DraftKings, one of the New Jersey sportsbook front-runners, is set to partner three Iowa casinos. All three are operated by Wild Rose Entertainment and are located in Clinton, Emmetsburg, and Jefferson, they announced it before becoming NJ’s first online sportsbook when betting prohibition ended last year, DraftKings was already big in sports gaming.
This was because it had become one of the giants of US daily sports fantasy (DFS) which had never been banned. Also, the Wire Act prohibiting sports betting across state lines had never applied to DFS.
Thus, it had become a sports gaming brand widely known across America when sports-betting outside Nevada began last year.
They awarded DraftKings one of the two sports betting skins at the three Casinos, its press release stated. From there it will operate an in-person casino and online mobile betting books under the licenses of the Casinos.
No second sportsbook partner for the three Casinos has yet been announced.
Iowa won the sports betting race in the Midwest
A week or two back Iowa won the sportsbook race in the Midwest when it edged out Indiana, which is expected to go live in the next few weeks.
Sports-betting has also been legalized in Illinois. However, the state’s rules and regulations are still being finalized and it could be some time before it goes live.
DraftKings was the first sportsbook to open online in New Jersey when the US betting prohibition ended a year ago. It won’t, however, be the first to do so in Iowa. William Hill, for one, has beaten them to it. Hill is already up and running in-person and online sportsbooks at four Iowa Casinos.
One is at the Prairie Meadows Racetrack & Casino. The others are at the Lakeside Hotel & Casino, Isle Casino Hotel Bettendorf, and Isle Casino Hotel Waterloo.
PointsBet is also alive and well in the Hawkeye State and before long runaway NJ market leaders, we also expect FanDuel to be operating there. So too are 888sport, PlayMGM, Fox Bet, SugarHouse and Bet365.
Wild Rose expecting big things from Iowa Sportbooks
In making the DraftKings announcement, Wild Rose President Tom Timmons said he was expecting big things from Iowa sports betting.
“It’s the most energizing change in Iowa gaming since the slot machine. We couldn’t be more excited to be the first Iowa casino company to partner with DraftKings. We view them as the most recognizable name in sports gaming.”
In reply, Matt Kalish, co-founder of DraftKings, said: “DraftKings is thrilled to work with Wild Rose to bring our online sportsbook product to sports fans in Iowa. We look forward to fueling fans’ passions and competitive spirits. We look forward to building on the success we’ve seen in the other states we serve.”
As is the case in New Jersey, patrons will be able to register as a Drafting’s punter online – but not until January 1, 2021.
Until then they must present themselves in person to one of three Wild Rose Casinos. After that, they’ll have a choice. They’ll be able to wager either in person at a casino or online via laptops or smartphones anywhere in Iowa.
They could also benefit from punters crossing the border from Illinois and betting online.
That, of course, is only if they’re 21 and older.
