Iowa Governor Kim Reynolds has until May 27 to decide whether she’ll sign a sports betting bill that recently passed the House lawmakers in a67-31 vote and the Senate 31-18. The measure authorizes the Iowa Racing and Gaming Commission to establish rules for betting on professional, collegiate and international sporting events, including motor racing, in person at the state’s 19 casinos and racinos and via mobile and online wagers. It bans wagering on minor league events and in-state college team players. The bill also legalizes fantasy sports contests and internet fantasy sports betting.
Under the legislation, sports betting would be limited to players age 21 and older. It taxes net sports betting receipts at 6.75 percent. Taxes and licensing fees are projected to generate annual revenue of $2.3-$4 million.
Reynolds said in making her decision, she’s considering a February Des Moines Register/Mediacom Iowa poll of more than 800 Iowans that showed 52 percent opposed legalized betting on professional sports and 68 percent opposed college sports wagering. “That’s what we’ll take into consideration when I sit down with the policy team and go through the bill and we’ll make the decision going forward,” Reynolds said.
The bill’s author, state Rep. Roby Smith, said Reynolds spoke in favor of regulated sports betting during her campaign. He said, “I think she wants to take time and review it, and she doesn’t want to say one way or another in case she decides to go a different way. I don’t have problems with the comments. They show she is doing her due diligence.” He added he’s certain the governor will sign the bill since it had been thoroughly vetted in 16 hearings in both chambers and passed with bipartisan support.
IRGC Administrator Brian Ohorilko said sports betting could launch in August, assuming Reynolds signs the bill. He said most of the state’s casinos will create space for a sportsbook. In fact, Catfish Bend Casino in Burlington has partnered with PointsBet to develop retail and mobile sportsbook operations, pending IRGC approval. The planned “innovative sports-centric entertainment venue” will feature a sports bar and a multi-screen video and odds display wall. In addition, William Hill has partnered with Prairie Meadows Racetrack & Casino in Altoona to operate an 8,600 square foot sportsbook.
