Midwestern US state of Iowa closer to legalising land-based and online sports betting and daily fantasy sports after bill passes Senate.

Sports betting and daily fantasy sports (DFS) is a step closer to being legalised in the US state of Iowa, after a bill passed the state Senate.

The Senate approved the bill 31-18, and it will now be put forward for debate in the Iowa House.

The bill proposes that both land-based and online sports and DFS wagering (with the exception of DFS betting on collegiate sports) be legalised, with the remit of the existing greyhound and horseracing regulator extended to cover all betting. Following the Nevada model, it suggests a revenue-based tax rate of 6.75%.

Commenting on the developments, Senator Roby Smith said:

“I believe what we’re doing in this bill is the right thing to do. Sports wagering will no longer be acceptable in the dark. The sun is shining and Iowans will be able to participate legally and responsibly.”

AYO.NEWS says:

With a little over 3,100,000 people, Iowa is never going to be one of the most lucrative states for gambling operators, but it’s still good to see a comprehensive legalisation bill which includes online wagering progressing with such convincing support, and it’s yet another one of the dominos falling as sports betting marches west across America.

Just two days ago AYO.NEWS reported that another Midwestern state, Indiana, is also closer to legalising limited sports wagering, after Bill 552 passed the House of Representatives 78-15 in favour (read more).