Iowa governor signs bill targeting sweepstakes casinos

Iowa Gov. Kim Reynolds has signed Senate File 2289, giving the Iowa Racing and Gaming Commission more power against unregulated gaming.

SF 2289, which was signed by Gov. Reynolds on May 15, introduces stronger enforcement action, granting the regulator proper authority to carry out cease-and-desists and injunctive relief against illegal gambling operators.

That includes sweepstakes casinos, unlicensed daily fantasy sports operators, and other unlicensed operators carrying out other forms of gambling, including sports wagering.

The bill is set to go into effect on July 1.

The measure, introduced to the Senate by the Iowa Department of Inspections, Appeals, and Licensing in February, initially passed the Senate the same month with a unanimous vote of 44-0 before making its way through the House, passing the Ways and Means Committee on March 8 after another unanimous vote, and passing the entire chamber on March 21 with a vote of 93-0.

The bill was then sent back to the Senate, which later passed it on March 28 with a vote of 47-0. On May 5, the bill was enrolled and signed by the House President and Speaker, then sent to Gov. Reynolds that day.

Iowa isn’t the only state to effectively outlaw sweepstakes casinos. This month, Oklahoma also sent its own bill that would impose penalties on those operating sweepstakes casinos, which was later vetoed by the governor.

Charlotte Capewell brings her passion for storytelling and expertise in writing, researching, and the gambling industry to every article she writes. Her specialties include the US gambling industry, regulator legislation, igaming, and more.

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