Reynolds, a Republican, has declined to suggest whether she supported the expansion of gambling in Iowa. She signed the bill on Monday. The governor did not release a statement concerning the sports betting legislation.
The law gives the Iowa Racing and Gaming Commission regulatory authority over sports betting. The commission regulates the 19 state-licensed casinos in Iowa and its administrator, Brian Ohorilko, has said most of the state’s casinos are expected to set aside onsite space for betting.
The commission has been developing rules that will determine how sports betting will work at the casinos, online and through a mobile application. Betting is expected to begin as early as this summer.
American Gaming Association Senior Vice President of Public Affairs, Sara Slane, credited the leadership of Iowa Gaming Association CEO Wes Ehrecke, with giving residents “a safe alternative to the illegal market that has thrived in the Hawkeye State” and across the country.
“The state of Iowa has set its legal sports betting market up for success with a reasonable tax rate, mobile wagering, strong consumer protections and provisions that put responsible gaming at the forefront,” Slane said.
“Iowa’s legalization of sports betting brings the total number of legal markets in the United States to 15, none of which include statutory provisions for integrity fees,” she concludes.
Source: GMB / CDC Gaming Reports
