Statewide Iowa — The Iowa Racing and Gaming Commission failed to take action on legalizing the betting on E-sports last week after a legal opinion that the state’s gambling law did not allow it.
The president of the Iowa Gaming Association, Wes Ehrecke, says the 19-state licensed casinos will work to get state lawmakers to change the law.
(As above) “We want to go back and visit with a lot of those key legislative leaders and legislators who help support legalizing sports wagering to see if they will include E-sports as another viable option that could be wagered upon,” Ehrecke says.
The Iowa Legislature is back in Des Moines after suspending the session as the coronavirus outbreak took off. He says they will start talks with lawmakers now.
(As above) “Take the opportunity while they are in session or back to mention what has occurred and at least heighten their awareness to see what might be available — planting the seed at the very least for future opportunities,” Ehrecke says.
Ehrecke is not sure lawmakers would have time to take up the issue with all they have going on this year. If not, they would shoot for getting the law change in the next session
(As above) He says the goal is to get it passed and authorized.
The Iowa Racing and Gaming Commission did approve betting on sports games involving E-sports, which is allowed in the gambling law, while DIRECT betting on E-sports is not.
