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1447XD

Sports Wagering, Prohibited Activities (1447XD) - Public Safety, Department of

2025-2026 Regular Session

Bill 1447XD targets illegal sports wagering in Iowa by banning account sharing and proxy betting, imposing strict penalties to enhance public safety and protect consumers.

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Bill Summary · 1447XD

Summary of Bill 1447XD: Sports Wagering, Prohibited Activities

Bill Number: 1447XD
Title: Sports Wagering, Prohibited Activities
Introduced: November 19, 2025
Status: Proposed Bill
Classification: Proposed Legislation

Purpose and Intent

The primary purpose of Bill 1447XD is to enhance public safety by addressing the growing concerns surrounding illegal activities associated with sports wagering in Iowa. With the rapid increase in online sports betting since its legalization in 2019, the bill aims to combat fraudulent practices such as account sharing and proxy betting, which pose risks of fraud, money laundering, and underage gambling.

Key Provisions

The bill introduces several significant amendments to existing laws regarding illegal gaming:

  1. Definitions:

    • Account Sharing: Defined as an agreement between two or more individuals to share access to a gambling account, intended to conceal the identity of the actual bettor.
    • Proxy Betting: Defined as any betting activity where one person places a wager on behalf of another, again with the intent to hide the bettor's identity.

  2. Illegal Activities:

    • The bill explicitly includes account sharing and proxy betting as illegal gaming activities under Iowa Code Section 99F.1.
    • It amends Section 725.7 to prohibit engaging in these activities, thereby expanding the scope of illegal gaming.

  3. Penalties:

    • Violations of the provisions regarding illegal gaming can result in criminal penalties that vary based on the amount wagered and whether the offense is a first or repeat occurrence.
    • Penalties range from serious misdemeanors for lower amounts (up to $100) to class “C” felonies for higher amounts (over $5,000).

Penalty Breakdown:

  • Serious Misdemeanor: Up to 1 year confinement and fines between $430 and $2,560.
  • Aggravated Misdemeanor: Up to 2 years confinement and fines between $855 and $8,540.
  • Class “D” Felony: Up to 5 years confinement and fines between $1,025 and $10,245.
  • Class “C” Felony: Up to 10 years confinement and fines between $1,370 and $13,660.

Impact

This bill is expected to impact various stakeholders, including:
- Gamblers: Individuals who engage in sports betting may face stricter regulations and penalties for account sharing and proxy betting.
- Sports Betting Operators: Licensed operators will need to ensure compliance with the new definitions and prohibitions to avoid legal repercussions.
- Public Safety: The bill aims to protect the public from deceptive practices associated with sports wagering, thereby enhancing overall consumer protection.

Procedural Aspects

  • The bill was introduced on November 19, 2025, and is currently classified as a proposed bill. Further legislative processes will determine its passage and implementation timeline.

In summary, Bill 1447XD seeks to strengthen Iowa's laws against illegal gaming practices related to sports wagering, aiming to safeguard the integrity of the betting environment and protect consumers from potential fraud.

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

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