Work will begin quickly
The Iowa Racing and Gaming Commission has given the go-ahead for two state casinos to begin work on sports betting projects. The Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Sioux City and the Grand Falls Casino & Golf Resort both submitted remodeling projects for wagering. Both college and professional sports betting will be offered.
Both the Hard Rock and Grand Falls are ready to begin work quickly so that they can offer sports betting services as soon as possible. The Hard Rock has plans to convert a 400-square-foot area into a sportsbook. Grand Falls also plans on remodeling existing space.
Both Iowa casinos have stated they will have their sportsbooks operational as soon as they are given the final approval from the Commission. The goal is to be ready by mid-August, before the college football and NFL seasons begin.
Grand Falls is set to offer a sportsbook in an area where weekend musical acts now perform. The space will include tables as well as booths for bettors to watch games. Hard Rock plans on spending close to $900,000 (￡714,000) to add new technology and fixtures.
The commission’s staff has been working to create rules for sports betting. Legislation requires the new rules be created and posted on the commission’s website by July 1. A public hearing on the rules is scheduled for July 11.
Commission Administrator Brian Ohorilko said: “The industry is requesting a pretty aggressive timetable to have things implemented by August. We’re doing everything we can to do that but making sure that we’re doing it the right way.”
Sports betting legalized in May
A new law in Iowa legalizes sports betting for both professional and college sports. The bill also approved daily fantasy sports betting. In-game betting is not allowed, a format commonly known as prop bets, on in-state college teams.
According to VSO News, Governor Kim Reynolds signed the bill in May. With its passage, the 19 casinos in the state can offer sports betting with licensing. At licensed gaming facilities, players can wager via kiosks on their own or visit windows staffed by employees.
Mobile wagering is also an option in Iowa. Once launched, players will need to visit a casino to register for an online account. After registration is complete, players can bet online via mobile devices from anywhere.