What the Iowa Sports Betting Entails
Kaufmann hopes the bill will become legal to encourage transparency and “bring people out of the shadows,”. His bill is one of two bills that are pending confirmation. Both bills propose to legalise online sports betting in the state’s 22 land-based casinos. However, Bobby Kaufmann’s House bill goes a step further and makes provision for the development of apps so that casino members can wager on sports off-site. We expect it will reach a favourable vote and find a comfortable middle ground between the two bills.
What Do Other Lawmakers Think of the Bill?
As expected, there are some concerns that have been raised about increasing the reach of gambling. Some legislators like State Rep. Mark Smith remain undecided on the bills because of the implications of problem gambling may cause. He wants the House committee to exercise caution. As Director of Special Projects at Substance Abuse Treatment Unit of Central Iowa (SATUCI) he is aware of the seriousness of gambling addiction. He was quoted as saying “Gambling is the only non-substance addiction recognized by the American Psychological Association as a mental illness. My concern always is that we have proper services available for people who become addicted to gambling.”
The Future of Iowa Sports Betting
Although the law is yet to be passed some gambling businesses have already started strongly. Prairie Meadows Racetrack & Casino last month entered a partnership with William Hill to build a sports book of almost 9000 square feet. William Hill has gone a step further to secure exclusive rights to air simulcasts of the horse races. William is already preparing to take online wagers on horse races and other sports.
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