The Iowa Senate has unanimously approved legislation that would significantly expand the Iowa Racing and Gaming Commission's enforcement authority, targeting offshore gambling platforms and sweepstakes casinos operating without a state license.
Lawmakers voted 44-0 on Senate File 2289 on Monday, February 23. Following the vote, Sen. Mike Klimesh requested unanimous consent to immediately transmit the bill to the Iowa House, a motion that was granted.
If approved by the House and signed by Gov. Kim Reynolds, the measure would give the state’s gaming regulator powers it currently lacks to directly confront unlicensed operators.
Key Highlights
+ Iowa Senate passed SF 2289 in a unanimous 44-0 vote.
+ Bill empowers the regulator to issue cease-and-desist letters and seek injunctive relief.
+ Targets unlicensed operators like offshore sportsbooks, sweepstakes casinos, ADW, DFS, and illegal betting operations.
+ Unlicensed operators could face Class D felony charges.
+ Repeat unlawful betting offenders could face lifetime bans from sports betting and ADW.
+ A separate prediction markets bill remains stalled in committee.
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