Statewide Iowa — “Cashless” wagering would be allowed at Iowa casinos under legislation that’s cleared the Iowa House.
Representative Shannon Lundgren, a Republican from Peosta, says many people now have digital wallets on their smartphones and do not carry cash.
Representative Chris Hall, a Democrat, says he’s supported Iowa’s gambling industry in the past including the casino in his hometown of Sioux City but cashless wagering may be a step too far after the explosion of sports betting.
It’s been legal in Iowa to place bets on sporting events like football and basketball games since August of 2019. The bill approved by the House would make betting on “electronic sports” legal, too. E-sports competitions feature people playing a video game. There are now professional and college e-sports leagues. Representative Sandy Salmon, a Republican from Janesville, says the bill represents another expansion of gambling in Iowa.
The bill also would make it legal to bet on charity events featuring professional athletes like golf tournaments and the NBA All-Star game. Betting on player-of-the-year awards and the drafts held by professional leagues like next month’s NFL draft would be allowed as well. The bill passed a 71-to-28 vote and goes to the Senate for consideration.
