Iowa Racing and Gaming Commission

What Iowa Racing and Gaming Commission does

The Iowa Racing and Gaming Commission (IRGC) is a state government regulatory agency created by the Pari-Mutuel Wagering Act of May 1983, operating under Iowa Code Chapters 99D, 99E, and 99F. It holds exclusive jurisdiction over all legal gambling activities within the state of Iowa, including casino gambling, sports wagering, fantasy sports contests, and pari-mutuel wagering on horse and dog racing. The Commission is composed of five Governor-appointed members (subject to Senate confirmation) and is led by a full-time Administrator who manages a staff of approximately 25 employees at its Des Moines headquarters and a satellite licensing office in Altoona.

IRGC's core functions include facility licensing (19 state-licensed casinos as of June 2026), sports wagering operator licensing (10-11 licensed operators), fantasy sports contest licensing (DraftKings and FanDuel), pari-mutuel racing oversight, individual occupational licensing, and administration of a statewide Voluntary Self-Exclusion Program that integrates across all licensed gaming verticals. The agency does not sell commercial products or services; rather, it issues licenses, conducts background investigations, enforces compliance, collects regulatory fees, and publishes gaming revenue statistics. Its technology stack consists of regulatory commission systems supporting licensing workflows, public notice subscriptions via GovDelivery, and a self-exclusion database with cross-vertical interoperability covering casinos, racetracks, sports wagering, and fantasy sports operators.

The Commission's economic oversight is substantial: in FY2026, Iowa-licensed casinos generated $1.70 billion in adjusted gross revenue and $312.08 million in state gaming taxes, while sports wagering generated $284.45 million in revenue with $19.19 million in state taxes on $2.87 billion in total handle, aggregating to $331.3 million in combined state tax revenue. Revenue mechanics are entirely fee-and-tax-driven rather than commercial; the Commission collects occupational license fees, facility license fees, and manufacturer/distributor license fees as established by Iowa Code, with no consumer-facing pricing. The agency's customer base consists of licensed gaming operators (Bally's, Caesars, FanDuel, DraftKings, BetMGM, Penn Sports Interactive, Rush Street Interactive, Hard Rock, etc.), individual occupational licensees (gaming and racing workers), and Iowa residents utilizing the self-exclusion program.

Name

Iowa Racing and Gaming Commission

Legal name

Iowa Racing and Gaming Commission

Website

https://irgc.iowa.gov

Company type

Private

Founded year

1983

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

11–50 employees

Short description

The Iowa Racing and Gaming Commission is a state regulatory agency with exclusive jurisdiction over all legal gambling in Iowa, licensing and overseeing 19 casinos, 10-11 sportsbooks, fantasy sports operators, and pari-mutuel racing under Iowa Code Chapters 99D, 99E, and 99F.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

State Gaming Regulation

NAICS

Gambling Industries (7132), Other Gambling Industries (713290)

SIC

Services-Amusement & Recreation Services (7900)

akta.pro primary industry

Gaming Regulatory Consulting & Advisory (MPAEAOAA)

akta.pro secondary industries

Sports Betting Regulatory, Licensing & Legal Services (MPAEACAO), Responsible Gambling & Player Protection Solutions (MPAEACAJ), Racing Associations, Governance & Integrity Services (MPAEADAL), Regulatory Reporting, Audit & Assurance Services (MPAEAOAC)

Keywords

• Gambling regulation
• Casino licensing
• Sports wagering oversight
• Pari-mutuel racing
• Fantasy sports licensing

Headquarters

HQ city

Des Moines

HQ country

United States

HQ region

North America

Offices2 records

Markets served

GTM type

B2B

Offering type

Services

Cost components

Personnel, Operations, Infrastructure, Others

Revenue model

1. Casino Gaming Tax Revenue: State gaming taxes collected from licensed casino operations. FY2026 casino adjusted gross revenue was $1.70 billion, generating $312.08 million in state gaming taxes.
2. Sports Wagering Tax Revenue: State taxes collected from sports wagering operations. FY2026 sports wagering revenue was $284.45 million with $19.19 million in state taxes. Total handle was $2.87 billion.

Pricing tiers

Distribution channels4 records

Marketing channels3 records

Core offering

The Iowa Racing and Gaming Commission regulates all legal gambling and wagering activity in the State of Iowa, including casino gambling at excursion gambling boats, gambling structures, and racetrack enclosures; retail and online sports wagering; pari-mutuel horse and dog racing; and internet fantasy sports contests. The Commission issues facility, operator, manufacturer/distributor, and individual occupational licenses, collects and publishes gaming revenue data, and administers the statewide Voluntary Self-Exclusion Program for problem gamblers. It operates with a five-member Commission appointed by the Governor and an Administrator managing daily operations.

