Iowans 21 and over could soon legally place bets on professional and college sports.
Last night, the state House of Representatives passed the sports gambling legalization bill 67-31 with support and opposition from Republicans and Democrats. If Republican Gov. Kim Reynolds signs it into law, Iowa will become one of at least 11 states with legal sports betting.
Many states have taken this step since the U.S. Supreme Court in 2018 struck down a federal ban on the practice in most states.
If signed into law, this measure would allow licensed casinos to host in-person and mobile app sports betting on college and professional sports.
It would also allow Iowans to claim fantasy sports prizes based on the performance of professional athletes. College sports would be included in this starting in May 2020.
But several Republicans and Democrats argued legal sports betting will result in more gambling addiction with negative effects on Iowa families.
U.S. Senator Joni Ernst plans to kick off her re-election campaign in June.
The Senator’s annual “Roast and Ride” event will take place on Saturday, June 15thin Boone at the Central Iowa Expo.
Senator Ernst was first elected to the U.S. Senate in 2014.
So, far no Democrats have officially entered the race for the U.S. Senate.
Ernst also says if Democrats from the “far left” pursue impeachment against President Trump it will “backfire” come election time.