Gambling Laws of Iowa Legal State of Gambling

History and Timeline for Iowa Online Gambling

This timeline outlines the sequence of events that culminated in the legalization of gambling in the state of Iowa.

Since the ratification of a constitutional amendment in 1972, Iowa has undergone significant changes in its stance on gambling. Prior to this amendment, the state constitution prohibited gambling activities. After legalization, gambling has emerged as a major industry in Iowa, experiencing continuous growth and expansion. By 2018, it had become the state's leading tourist attraction, generating a substantial annual revenue of $1.476 billion.

• May 1983: Iowa Legislature passes the Pari-Mutuel Wagering Act, permitting qualified organizations to seek licenses for pari-mutuel wagering on horse and dog racing.
• July 1, 1983: Governor signs the Pari-Mutuel Wagering Act, establishing the first Racing Commission to oversee these wagering activities.
• July 1, 1989: Legislation is enacted, allowing pari-mutuel wagering on simulcast races, enabling licensed facilities to broadcast live audio and visual signals of races for betting purposes.
• July 1, 1989: Further legislation is enacted, empowering the Commission to license qualified organizations to conduct gambling games on excursion gambling boats in counties where a referendum by the electorate approves the proposition.

Legalization of Sports Betting in Iowa

• May 2018: U.S. Supreme Court overturns the Professional and Amateur Sports Protection Act (PASPA) of 1992, paving the way for states to legalize sports betting.
• 2018: Iowa Racing and Gaming Commission (IRGC) starts preparations for the potential legalization of sports betting following the Supreme Court's decision.
• IRGC Establishes Relationships: The IRGC initiates contact with states that have already legalized sports betting to obtain their rules and regulations on wagering, aiming to gather insights and guidance.
• July 2019: Iowa sports betting rules are finalized. These regulations encompass various aspects, including operator applications, licensing procedures, and the establishment of policies addressing problem gambling.
• Public Hearing: Following the formulation of the rules, a public hearing is held by the IRGC to gather feedback and perspectives on the proposed regulations.
• August 15, 2019: Official legalization date for sports betting in Iowa, marking the implementation of the approved rules and regulations by the IRGC.

Legalization of Online Gambling in Iowa

In Iowa, a diverse spectrum of gambling activities has been legalized, each with its own distinct timeline. The state has approved specific forms of betting while excluding others. Sports betting was officially legalized after meticulous preparations and the formulation of regulations by the Iowa Racing and Gaming Commission (IRGC). Preceding this, legislation on daily fantasy sports was enacted, presumed to have occurred around or before the state's proactive steps following the overturn of the Professional and Amateur Sports Protection Act (PASPA) in 2018. Additionally, the Pari-Mutuel Wagering Act allowed for betting on horse and dog racing, leading to the establishment of Iowa's Racing Commission tasked with regulating these specific wagering activities. However, notably absent from Iowa's legalized gambling landscape are online casinos.

• Sports Betting: August 15, 2019 – Official legalization date after the approval of sports betting rules by the Iowa Racing and Gaming Commission (IRGC).
• Daily Fantasy Sports: No specific legalization date provided, presumed to be before or around the time of preparations following the PASPA overturn in 2018.
• Pari-Mutuel Betting: May 1983 – The Pari-Mutuel Wagering Act passes, legalizing betting on horse and dog racing in Iowa.
• Establishment of Iowa's Racing Commission: July 1, 1983 – The Pari-Mutuel Wagering Act leads to the creation of Iowa's Racing Commission, tasked with regulating and overseeing betting on horse and dog races within the state.