New studies show expansions of gambling in neighboring states will eat into Iowa’s industry revenue. Cedar Rapids officials hope this will nudge state regulators to finally sign off on a casino in Iowa’s second-largest city.
Iowans placed more than $2 billion in wagers on sporting events in 2021, according to recently published state figures. That number envelopes the $575 million that was bet on sports in 2020.
Next year will end a chapter in the state's gambling history when an Iowa dog track hosts the last live greyhound race in Dubuque.
Linn County voters on Nov. 2 approved the gaming referendum by a slimmer margin compared with 2013, but the likely developer says he and other investors are pressing forward with Cedar Rapids on identifying a casino location and preparing a license application for the Iowa Racing and Gaming Commission.
Eddie Tipton, who is serving a 25-year prison sentence for conspiracy to commit theft by rigging computers to win jackpots for himself, friends and family is suing the state of Iowa, claiming he was pressured four years ago to plead guilty to crimes he did not commit.
Details remain in the works for where developers would build a potential casino ahead of the Nov. 2 vote on the Linn County gaming referendum, which leaves open the door for cities to seek a casino license. If passed, the matter will never come before county voters again.
Iowa Lottery officials closed the books Wednesday on a record-breaking fiscal year that saw new highs for sales of lottery products, prizes to players and proceeds to the state.
Iowans wager nearly $161.44 million in ’March Madness’ month
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