Hard Rock

Gaming Innovation Group has extended its agreement alongside Hard Rock International, to facilitate entry into the sports wagering scene within Iowa.

This is to take place at the Hard Rock Hotel and Casino Sioux City which is to initially launch an over the counter solution on the casino floor, followed by the launch of online and mobile sports betting that is expected in Q4 2019.

It is stated that the firm is striving to offer a similar experience for its consumers as it has already delivered in New Jersey, via an omni-channel sportsbook solution.

Richard Brown, acting chief executive officer of GiG, explained: “After a successful launch in New Jersey, I am delighted to further deepen the relationship with Hard Rock, delivering on our strategy to grow with our partner by entering a new state in the US with our sportsbook. 

“The agreement is both a testament to our know-how and prowess to lead a land-based casino into the digital world of betting, and a strong validation of GiG’s commercial and product delivery capabilities. We are looking forward to growing with our partner long term. We have mutual ambitions to entertain consumers with a safe and exciting first-class sports betting experience.”

Iowa is one of the 12 states in the US legalising sports wagering since the US Supreme Court overturned the federal sports wagering ban in 2018. 

In August this year, the Iowa Racing and Gaming Commission authorised the 19 casinos to offer statewide retail, online and mobile sports betting to consumers aged 21 or over. 

It is thought that a mature sports wagering market would be valued around $160m, based on the total amount of money wagered by consumers, with the tax rate on revenue set at 7.5 per cent.

“We’re excited to extend our partnership with GiG to support sports betting in Iowa, and further grow our sportsbook portfolio,” noted Kresimir Spajic, senior vice president of online gaming at Hard Rock International.

“Offering sports betting through GiG provides our players and guests a new level of engagement – we couldn’t be more thrilled to be launching in Iowa,” added Jim Franke, general manager of Hard Rock Hotel and Casino Sioux City.