Product overview

The Iowa Racing and Gaming Commission (IRGC) is a state regulatory agency overseeing gambling and wagering activities in Iowa. Rather than a single product, IRGC provides a portfolio of regulatory services including casino and gambling regulation, sports wagering licensing, pari-mutuel racing oversight, fantasy sports contest licensing, and a voluntary self-exclusion program. The Commission administers licensing for 19 licensed casinos, multiple sports wagering operators, racing facilities, and related gaming industry participants across the state.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Products and services

• Casino and Gambling Facility Licensing Regulatory licensing of casino gambling operations, including excursion gambling boats, gambling structures, and racetrack enclosures across Iowa. Currently covers 19 state-licensed casinos.
• Sports Wagering Operator Licensing Licensing and regulation of sports wagering operators including retail sportsbooks and online/advance deposit sports wagering platforms operating in Iowa.
• Pari-Mutuel Racing Regulation Regulatory oversight of pari-mutuel wagering on horse and dog racing, including licensing of racing associations, advance deposit wagering operators, and simulcasting operations in Iowa.
• Fantasy Sports Contest Licensing

Quantifiable outcome

• FY2026 total tax revenue of $331.3 million to the state of Iowa
• +2 more outcomes

Named customers26 records

Segments3 records

Ideal customer profiles2 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Feature1 record

Partnerships

21 partnerships are on record, tiered core and minor.

• Manufacturers & DistributorscoreOthersEntities licensed by the commission that manufacture or distribute gambling games or implements of gambling to casino licensees, pursuant to Iowa Code. A current list of licensees is maintained by the commission.
• Churchill Downs Technology Initiatives Company (Twinspires.com)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerLicensed advance deposit wagering operator allowing individuals to establish accounts, deposit money, and use account balance for pari-mutuel wagering. Wagering can be conducted in person at licensed racetrack enclosures or via electronic means. Located at 600 N Hurstbourne Parkway, Suite 300, Louisville, KY 40222.
• ODS Technologies L.P. (TVG Network)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerLicensed advance deposit wagering operator for pari-mutuel wagering. Located at 6701 Center Drive West #800, Los Angeles, CA 90045. Operates TVG.com and racing.fanduel.com platforms.
• NYRAbets, LLCcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerLicensed advance deposit wagering operator. Located at 110-00 Rockaway Blvd, Ozone Park, NY 11417. Also operates mobile.caesarsracebook.com.
• Xpressbet, LLCcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerLicensed advance deposit wagering operator. Located at 200 Racetrack Road, Bldg 26, Washington, PA 15301. Operates xpressbet.com and multiple affiliate platforms including 1stbet.com, betmix.com, bet365racing.com, and horsetourneys.com.
• Horsemen of Iowa Simulcasting AssociationcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerLicensed pursuant to Iowa Code 99D.9D to conduct pari-mutuel wagering on simultaneously telecast horse or dog races at facilities licensed to conduct gambling games under Iowa Code 99F. Located at 1 Prairie Meadows Drive. Has agreements with Wild Rose Casino & Resorts - Clinton.
• Crown DFS Inc. (DraftKings Fantasy)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerLicensed fantasy sports operator under Iowa Code 99E.5. Located at 222 Berkeley St., 5th Floor, Boston, MA 02116. Operates DraftKings daily fantasy sports platform.
• FanDuel Inc.coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerLicensed fantasy sports operator under Iowa Code 99E.5. Located at 300 Park Avenue, 14th Floor, New York, NY 10010. Operates FanDuel daily fantasy sports platform.
• American Wagering Inc. (Caesars Sportsbook)coreChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorLicensed advance deposit sports wagering operator. Located at 6325 S Rainbow Blvd., Suite 100, Las Vegas, NV 89118. Associated with Harrah's Casino, Horseshoe Casino, Isle Casino Hotel Waterloo, Isle of Capri Bettendorf, and Prairie Meadows.
• Bally's Management Group, LLC (Bally Bet)coreChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorLicensed advance deposit sports wagering operator. Located at 100 Westminster Street, Providence, RI 02903. Associated with Grand Falls Casino.
• Betfair Interactive US LLC (FanDuel Sportsbook)coreChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorLicensed advance deposit sports wagering operator. Located at 6701 Center Drive West, Suite 1000. Associated with Diamond Jo Casino.
• BetMGM, LLCcoreChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorLicensed advance deposit sports wagering operator. Located at 210 Hudson Street, Harborside Plaza 3, Suite 602, Jersey City, NJ 07302. Associated with Diamond Jo Worth.
• Circa Sports Iowa LLCcoreChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorLicensed advance deposit sports wagering operator. Located at 1 Fremont Street, Las Vegas, NV 89101. Associated with Wild Rose Casino - Jefferson.
• Crown IA Gaming LLC (DraftKings Sportsbook)coreChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorLicensed advance deposit sports wagering operator. Located at 222 Berkley Street, 5th Floor, Boston, MA 02116. Associated with Wild Rose Casino - Clinton and Wild Rose Casino - Emmetsburg.
• Dubuque Racing Association (Q Sportsbook)coreChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorLicensed advance deposit sports wagering operator. Located at 1855 Greyhound Park Dr., Dubuque, IA 52004. Associated with Q Casino.
• FBG Iowa, LLC (Fanatics Sportsbook)coreChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorLicensed advance deposit sports wagering operator. Located at 95 Morton Street, 7th Floor, New York, NY 10014. Associated with Great River Casino Resort.
• Hillside (Iowa) LLC (bet365)coreChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorLicensed advance deposit sports wagering operator. Located at 9000 Lincoln Drive East, Marlton, NJ 08053. Associated with Bally's Marquette.
• Penn Sports Interactive, LLC (theScore Bet)coreChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorLicensed advance deposit sports wagering operator. Located at 825 Berkshire Blvd., Suite 200, Reading, PA 19610. Associated with Ameristar Casino.
• Rush Street Interactive IA, LLC (BetRivers)coreChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorLicensed advance deposit sports wagering operator. Located at 900 N Michigan Ave., Suite 950, Chicago, IL 60611. Associated with Hard Rock Casino.
• SCE Partners, LLC (Hard Rock Sportsbook)coreChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorLicensed advance deposit sports wagering operator. Located at 111 3rd Street, Sioux City, IA 51101. Associated with Hard Rock Hotel and Casino.
• Sporttrade Iowa LLCminorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorLicensed advance deposit sports wagering operator. Located at 2 Aquarium Loop Drive, Suite #140, Camden, NJ 08103.

