Iowa is a hidden gem for gambling in the United States. The Hawkeye State, which already boasts a plethora of quality land-based casinos, recently legalized sports betting. And now even more positive news comes for gamblers in the state as it’s becoming more likely that online gambling could be next in line.
Nevada – more specifically, Las Vegas – is known as the gambling mecca in the United States. Many also consider Atlantic City as one of the top gambling destinations in the country. But few, at least those outside the state, realize just how popular gambling is in Iowa and how many avid gamblers there are in the land of the Hawkeyes.
Starting With Sports Betting
As of August 15, sports betting is legal in Iowa. A few sportsbooks popped up including one at Des Moines’ long-time popular casino, Prairie Meadows Racetrack and Casino.
Iowa is one of 11 states now with legal sports betting. The US Supreme Court overturned a previous federal law which prevented individual states other than Nevada from legalizing sports gambling in 2018.
That paved the way for many other states to pass legislation and begin licensing legal sportsbooks, which made sports bettors all around the country happy. Over the next few years, expect many other states to pass a sports betting bill.
What’s Next in the Hawkeye State?
Now that sports betting is legal in Iowa, many Iowans are wondering what’s next in line for the gambling community. And it appears even more progress is up ahead, possibly including online poker.
In April 2011, the US Department of Justice shut down the top poker sites that operated in America – PokerStars, Full Tilt Poker, and Absolute Poker/Ultimate Bet. Since then, online poker has struggled in America with illegal sites operating in most states. But there are currently three states – and a fourth (Pennsylvania) to soon join the party – with legal online poker sites in operation (Nevada, New Jersey, Delaware).
Iowa appears to be headed in the right direction towards become the fifth state with legal internet poker.
“Absolutely, we think that poker is the next logical thing,” Yaniv Sherman, head of commercial development for the online gambling company 888, told The Gazette.
Online poker is the next logical step for the state of Iowa. Poker is popular in the state with regular major events such as the Heartland Poker Tour and World Series of Poker Circuit tour having been hosted at casinos throughout the state.
