Iowa takes first bets in state-wide online rollout
Lakeside and Riverside casinos first to launch their betting products as Iowa marks the 11th state to launch betting
Iowa today became the 11th state to launch online betting, with the William Hill-powered Lakeside Casino the first to take bets.
Riverside Casino and Golf Resort plans to switch on its Bet.Works-operated sports betting offering today, pending final authorisation from the regulator.
Riverside general manager Dan Franz told local press: “We’ve been working diligently to establish rules, internal controls and procedures to be ready to serve the public on August 15.”
Hills has launched three additional online and mobile sportsbooks within the state, including Prairie Meadows Racetrack and Casino and Eldorado’s two Isle Casino Hotel venues.
PointsBet has signed a deal with Catfish Bend Casino and will set its retail product live in Monday August 15, while Penn National plans to go live in the state with its new Kambi sportsbook in Q3.
UK operator Betfred will make its US debut in Iowa via its Elite Casino Resorts partnership, although the operator has yet to disclose a date for the launch.
As an age verification measure, bettors will be required to sign up in-person at one of the state’s physical sportsbooks until 2021.
Catena Media’s Play Iowa analysts predict that the state stands to generate over $4bn a year once its hits full maturity.
Neighboring states Indiana and Illinois have pledged to launch betting in coming months.