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Iowa governor declines to commit on sports betting signature

Sports

April 23rd, 2019 by Ric Hanson

DES MOINES, Iowa (AP) — Iowa Gov. Kim Reynolds isn’t saying whether she’ll sign a sports betting bill that has passed its final legislative hurdle. Reynolds, a Republican, has declined throughout the legislative session to say whether she supports the expansion of gambling in a state with 19 state-regulated casinos, horse and dog racing and a lottery.

Asked about the issue Tuesday, a day after lawmakers gave final approval to the bill, Reynolds responded that she’ll read the bill and review the matter with her policy team before deciding whether to sign it.

The Iowa Racing and Gaming Commission is developing rules that will determine how sports betting would work in the casinos, online and through mobile applications. Commission administrator Brian Ohorilko says he expects betting could start in August if Reynolds signs the bill.