As the Paris 2024 Olympics approach, the Iowa Racing and Gaming Commission (IRGC) has released an update of approved sports wagers, clarifying betting rules to the public. The document outlines what wagers bettors can legally place with online and retail Iowa sportsbooks as well as the current betting rules and policies.
One fundamental rule highlighted in the IRGC’s update is that bets on a country’s total medal count are prohibited. For example, Iowa players can’t place a futures bet on which country will win the most gold medals. Equally, total markets on how many gold medals a country will win are prohibited. This extends to medal counts in particular disciplines, so there will be no betting lines on how many medals a nation will win in swimming or gymnastics, for instance.
Another rule highlighted was that betting on athletes under the age of 18 in individual events is prohibited. Any individual event featuring anyone under 18 will not appear on Iowa sportsbooks. Wagering on finals events where an 18-year-old previously appeared in the heats or qualifiers is also prohibited, even if that 18-year-old does not make it to the final.
However, this rule doesn’t extend to team events, including partner events like doubles tennis. So, if one athlete on a team is under 18, Iowa sportsbooks can still offer markets for that event. Prop wagers will not be available for any contest featuring a younger athlete, including wagers on other athletes.
The update follows a slight increase in the hold that Iowa sports betting generated in May.
