Iowa Gaming Revenue Up Since The Legalization Of Sports Betting

• Sports betting was legalized in Iowa in August.
• Residents interested in using internet platforms to wager on sports must sign up at a casino first, increasing the number of visitors to casino locations.
• The increase in casino-goers interested in sports betting has led to an overall increase in gaming revenue.

DES MOINES, Iowa – Iowa gaming has seen a revenue spike since sports betting became legal in August.

For Iowans that want to take part in the state’s internet sports wagering services, they first must go to a casino and sign up for an account by law. Various casinos have found that while visiting their establishments, patrons try their hand at the classic casino games.

This has caused revenue numbers to rise and it is estimated that an extra 4.5% can be expected annually.

Of the state’s 19 casinos, they have had yearly increases or decreases in the range of 1-2%.

The Sports Betting Legalization Equation

The introduction of legal sports betting at these establishments is what those involved with the businesses believe to be the leading factor in their heightened gaming numbers. Engaging in table games is up almost 7.5% with a 4% surge in visitors reports the state Racing & Gaming Commission.

“It’s since August when this started launching that we’ve had some consecutive months that have had increased traffic and admissions and revenue. So you have to assume that sports wagering — the launch of that — has been a contributor to that,” said Wes Ehrecke from the Iowa Gaming Association.

“It’s certainly an additional entertainment amenity for those that enjoy watching sports and betting on sports,” he continued. “It’s a real positive. Honestly, we didn’t know what to expect because it’s something very new to Iowa. It’s great to see this is a positive.”

Not only are casino games receiving more business but all of the offerings on the property have gone up since August.

This includes the food and beverage aspect of the facilities as well. From June to November, Iowa has had 8,591,467 patrons visit their 19 casinos and took in $614 million. The totals for 2019 show 19,863,057 visitors and $1.457 billion in adjusted gross revenue.

All of these numbers show the positive impact that the legalization of sports betting has had on the state of Iowa throughout the entire gambling industry as a whole.