The counties in Iowa that are not home to a state-licensed casino still received some of the gambling revenue again this year through the County Endowment program. Iowa Gaming Association CEO Wes Ehrecke says foundations in these 84 counties receive eight-tenths of one percent of the gambling … [Read more...]
Economic impact of Iowa casinos tops one billion dollars
The latest report on the 19 state-regulated casinos shows their economic impact on the state tops one billion dollars. Racing and Gaming administrator Brian Ohorilko says that includes all the money spent by the facilities. "It is payroll, it's employees coming from Iowa, it's goods and services … [Read more...]
March is a time to assess your gambling habits
March is National Problem Gambling Awareness Month and the Iowa Office of Problem Gambling is part of the effort to raise awareness of the issue and direct people to help. Katrina Bee leads the Iowa office and says they have a list of 12 questions you can ask yourself about your gambling. "If an … [Read more...]
Two casinos, sportsbook fined by state regulators for violations
Two casinos and one sports betting operation have been fined by the Iowa Racing and Gaming Commission. Racing and Gaming administrator Brian Ohorilko says the Diamond Jo Worth Casino had an underage individual enter and gamble in May of 2022. "That individual entered with three adult companions … [Read more...]
Football season marks high point as Iowa’s sports betting industry settles in
Sports betting is now legal in 36 states, including Iowa, and experts are predicting the betting on the Super Bowl is going to double what it was last year. Iowa Racing and Gaming Administrator Brian Ohorilko says the regular season and playoffs are key for sports books. "Football season, both … [Read more...]
Casinos in Dubuque and Emmetsburg fined
Two Iowa casinos were fined Thursday for violations involving self-ban regulations. Racing and Gaming administrator Brian Ohorilko says the Diamond Jo Dubuque Casino was late in uploading the new list of those who banned themselves from gambling."The facility uploaded that information to the … [Read more...]
Marquette casino moving to land, leaving only 2 casino boats in Iowa
The number of Iowa casinos that float on a boat will soon be sinking. Iowa Racing and Gaming Administrator Brian Ohorilko says plans were approved Thursday for the Casino Queen operation in Marquette to move to land. "They're proposing to invest 12 million dollars into a land-based facility that … [Read more...]
Dubuque casino plans millions of dollars in renovations
The managers of the Q Casino in Dubuque are asking state regulators today for approval of a multi-million dollar renovation plan. The casino's chief commercial officer Stacy Kansky says there are a couple things driving the plan. "It's been about 15 years plus that we've done any significant … [Read more...]
Iowa Lottery has advice for playing huge Mega Millions jackpot
The Mega Millions jackpots us pushing the one billion dollar mark for tonight's drawing. Iowa Lottery spokesperson, Mary Neubauer, says it comes on the heels of the more than two-billion dollar Powerball jackpot in November. She says it is really hard to predict when jackpot will get this big. … [Read more...]
Iowa Lottery to start making some payments via debit cards
The Iowa Lottery plans to move to some more modern methods of payment for prizes in the new year. Lottery spokesperson, Mary Neubauer, says paper checks had been the standard. "It just became obvious pretty quickly that a check, which is the primary form of payment that you will receive, … [Read more...]