(Des Moines, IA) -- The new year marks the end of a policy requiring those wishing to bet on sports, must register at an Iowa casino. Brian Ohrilko of the Iowa Racing and Gaming Commission says that will likely mean the number of online sports betting will likely grow from eight currently to about 20. He says the result will be increased competition for customers, and likely more promotions to attract customers.
Sports betting became legal in Iowa in 2019. Ohrilko says things were ramping up until the start of the pandemic, which stalled many sports seasons. He says throughout the year sports betting options have grown. He says there's optimism in the industry that with post-season college football and college basketball as well as professional sports, that the market will expand.
Ohrilko says the sports betting handle in Iowa has grown month over month. November set a all time high for Iowa at $90 million.