DraftKings given go-ahead for Iowa betting debut

DraftKings is to enter the newly regulated Iowa market through a partnership with Wild Rose Entertainment, which operates three casinos in the state.

DraftKings and Wild Rose received approval yesterday (22 August) from the Iowa Racing and Gaming Commission after submitting applications and documentation to move forward with their partnership agreement to operate sportsbooks at properties in Clinton, Emmetsburg and Jefferson.

Wild Rose said it chose to name DraftKings as its first retail and mobile sports betting partner after evaluating the US market since Iowa’s new sports betting law was enacted in May. The move comes just over a week after the first legal bets were taken in the state, which has just over three million inhabitants.

“Sports betting is the most energising change in Iowa gaming since the slot machine,” said Tom Timmons, president and chief operating officer of Wild Rose. “We couldn’t be more excited to be the first Iowa casino company to partner with DraftKings, which we view as the most recognisable name in sports gaming.

“With DraftKings’ track record in mobile betting, we can reach more fans and customers who love sports. We can’t wait to be up and running.”

Read the full story on iGB North America.