Prairie Meadows Takes Action On Iowa Sports Betting

ALTOONA, Iowa – Last Thursday an Iowa Senate Subcommittee advanced potential legislation that would legalize sports betting in the state’s casinos. Even though it hasn’t been signed into law yet, Prairie Meadows is betting that it will and has already built a $1.5 million sportsbook at their facility.

The Altoona racetrack partnered with sportsbook operator William Hill last month in order to build and run the newly renovated space. William Hill worked with the officials of the casino to design the state’s first-ever sports betting venue. 

Located on the fourth floor of the racing simulcast area, the renovations included an arena-style scoreboard hanging from the ceiling, a digital ribbon wrapping around the walls with score updates, oddsboards mounted behind the betting windows, and a wall of TVs playing all the latest games.

The casino also plans to add self-serving betting kiosks in the future, and if legislation allows, mobile betting for customers that register in-person first. 

Brad Rhines, Prairie Meadows Senior Vice President and Chief Strategic Officer, seems confident in a bill passing to grant them the ability to do so.

“It’s not presumptuous to say (Prairie Meadows Sportsbook could open) before July.”

However, if nothing gets signed into law allowing them to offer sports gambling, the space would instead be used for horse racing simulcasts.

What Are The Odds For Prairie Meadows Bet?

Judging by the sheer number of bills, the chances of sports betting in Iowa being passed this legislative session are in the casino’s favor. There are currently 10 bills that have been introduced between both the House and the Senate. 

Iowa Senator Zach Nunn, whose district includes Altoona, also feels a sense of urgency on the matter.

“Iowa can be a leader, I don’t want Iowa to have to follow in the wakes of states that are making policies that benefit their states,” he said.

Iowa is surrounded on each side of its border by states that are also currently considering legalizing sports wagering. Illinois Governor J.B. Pritzker announced last week that he plans to include sports betting in his state’s budget and an estimated $217 million to be generated from the gaming expansion.

While that number may seem high, it may be possible if they are able to drive traffic from neighboring states. 

Prairie Meadows believes that Iowa lawmakers won’t let that happen and will instead keep any potential sports wagering revenue in the Hawkeye State. 

If the casino is right, Iowa lawmakers will have to sign a bill into law before the 2019 legislative session ends on May 3.