IowaIowa bill would set rules for account-based horse wagering
The bill would direct Iowa's racing commission to authorize qualifying entities to take account-based horse wagers, with special rules for wagers near racetracks.
What it does
The commission would authorize entities that meet state licensing rules to conduct account-based horse-race wagering. A separate operator license requires an agreement with the Polk County racetrack licensee.
Electronic wagers placed within five miles of a licensed racetrack would require an agreement between the wagering operator and that track's licensee.
After taxes and direct account-wagering expenses, half of the remaining revenue would go to horse-race purses and half to the qualifying entity.
Argument forEntities that meet state licensing rules could receive authorization to take account-based wagers, giving bettors more places to wager.
Argument againstPeople placing electronic wagers near a racetrack could have fewer options if the operator and track licensee do not agree.
More detail
The commission would authorize a qualifying entity to conduct advance deposit wagering. Advance deposit wagering lets a person put money in an account and use it to place horse-race wagers. The entity must meet section 99D.9D. The commission may issue an operator license only to an entity that also meets section 99D.8A and the bill's other stated requirements. An agreement with the Polk County horse racetrack licensee is required before an operator license is granted.
An operator would need an agreement with a racetrack licensee to accept electronic wagers placed within five miles of that track. The rule covers electronic wagers placed from a location within five miles of a licensed racetrack enclosure. People may place wagers in person at a licensed racetrack enclosure. Wagers from other locations may be placed by phone-type device or other electronic means, subject to the five-mile rule.
The bill text would divide specified net wagering revenue equally between horse purses and the qualifying entity. The split covers advance deposit wagering revenue received by an entity that meets section 99D.9D. The split is calculated after taxes and expenses directly related to account deposit wagering are deducted.
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Where it stands
- Introduced
- Passed 1st Chamber
- Passed 2nd Chamber
- To Governor
- Became Law
Looking ahead
No hearings or votes scheduled.
History
- 2026
- May 1Explanation of vote.Latest
- Apr 28Subcommittee: Dawson, Bisignano, and Rowley.
- Apr 22Read first time, referred to Ways and Means.Minor
- Apr 22Message from House.
- Apr 21Immediate message.
- Vote recorded Shall the bill pass? Result: pass.Lower
- Apr 21Explanation of vote.
- Apr 21Passed House, yeas 84, nays 9.Passed 1st Chamber
- Apr 16Introduced, placed on Ways and Means calendar.Introduced