Iowa Gaming Commission Estimates August 15 Sports Betting Launch

• Sports betting in Iowa became legal when Governor Kim Reynolds signed IA SF 617 in May.
• A total of 19 casinos can offer sports betting – 18 have already applied.
• Sports bettors in Iowa are able to wager via retail sportsbook or mobile betting platform.

WEST DES MOINES, Iowa – With only a few changes from sports betting representatives and none from the general public, the sports betting regulations in Iowa could be approved as early as Tuesday.

The Iowa Racing and Gaming Commission (IRGC) is in charge of voting on the rules and according to Brian Ohorilko, the commission’s director of gaming, “it will be considered for emergency adoption.” 

The rules may still see some changes in the final few hours before the potential adoption; however, it is generally “the same package that was commented on, back on July 11.”

If approved, the IRGC would implement the rules immediately and Iowa sportsbooks could have operations up and running as early as August 15.

These controls include a system for monitoring integrity, the process for accepting wagers, and (for mobile betting) geolocation requirements.

As of now, 18 of the 19 Iowa casinos have applied for their sports betting license with the majority of them having worked deals (or are finalizing arrangements) to partner with an operator for their book.

Only the Casino Queen Marquette has yet to apply for their license but Ohorilko believes they will join the rush sooner than later.

“I think the goal for most of the properties is to be up and running before football season,” said Ohorilko. “Although those that are ready to go [on August 15] will be able to dip their toe in the water a bit.”

Many of the casinos have begun their sportsbook buildouts in attempts to become the first legal Iowa sportsbook. While the Q Casino in Dubuque is one of these venues, they see no rush to jump immediately jump into the industry.

Regardless of the venue that bettors 21 and older decided to use, they will be able to wager on professional and collegiate sports at the casino or through an online mobile platform.

Mobile betting can be utilized from anywhere within the state but players are required to sign up at one of the gambling establishments before they are able to get started.

As far as collegiate wagering, the sportsbooks in Iowa  are restricted from offering lines and odds on local Iowa universities as well as prop bets of the athletes per the regulations.

Expect Iowa to become the newest state to officially launch sports betting after the commission meets on Tuesday at 10 am.

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