Iowa Administrative Code Agency 491 - Racing and Gaming Commission
Here’s an overview of Iowa Administrative Code – Agency 491: Racing & Gaming Commission:
🏛️ 1. Purpose & Authority
Rule 491‑1.1:
The Commission, established under Iowa Code chapter 99D, administers Iowa’s pari‑mutuel wagering (horse & greyhound racing), sports wagering, excursion boat gambling, and internet fantasy contests. It has full jurisdiction over all related operations under Iowa Code chapters 99D, 99E, and 99F
📚 2. Chapters in Agency 491
The Justia and Cornell outlines list the following chapters in Agency 491 :
| Chapter | Title |
|---|---|
| 1 | Organization & Operation |
| 2 | Rulemaking & Declaratory Orders |
| 3 | Fair Information Practices |
| 4 | Contested Cases & Proceedings |
| 5 | Responsibilities of Track, Boat & Structure Licensees |
| 6 | Occupational & Vendor Licensing |
| 7 | Greyhound Racing |
| 8 | Pari‑mutuel Wagering & Simulcasting |
| 9 | Reserved |
| 10 | Thoroughbred & Quarter Horse Racing |
| 11 | Gambling Games |
| 12 | Accounting & Cash Control |
| 13 | Sports Wagering |
| 14 | Fantasy Sports Contests |
🔍 3. Key Highlights by Chapter
Chapter 1 (Rules 491‑1.1–1.8): Covers Commission structure, powers, and duties. Rule 1.1 confirms its statutory charge to regulate and supervise wagering, racing, and gaming
Chapter 2: Procedures for initiating rules, declaratory orders.
Chapter 4: Covers contested case proceedings, including "application for rehearing" (Rule 491‑4.44 requiring decisions within 20 days)
Chapter 5–12: Administer licensing, operations, internal controls, and wagering rules.
Chapter 13: Sports Wagering (Rules 491‑13.1–13.7): Defines terms, licensing, permitted activities, testing, locations, advance-deposit wagering
Chapter 14: Fantasy Sports (Rules 491‑14.1–14.14): Regulates DFS operations.
🧩 4. Notable Case Context
Several Iowa court decisions interpret and enforce these rules, confirming the Commission's broad discretion:
In Kopecky v. Iowa Racing & Gaming Commission (Iowa Supreme Court, 2017), the Court upheld the Commission’s authority to consider the economic impact on existing facilities when issuing new licenses
In Belle of Sioux City v. IRGC, the Commission’s rules regarding license renewal and transfer procedures—including contested licenses—were applied in judicial review proceedings
✅ Summary
The Iowa Racing & Gaming Commission, via Agency 491, is empowered to regulate all forms of gambling in the state, including racing, pari‑mutuel wagers, sports betting, and fantasy sports. Its rules encompass:
Organizational structure,
Licensing,
Operational and financial controls,
Enforcement,
Contested case procedures.
For detailed regulatory provisions—e.g., the exact requirements for sports wagering area designation or vendor licensing—you can refer to the specific chapter and rule (e.g., 491‑13.3 for sports wagering approval).
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