Proposed legislation from a state agency would give the Iowa Racing and Gaming Commission the authority to take action against unlicensed gambling sites.
State officials said if passed, the bill would give the commission authority to issue cease and desist orders to the “bad actors” that scam Iowans for information, money or run unregulated, offshore markets. The bill has been filed by the Iowa Department of Inspections, Appeals and Licensing in advance of the 2026 legislative session, which begins Jan. 12.
Tina Eick, the gaming commission’s administrator, said under current law, the commission does not have the “clear authority” to take action against anyone other than the casinos and sports books that it currently licenses.
