Iowa casino prepares sportsbook
An Iowa casino may build its own sportsbook ahead of a potential sports betting legalisation in the state.
US.- Sports betting continues to take over the US and is landing in several states in the country. Even as it hasn’t been approved by the Iowa Legislature, one casino is planning ahead and wants to get clearance to build its own sportsbook.
Next week, the Iowa Racing and Gaming Commission will discuss whether it allows Catfish Bend Casino in Burlington to develop a sportsbook. It will assess two contracts regarding the development and operation of the venue.
Minnesota-based Design Wise would be in charge of the design and construction of the venue. Meanwhile, New Jersey-based PointsBet LLC would be tasked with the operation. Points Bet already operates an online casino.
The legalisation debate
Iowa lawmakers are now considering the possibility of offering sports betting and therefore increasing revenues for the state.
While a number of legislators are pushing for a favorable framework to legalise the modality, others are not so sure that approving sports betting is in the state’s best interest.
“I’m opposed to sports betting,” said Rep. Dean Fisher. “I don’t think we need anymore gambling opportunities. There are casinos all over Iowa, if you want to gamble you can gamble.”
Rep. Mark Smith agreed with Fisher and said that Iowa has to be very careful with how it proceeds with it and that he hasn’t read any legislative piece that would approve sports betting and therefore he is undecided on whether he would vote in favor of it or not.
