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The Iowa Racing and Gaming Commission

DMACC Capitol Center
1300 Des Moines Street, Suite 100
Des Moines, IA 50309
515-281-7352
Website

The Iowa Racing and Gaming Commission (IRGC) administers the laws and regulations regarding commercial casino operations. The IRGC also oversees pari-mutuel wagering at racetracks.

The commission is made up of five members appointed by the governor subject to confirmation by the state Senate to serve three-year terms.

AVAILABLE GAMING LICENSES
Casino Operator License
Racetrack Casino License
Distributor License
Manufacturer License

However, in June 2022, a two-year moratorium on the issuance of new casino licenses was issued.

For more information on available gaming licenses, see Regulatory Fact Sheet.

Iowa has four compacted tribes: the Omaha Tribe of Nebraska, the Sac & Fox Tribe of the Mississippi in Iowa, the Winnebago Tribe of Nebraska, and the Ponca Tribe of Iowa.

Each tribe is required to regulate gambling through their tribal gaming commission, pursuant to Section 6 of the compacts. The Director of the Iowa Department of Inspections and Appeals is given limited regulatory authority in order to ensure compliance with the compacts and applicable state laws.

Each compact permits the tribe to contract with a management contractor to operate Class III gaming.

Three of the compacts were originally negotiated in 1992 but were re-negotiated in October and November 2004. Each of these compacts remain in effect, unless terminated due to breach or mutual agreement.

By contrast, the Ponca Tribe of Iowa’s compact was originally negotiated and entered in 2020 and remains in effect, unless terminated due to breach or mutual agreement.

For more information on compact expiration dates, see Regulatory Fact Sheet.

AVAILABLE GAMING LICENSES
Vendor License

For more information on available gaming licenses, see Regulatory Fact Sheet.

The city or county where a riverboat is docked may vote to impose an admission fee of no more than $0.50.

TAX PROMOTIONAL CREDITS
Casinos pay normal gaming taxes on promotional credits until collective total payments reach $28.5 million during a given fiscal year. After that threshold is reached, casinos are no longer taxed on promotional play.

WITHHOLDINGS ON WINNINGS
5 percent withheld for state purposes

REVENUE SHARE
Under the terms of their compact, the Winnebago Tribe must donate a minimum of $200,000 each year for charitable purposes. The tribe may count their $25,000 gambling addiction fee in the calculation of this payment.

TAX PROMOTIONAL CREDITS
None

WITHHOLDINGS ON WINNINGS
Five percent withheld for state purposes.

STATE USE OF REVENUE
The state uses revenue from tribal gaming for charitable purposes and to help fund operations of the counties impacted by the tribe’s Class III gaming.

TRIBAL USE OF REVENUE
Requirements as described in IGRA.

STATUTORY FUNDING REQUIREMENT
Yes. Capped at $6M.

SELF-EXCLUSION
Casino patrons may choose to self-exclude for a period of five years or life.

COMPLIMENTARY ALCOHOLIC DRINKS
Yes

ADVERTISING RESTRICTIONS
Commercial casino licensees shall include information on the availability of the gambling treatment program.

In addition, Iowa regulations require that licensees conduct advertising and public relations activities in accordance with decency, dignity, good taste, and honesty.

ON-PREMISE DISPLAY REQUIREMENT
Yes

AGE RESTRICTIONS
21+ years old to gamble
21+ years old on floor

STATUTORY FUNDING REQUIREMENT
Yes. $10,000-$50,000/annually

SELF-EXCLUSION
Yes

COMPLIMENTARY ALCOHOLIC DRINKS
None

ADVERTISING RESTRICTIONS
None

ON-PREMISE DISPLAY REQUIREMENT
None

AGE RESTRICTIONS
Under all four compacts, 21 is the minimum age for taking part in gambling.

OPERATION ON HOLIDAYS
Yes

TESTING REQUIREMENTS
Racing and Gaming Commission must approve all gaming equipment distributed in the state, with the help of an independent testing facility.

ANTI-MONEY LAUNDERING REQUIREMENTS
Federal compliance requirements.

RESTRICTIONS ON POLITICAL CONTRIBUTIONS
Those with interests in the state’s gambling boats may not contribute to political parties.

CREDIT OFFERED TO PATRONS
None

SHIPPING REQUIREMENTS
Notice must be filed with the IRGC before gambling games are shipped.

SMOKING BANS
No

CASHLESS GAMING & ALTERNATIVE PAYMENTS
Cashless wagering systems are permitted pursuant to a June 2022 law. However, Iowa does not currently accept cryptocurrency as a form of payment for gambling transactions.

TESTING REQUIREMENTS
Prior to the installation and use of a gambling device, the tribal gaming commission must inspect and test the gambling device.

ANTI-MONEY LAUNDERING REQUIREMENTS
Federal compliance requirements under the Bank Secrecy Act.

SHIPPING REQUIREMENTS
Federal shipping requirements under the Johnson Act.

RESTRICTIONS ON POLITICAL CONTRIBUTIONS
No

CREDIT OFFERED TO PATRONS
No. Class III gaming may be operated for cash only and credit may not be extended to any patron.

SMOKING BANS
No

CASHLESS GAMING & ALTERNATIVE PAYMENTS
Cashless wagering systems are permitted pursuant to a June 2022 law. However, Iowa does not currently accept cryptocurrency as a form of payment for gambling transactions.