Gambling in Iowa

In the state of Iowa, gambling has been legalized and expanding since the ratification of a constitutional amendment in 1972.[1] Before then, the constitution prohibited the gambling within the state. As of 2018, gambling is Iowa's largest tourist attraction, making $1.476 billion per year.[2]

Outside of the Q Casino
The Q Casino found in Dubuque, Iowa

History

In the 1846 Iowa Constitution, there was a provision stating that the state may not sanction lotteries or lottery tickets. Lottery was defined as any sort of gambling game.[3] In the 19th century, casinos on riverboats were common. This was because Iowa was the first state to legalize riverboats.[2]

On September 7, 1971, a catholic pastor was charged with hosting a gambling house. The church held a Labor Day picnic with one of the main draws being alcohol and gambling, though only the gambling had been charged. The gambling equipment and $600 were seized. Governor Robert D. Ray announced on September 9 that he intended to remove the constitutional ban on gambling.[1]

Gambling was legalized after an election in November 1972. The amendment in question received 68% of the vote.[1]

Two years after gambling became legal, several limitations came into effect. A ban on craps, blackjack, and other games along with bookmaking offices came into effect.[4]

Online
See also: Online gambling

Online sports betting is legal in Iowa. However, online casinos are not.[5]

Iowa Lottery
Main article: Iowa Lottery

The Iowa Lottery signed into legislation April 18, 1985.[6] As of the fiscal year ending in June 30, 2022, the Iowa Lottery was making $430 million in sales with over $97 million funding state programs.[7]

See also

References
  1. Dormann, Todd (September 24, 2021). "Iowa's gambling flood gates opened 50 years ago". The Gazette. Retrieved October 3, 2023.
  2. "The State of Gambling in Iowa and How It Is Influencing the Economy". The Daily Iowan. June 14, 2021. Retrieved October 3, 2023.
  3. "Legislative Guide to Gambling in Iowa" (PDF). Iowa Legislature. Legislative Services Agency. December 2002. Retrieved October 4, 2023.
  4. King, Seth S. (June 24, 1975). "Iowa Ending an Era As Gambling Center". The New York Times. ISSN 0362-4331. Retrieved October 15, 2023.
  5. "Iowa Online Casinos & Online Gambling Law in 2023". Gambling.com. October 4, 2023. Retrieved October 4, 2023.
  6. Rich, Terry (2015). "Iowa Lottery Report On Operations" (PDF). Iowa Legislature. Retrieved October 3, 2023.
  7. Halawith, Liam (July 17, 2023). "Curious Iowa: Where do Iowa lottery profits go?". The Gazette. Retrieved October 8, 2023.
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