introduced on Wednesday in both of Iowa’s Senate and House that would allow casinos to run sports gambling in the state.

The Senate introduced IA SB 1168 and the House introduced IA HB 198. Both of these bills suggest that the state’s casinos should be the only eligible sports betting licensees in the Hawkeye State. The Iowa Racing and Gaming Commission would regulate wagering on sports in the state. 

Both Bills Are Very Similar

Both of the bills would not only allow for sports gambling to take place in Iowa’s 19 casinos, but they would also legalize mobile wagering. Bettors would first have to visit a casino to register on their mobile app, and then they will be able to place their bets wherever they want via their mobile device. 

The state lottery and horse race tracks are left out of both of the proposals. Both pieces of legislation would also legalize and regulate daily fantasy sports in Iowa. 

Small Differences Between The Two

The House’s proposal calls for a 6.75 tax on revenue received through betting on sports. The Senate bill, however, does not specify how much needs to be taxed on sports wagering. The Senate will discuss this matter in the Ways and Means Committee on Thursday. 

There is also how each bill addresses how they want to go about with online wagering. The Senate bill requires in-person registration requirement at a casino until January 1, 2021. Afterward, locals in Iowa will not need to go to a casino to register for online betting. The House legislation allows for bettors to register online from the get-go. 

No matter which bill ends up going all the way, locals from Iowa are excited about sports betting. Senator Dan Dawson said that he has gotten more calls and emails about wagering on sports than any other issue. Both bills are going to be discussed in their respected subcommittees in Senate and the House.