Sports Betting Takes The Field In Iowa

Sports Betting

Sports betting is legal in Iowa and, most of the state’s licensed casinos started taking bets today.

In Altoona, a ribbon-cutting was held at the William Hill Sports Book, at Prairie Meadows, to celebrate the occasion. Betting is allowed on professional, collegiate and international sporting events.

Iowa also has legalized fantasy sports contests and internet fantasy sports betting.

‘Knowing the passion around sports in the area coupled with the industry and the regulatory system we`ve been pretty bullish on Iowa for a number of years and that`s why we started the licensing process with our race book a couple or years ago in Iowa it was all with the idea that one day sports betting was going to become legal and when it was we were going to be here.’ said Joe Asher, CEO William Hill Sports Book.

In Iowa, players must first travel to a casino to prove their age and identity and set up an account. Mobile betting is allowed only within the borders of Iowa.

Eighteen of Iowa’s 19 licensed casinos are approved for sports betting, so far. But, Sioux City’s Hard Rock Hotel and Casino asked the Iowa Racing and Gaming Commission to remove its request for approval at its July 30th meeting.

In a statement, Hard Rock representatives said, quote ” …there are some details with our partnership agreement that have not been fully resolved.”

Hard Rock managers say the next commission meeting is scheduled for Thursday, August 22. They said if they submit, and get approval at that meeting, they could launch the sportsbook operation immediately.

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