Iowa Gives Another Shot at Legalizing Online Casinos
Online gambling gains momentum in Iowa with 2023's passing of online casino legalization bill
Dust off your luck charms, Iowa! A new move is afoot to legalize online casino gambling in the state and expand the realm of gaming. Currently, Iowa's land-based casino industry supports approximately 17,420 jobs and has a whopping economic impact of around $2.8 billion across the 23 commercial and tribal properties in the state.
The Players Enter the Online Casino Arena - Iowa Style
Iowa's got some experience under its belt with mobile sports betting, available statewide. Now, it's poised to take things one step further, thanks to HSB 227, a bill submitted by Rep. Bobby Kauffman. This bill seems to zero in on commercial operations and suggests each might be allowed up to two online casino skins. That's right, we could see as many as 38 online casinos if the bill sails through!
However, the bill also leaves room for the online industry to expand a little more, with the Iowa Racing and Gaming Commission deciding on a third skin option. The IRGC would be responsible for establishing the regulatory framework for iGaming operations.
But wait! With a population of only 3.37 million, could Iowa risk becoming the online casino capital and lead to an overwhelming oversaturation? Kauffman, however, seems unfazed, expressing strong confidence in his new pitch.
Iowa's Awareness Game is On Point
Kauffman's new bill shares similarities with his previous proposal - HSB 604 - which made its way through last year's session but never quite reached a floor vote. However, Kauffman is optimistic that his past efforts helped raise awareness for the matter. Let the iGaming games commence!
There's a proposed initial license fee of $45,000, similar to the fee currently charged to sports betting operators with online products. Operators would also be required to shell out a $10,000 renewal fee. The tax rate is set at 6.75%, the same amount applied to sports betting revenue. Most states tend to tax iGaming operations at a higher rate, but not Iowa, it seems!
Finding the Latest Legislation: A Guide
For detailed information about current gaming or other legislation, be sure to check out the Iowa Legislature's website. It offers tools for tracking bills by chamber, type, and session.
[1] Iowa's Gaming Industry: https://www.iowaagriculture.gov/industry-research-data/ag-industry-economic-impacts[2] Iowa Legislature Website: https://www.legis.iowa.gov/
- Iowa is looking to expand its gaming industry by legalizing online casino gambling, following its previous experience with mobile sports betting.
- The bill submitted by Rep. Bobby Kauffman, HSB 227, suggests commercial casinos could have up to two online casino skins, potentially leading to 38 online casinos.
- The Iowa Racing and Gaming Commission will be responsible for establishing the regulatory framework for iGaming operations and deciding on a third skin option.
- The proposed bill shares similarities with Kauffman's previous proposal, HSB 604, and he remains optimistic about its chances, citing increased awareness as a result of his past efforts.
