A bill that would legalize sports betting for professional and college sports in the State of Iowa has passed through the legislature. Senate File 617 worked its way through the Senate last week, passing with 31-18. On Monday, the House passed the bill 67-31. In May 2018, the federal Supreme Court ruled to strike down the Professional and Amateur Sports Protection Act, which prohibited state-authorized sports betting. Since then states around the country have been working to add sports wagering to their local economies.

Representative Joe Mitchell says he’s looking forward to seeing the good he thinks this will bring to our state, “We know this is going on already, we know that folks are already [wagering] online. We just want to bring it to the light. We want people to do it in a regulated manner and make sure they’re doing it in a safe manner. And also be able to bring the revenue in on taxes to be able to help our schools and healthcare, and things of that nature. So I think it’s a good thing overall.” The bill states that bets can be made in compliant Iowa Racing and Gaming Commission facilities.

General Manager at Riverside Casino and Golf Resorts Dan Franz says he feels like the facilities in Riverside would be an ideal home for a sportsbook, “We have a good infrastructure that already exists. If you want to come and watch the Superbowl or watch the college basketball game or group of games, you can come to Riverside and enjoy a lot of other things on top of that experience of watching the sporting event and placing bets.” The bill will be sent to Governor Kim Reynolds for her consideration.