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SF 76

A bill for an act concerning a moratorium on the issuance of new gambling games licenses, and including effective date provisions.

2025-2026 Regular Session Introduced by Jeff Reichman

SF 76 imposes a moratorium on new gambling licenses in Iowa, capping them at 19 until 2030, protecting existing facilities from new competition.

Subcommittee: Rozenboom, Bisignano, and Schultz.
#gambling #moratoriums #pari-mutuelwagering #racing #racingandgamingcommission
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Bill Summary · SF 76

Summary of Bill SF 76

Bill Overview

  • Bill Number: SF 76
  • Title: A bill for an act concerning a moratorium on the issuance of new gambling games licenses, and including effective date provisions.
  • Introduced: January 22, 2025
  • Status: Currently in subcommittee (Rozenboom, Bisignano, and Schultz)
  • Classification: Bill
  • Subject: Gambling, moratoriums, pari-mutuel wagering, Racing, racing and gaming commission

Purpose and Intent

The primary purpose of SF 76 is to establish a moratorium on the issuance of new licenses for conducting gambling games in Iowa. This moratorium aims to limit the total number of licenses to a maximum of 19 until June 30, 2030. The bill seeks to regulate the expansion of gambling operations within the state and ensure that existing licensed facilities maintain their operations without the introduction of new competitors.

Key Provisions

  1. Moratorium on New Licenses:

    • The bill prohibits the issuance of new gambling games licenses beyond the existing 19 licenses until June 30, 2030.

  2. Geographic Restrictions:

    • Licenses will only be granted in counties where gambling operations were already licensed as of the effective date of the bill.

  3. License Transfer and Issuance:

    • The Iowa Racing and Gaming Commission is authorized to:
      • Allow a licensed gambling facility to relocate within the same county while retaining its license.
      • Issue a new gambling games license if a licensed facility is sold, provided it operates in the same county.
      • Issue a new license if an existing license is surrendered, not renewed, or revoked.

  4. Repeal Date:

    • The moratorium provisions will be repealed on July 1, 2030.

  5. Effective Date:

    • The bill is deemed of immediate importance and will take effect upon enactment.

Impact

  • Affected Parties:

    • Existing gambling facilities and operators in Iowa will be directly impacted as the moratorium limits new competition.
    • Counties currently hosting licensed gambling operations will continue to have the opportunity to manage and transfer licenses within their jurisdictions.

  • Regulatory Authority:

    • The Iowa Racing and Gaming Commission will have increased authority to manage existing licenses and facilitate relocations or new issuances under specific conditions.

Legislative Actions

  • January 22, 2025: Introduced and referred to the State Government committee.
  • January 28, 2025: Assigned to subcommittee consisting of Rozenboom, Bisignano, and Schultz.

This summary provides an overview of SF 76, detailing its purpose, key provisions, and potential impacts on the gambling landscape in Iowa. The bill aims to regulate the number of gambling licenses and maintain stability within the existing market until 2030.

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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