With a new legalized sports wagering law being ironed out, those at Riverside Casino and Golf Resorts are excited for the new opportunity.

The new law allows people over the age of 21 to place wagers on sporting events at authorized Iowa Racing and Gaming Commision facilities, including the casino in Riverside. General Manager at Riverside Casino and Golf Resorts Dan Franz expects the new form of recreation to increase the number of visitors to the casino and community.

Franz adds once that happens, the benefits will reach beyond the casino, “We’re hoping to do two things really. One is just straight off increase visits. When that happens, the state, city, and county all benefit from the standpoint of extra taxes. It’s really two components, that additional visit will stem additional gaming and additional revenue within our operations. Then there’s the sports betting specific wagering revenues that will also be impacted in a positive way. The state, the county, and the city all get a component of that.”

In May, Governor Kim Reynolds signed Senate File 617 which authorizes betting on sporting contests and fantasy events. Currently, standards and regulations are being worked on by the IRGC. Franz expects for them to be able to start taking bets by the start of football season.