After announcing the launch of its highly anticipated sportsbook in New Jersey, online bookmaker and technology company, PointsBet Holdings Ltd, has entered into a partnership agreement with Catfish Bend Casino in Iowa.

In advance of the state legalizing sports betting, the multi-year deal will reportedly see retail and mobile sportsbook operations to include the development of an ‘innovative sports-centric entertainment venue.’

According to the recent announcement…

Included in the partnership between the top-tier sportsbook operator and what is one of Iowa‘s leading casino, entertainment, and hotel destinations, is the launch of both mobile sportsbook and premium retail operations in the Midwestern U.S. state. The endeavor will reportedly commence following the required licensing by the Iowa Racing and Gaming Commission.

Development plans:

The collaboration will see the development of a multi-faceted entertainment venue that will be centrally located within the Catfish Bend Casino property. Features in the non-smoking venue will include additional gaming options, a sports bar, and a multi-screen video and odds display wall. And during major sporting events, the unique venue will host viewing parties that will welcome both sports bettors and fans.

Commenting on the new tie-up, Chief Executive Officer for PointsBet USA, Johnny Aitken, said…

“PointsBet is thrilled to announce this partnership, enabling us to create a first-class sportsbook for Iowa’s sports bettors at one of the best casino resorts in the Midwest.

“Catfish Bend Casino’s executives – Gary Hoyer and Rob Higgins – are two of the most progressive and forward-thinking operators in the industry. We knew they were the perfect match for PointsBet’s long-term vision of gaming in the U.S. from day one.”

Raise the bar:

The multi-year agreement will see the New Jersey-headquartered bookmaker bring its unique skill-set and proven growth marketing strategies to Iowa’s yet-to-be-established sports betting market.

Chief Executive Officer for Great River Entertainment, the Burlington, Iowa casino’s parent company, Gary Hoyer, added…

“We couldn’t imagine a better sportsbook to bring to Catfish Bend Casino and the state of Iowa.

“The potential legalization of sports betting in Iowa opens an exciting new opportunity for recreational and avid players, and PointsBet’s unmatched dedication to bettors makes them the ideal partner for our brand and go-to-market plan.”

New Jersey debut:

In January, the global sportsbook operator announced (pdf) the launch of its eagerly-awaited sports betting product, including its signature PointsBetting product. Making its U.S. debut, wagering via Australia’s fastest-growing sportsbook is now available 24/7 on a broad range of sports globally, including both college and pro leagues in the U.S.

Other U.S. partnerships:

Through its partnerships with both Tioga Downs in New York and the Meadowlands in Pennsylvania, the company that provides its innovative service and technology offering to today’s online and land-based sports wagering environment, aims to outfit bettors with a premium sportsbook while encouraging discontinuing the use of illegal offshore options.

Ohio sports betting bill:

Passed by the state Senate 31-18 on Wednesday last week, SF 617, which would allow sports betting on both collegiate and professional sports events, cleared the House 67-31 on Monday, April 22, 2019, and now heads to Republican Gov. Kim Reynolds desk for the final nod. While the bill is sponsored by Republicans Rep. Bobby Kaufman and Sen. Roby Smith, it has bipartisan support in the legislature.

If Governor Reynolds signs off on the bill, the Iowa Racing and Gaming Commission would begin the task of developing rules for casinos to implement. The bill authorizes the commission to establish rules for betting on professional, collegiate and international sporting events, including motor racing.

Depending on when the rules are adopted, the state could see legal sports betting by the start of football season, with the commission acting as the governing body for the market, according to the Des Moines Register.

Any of Iowa’s 19 commercial casinos spanning 15 counties would be able to offer sports betting, and gamblers could wager online while at any of them once staff has verified that they are 21-years or older. The state’s casinos would be charged a 7.5 percent tax rate on revenue from sports betting.

Major operators:

Dominating the daily fantasy sports industry in the U.S., both New York-based FanDuel, and the Boston-based DraftKings, along with other DFS operators, would also be permitted to offer sports betting on their respective sites.

A few key points of the bill are:

  1. Gamblers can’t bet on minor leagues or high school sports.
  2. Bets cannot be made on in-state college team players nor on teams in Iowa.
  3. You must be 21 or older to place a bet.

Sign it:

Governor Reynolds has three days to sign the bill once she receives it, provided it reaches her prior to the end of the current legislative session. If the bill doesn’t find its way to her desk by then, the time frame increases to 30 days. Iowa legislative leaders are reportedly eyeing a Saturday adjournment, which would be five days ahead of schedule.

Iowa would become the 9th state to allow sports betting in the U.S. after New Jersey’s Supreme Court victory last year.