Scale indicators8 records

Recent moves6 records

Expansion highlights5 records

Direct peers

• Colorado Division of Gaming: Regulates limited stakes casinos, sports wagering, and fantasy sports in Colorado. Comparable to IRGC in scope of sports wagering and fantasy sports licensing under a state-administered framework.
• Louisiana Gaming Control Board: State regulatory body overseeing casino gambling, sports wagering, and video poker in Louisiana. Comparable to IRGC in multi-vertical regulatory scope across land-based and online wagering.
• Indiana Gaming Commission: Regulates casinos, sports wagering, and pari-mutuel racing in Indiana. Closely comparable to IRGC in midwestern geography, casino-plus-sportsbook oversight structure, and licensing approach.
• Illinois Gaming Board: State body regulating riverboat and land-based casinos, video gaming, and sports wagering in Illinois. Directly comparable to IRGC in midwestern U.S. regional context and multi-vertical regulatory scope.
• Pennsylvania Gaming Control Board: Regulates casino gambling, sports wagering, fantasy contests, and video gaming terminals in Pennsylvania. Comparable to IRGC in breadth of verticals overseen and active online sportsbook licensing framework.
• West Virginia Lottery Commission: Administers sports wagering licensing and limited casino-style gaming regulation in West Virginia. Comparable to IRGC in overseeing licensed sports wagering operators and providing revenue reporting under a state agency structure.
• Michigan Gaming Control Board: Regulates casinos, internet gaming, and sports betting in Michigan. Comparable to IRGC in oversight of integrated retail and online sports wagering alongside land-based casino licensing.
• Nevada Gaming Control Board: State regulatory body overseeing all licensed gambling in Nevada, including casinos and sports wagering. Most directly comparable to IRGC in scope (casinos, racing, sports betting), though Nevada's jurisdiction is significantly larger and includes interactive gaming.
• New Jersey Division of Gaming Enforcement: State agency regulating casino gambling, internet gaming, and sports wagering in New Jersey. Closely comparable to IRGC in regulatory scope and structure, with mature online sportsbook and casino oversight.
• Missouri Gaming Commission: Regulates riverboat and land-based casinos and licensed sports wagering in Missouri. Comparable to IRGC in midwestern U.S. jurisdiction and oversight of casino plus retail/online sports betting.

Market position

Strengths4 records

Weaknesses4 records

Competitive moat3 records

Key risks6 records

Key highlights6 records

Customer concentration

• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/iowa-racing-and-gaming-commission

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles6 records

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A

Investments

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Frequently asked questions about Iowa Racing and Gaming Commission