AP/Hunter
9/16/19
Iowans have apparently taken to legalized sports betting like ducks to water.
The state Racing and Gaming Commission says more than $8.5 million was wagered at 13 participating casinos in Iowa’s first month of sports betting.
That translates into nearly $146,000 in tax revenue from the wagers on sports events.
The report shows Prairie Meadows in Altoona was the top performing casino, with more than $3.4 million in sports handle — or money placed on bets — and nearly $2.9 million paid out to betters.
On Aug. 15, Iowa became the 11th in the nation and first in the Midwest to allow such wagering. Iowa’s law allows betting on-site or through a mobile app, but requires mobile betting to be done within the borders of the state. Betting software includes precision geofencing technology that nullifies bets made outside of Iowa.
Not coincidentally, this is the 20th annual Responsible Gaming Education Week at all state-regulated casinos, with emphasis on recognizing the signs of compulsive gambling. The Commission has a resources page on the subject at www.iowagaming.org.
