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Iowa’s sports betting market saw significant activity in January, with the Iowa Racing and Gaming Commission reporting a total handle of nearly $289.7 million. This marks a $20 million increase compared to the same period last year, highlighting the steady growth of the industry in the state.
Of the total handle, online betting dominated, with 19 licensed operators facilitating wagers worth approximately $268.9 million. Internet net receipts for the month totaled $25.5 million, while overall net receipts stood at nearly $26.1 million. Players collectively won around $263.5 million, with online wagers accounting for roughly $243.5 million of those winnings.
Sports betting also contributed significantly to state revenue, generating over $1.7 million in taxes for Iowa. Since the U.S. Supreme Court lifted the federal ban on sports wagering in May 2018, Iowa has remained an active participant in the expanding market.
Meanwhile, Iowa lawmakers have debated a proposed five-year moratorium on new casino licenses. The Iowa House of Representatives recently approved the measure with a 68-31 vote. Senate File 76, if enacted, would extend the restriction until 2030 and cap the state’s gambling licenses at 19.
However, a state senator recently indicated that the bill lacks sufficient support in the Senate, casting doubt on its future. Iowa first legalized sports betting more than a year after the Supreme Court’s landmark ruling, and discussions around further regulatory changes continue.