Iowa lawmakers are drafting legislation that would give state regulators the necessary authority to act against unlicensed sports betting platforms operating in the state.
According to We Are Iowa, a pre-filed bill for the upcoming legislative session proposed granting Iowa’s gambling regulator, the Iowa Racing and Gaming Commission, explicit power to issue cease-and-desist orders and seek injunctive relief against illegal operators.
Sports wagering has increased rapidly in Iowa. In 2025, bettors placed nearly US$3 billion in wagers, generating about US$19 million in state tax revenue from online sportsbooks. State officials said the growth had been accompanied by a rise in consumer complaints tied to unlicensed platforms.
