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SSB 1157

A bill for an act concerning the regulation and support of leisure activities, including by providing for gambling games and sports wagering enforcement, license fees, tax rates, and the use of associated revenue, establishing the Iowa major events and tourism program and fund, modifying the sports tourism marketing and infrastructure program, making appropriations, and including effective date provisions.

2025-2026 Regular Session

Iowa bill establishes gambling/sports wagering regulations, licensing fees, and tax rates while creating a Major Events and Tourism Program funded from gambling revenue.

Committee report approving bill, renumbered as SF 613.
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Bill Summary · SSB 1157

Legislative bill overview

SSB 1157 (now SF 613) comprehensively regulates gambling games and sports wagering in Iowa while establishing a new Major Events and Tourism Program. The bill sets licensing fees, tax rates on gambling revenue, and directs funds toward tourism infrastructure and event promotion.

Why is this important

This legislation directly affects Iowa's entertainment and tourism economy by formalizing gambling operations and creating new revenue streams for state programs. The tax revenue and licensing structure will determine both the profitability of operators and funding available for tourism initiatives that can attract visitors and economic activity.

Potential points of contention

  • Revenue allocation: How gambling tax revenue is divided between the state general fund, the new tourism program, and sports infrastructure could spark debate among competing budget priorities
  • Competitive fairness: License fee structures and tax rates must balance making operations viable for businesses while capturing sufficient public revenue
  • Regulatory scope: Definitions of which "leisure activities" and "gambling games" are permitted versus prohibited, and enforcement mechanisms, may face challenge from operators or advocacy groups

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

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