A new partnership between Wild Rose Entertainment and DraftKings will bring sports betting at the former’s three Iowa casinos. Under the terms of the agreement, DraftKings becomes the Wild Rose retail and mobile partner that will accept and process wagers on a wide array of sporting events.
The two firms received approval today from the Iowa Racing and Gaming Commission after submitting applications and documentation to move forward with their partnership agreement to operate sportsbooks in Clinton, Emmetsburg and Jefferson.
“Sports betting is the most energizing 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 recognizable name in sports gaming.”
Under the sports betting law enacted in May, each casino in Iowa is allowed – but not required – to apply for a sports wagering license. As part of the license, casinos can have two mobile partners with two “skins” or unique mobile betting web pages or mobile applications. Wild Rose chose to partner with DraftKings after a thorough analysis of the sports gaming landscape across the nation.
“DraftKings is thrilled to work with Wild Rose to bring our online sportsbook product to sports fans in Iowa,” said Matt Kalish, the firm’s Chief Revenue Officer and Co Founder. “We look forward to fueling fans’ passion and competitive spirit while building on the success we’ve seen in the other states we serve.”
Iowa law requires customers to physically go to the casino to register for mobile sports betting until Jan. 1, 2021. After that, they can sign up outside the casino. An important distinction in Iowa is that sportsbooks are not permitted to accept college sports in-game wagers involving game statistics and individuals who play for any Iowa college including Drake University, Iowa State University, the University of Iowa and the University of Northern Iowa.
The prohibition extends to opponents in games with Iowa schools. Pre-match betting on Iowa college teams and their opponents however, is permitted.
“With DraftKings’ track record in mobile betting, we can reach more fans and customers who love sports,” Timmons added. “We can’t wait to be up and running. Stay tuned for our next announcement.”
