Iowa sweepstakes crackdown bill awaits governor’s approval

Monday, May 4, 2026 3:03 PM
Photo: JM Hunter/Shutterstock.com
  • Ian St. Clair, PlayUSA

Iowa lawmakers passed Senate File 2289, expanding the authority of the Iowa Racing and Gaming Commission to pursue enforcement against unlicensed gambling operations.

Under the bill, the commission can issue cease-and-desist orders and seek court injunctions against entities offering games of chance, sports betting, and sweepstakes casinos that fall outside the state’s licensing framework.

Previously, regulators were limited to warnings and public advisories.