I have been assigned to handle one of the bills you are likely to hear a lot about in the weeks ahead.  It is House File (HF) 648, the sports betting bill, legalizing sports betting and fantasy sports in Iowa.

Like it or not, sports betting is ingrained in American life.  

A United States Supreme Court ruling last May cleared the way for states to allow sports betting. Eight states already allow wagering on sports, and that number is expected to grow to as many as 32 in the next five years.

HF648, which has already passed the House State Government Committee, would allow Iowans to bet on any professional, collegiate or international team, or individual sporting event governed by the Olympic Committee, so long as the contestant is not under the age of 18.

Eligible bettors must be age 21 or older and can place a bet at a “sports wagering area” in a casino or on a mobile device. To bet on a mobile device, an eligible bettor can establish an account at a casino and set up an “advance deposit” system.

 
Since it’s just the first step in the process, the proposal will have to go through several committees and will likely undergo changes before it becomes law.  Many of the professional sports leagues would like some type of oversight of the betting, by requiring that official stats from their leagues be used for betting purposes. 

Gaming issues rarely break down on party lines and will likely have both Republicans and Democrats voting for and against the proposals.

Prairie Meadows Racetrack and Casino is making its own bet on sports gambling.

Officials recently announced the casino has entered into a partnership with William Hill US to operate a casino sports book, and the casino is building an 8,600 square foot facility to house the operation. 

Under House File 648, the initial fee to operate a sports wagering facility would be $15,000 with an annual fee of $15,000 thereafter.  The tax on sports betting net receipts (after winnings) is 6.75 percent, consistent with what is charged in Las Vegas.  The Iowa Racing and Gaming Commission will oversee sports gambling.

As we fine tune the law, I will work to make sure the Iowa Racing and Gaming Commission will have the resources to police any “bad actors” who may come on the scene.

I also want to increase funds available for gambling treatment and addiction. 

Sports gambling would generate the money to pay for these safeguards and conditions, but those expecting a windfall in state dollars will probably be disappointed. Sports betting will not generate significant dollars for the state budget.

Sports betting and fantasy sports are coming, and I will do my best to make sure Iowa does it the right way.

STATE REP. JOHN FORBES, D-Urbandale, represents District 40, which includes much of Urbandale. He can be reached at john.forbes@legis.iowa.gov, 515-778-7699 or 515-281-3221.

This article is a reprint from DesMoinesRegister.com.   To view the original story and comment, click here.