The Iowa Racing and Gaming Commission and Department of Public Safety warned Iowans about fraudulent websites claiming to be licensed or impersonating Iowa casinos. The agencies said sports wagering is legal online through licensed operators, while online casino-style gambling and poker are not permitted in Iowa.
The warning clarifies which online gambling services are permitted and flags risks from fraudulent sites.
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Iowa's licensed casinos and sports wagering operators reported $156.0m in receipts for February 2026, according to figures provided to the Iowa Racing and Gaming Commission. Casino revenue rose 6.97% year on year while sports wagering revenue fell 6.82%, and Super Bowl LX wagering dropped 18.44% to $17.47m.
A weekly roundup described a proposed Iowa bill giving the Iowa Racing and Gaming Commission power to issue cease-and-desist orders against unlicensed gambling operations, and calls in Britain to abolish the “aim to permit” rule for gambling premises. It also said Portugal extended casino concessions in Algarve, Espinho and Póvoa de Varzim while evaluating bids, with the licensing timetable extended by three months.
The Iowa Racing and Gaming Commission is seeking authority to pursue cease-and-desist orders and injunctive relief against unlicensed gambling, sports betting, horse betting, fantasy sports and illegal sweepstakes operators. A bill filed in December would grant those powers, while Commission administrator Tina Eick said the agency regularly hears from residents reporting scams involving illegal online gambling operations.
The Iowa Department of Inspections, Appeals and Licensing pre-filed a bill for the 2026 session that would authorise the Iowa Racing and Gaming Commission to pursue cease-and-desist orders and court injunctions against unlicensed gambling operators. The proposal covers activities including sports betting, pari-mutuel wagering and online fantasy contests; IRGC administrator Tina Eick said current law allows the regulator mainly to issue public warnings.
Iowa’s Department of Inspections, Appeals, and Licensing filed a bill that would let the Iowa Racing and Gaming Commission act against companies it considers to be offering gambling without a valid licence. The proposal would allow cease-and-desist orders and injunctive relief, and names illegal sweepstakes and fantasy sports among its targets. Commission administrator Tina Eick publicly backed the bill; it was filed ahead of the legislative session beginning 12 January.