Legalized Sports Betting Soon Won’t Be Far Away From Minnesota

While the latest laws to take effect here in Minnesota have restricted various behaviors, there's a new law that's going to legalize sports betting-- and it's not that far away.

That's because our neighbors to the south in Iowa are getting ready to pop the cork on a new law that will allow legalized sports betting at casinos throughout the Hawkeye State.

That's right, starting August 15th, if you want to place a bet on your favorite college football team, or maybe your favorite baseball team, or even your favorite NFL team, you won't have to fly out to Las Vegas or Atlantic City anymore; you'll be able to place that bet-- legally-- only an hour or so south of Rochester (if you're headed to Diamond Jo Casino in Northwood, Iowa, that is.)

According to this Des Moines Register story, Iowa will become the 11th state in the U.S. to offer legal sports wagering to adults 21 and older, the third in 2019 and the first in the Upper Midwest. The bill legalizing gambling was signed into law earlier this spring.

Now before plunking down your money on the Vikings to win the Super Bowl this year, you have to first drive to an Iowa casino in person to prove that you're 21. From there, you'll have a variety of options-- from using a mobile app to the traditional in-person wagering. However, the story said, those apps will be 'geo-fenced,' meaning that you'll still need to physically be within Iowa state limits to place a bet even if you're using the app.

The story also noted that Iowa's new law doesn't contain any provision for a maximum amount you can bet-- leaving that to be set by the sportsbook or casino. And, the story said, 18 of the state's 19 licensed casinos (except for Casino Queen in Marquette) are ready to start taking bets later this month.

You can read more about which sports you can bet on-- and how it works-- HERE.

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