DraftKings and Rush Street Interactive strike deals with Wild Rose in Iowa

Wild Rose Entertainment and DraftKings announced Thursday that they are partnering to offer sports betting at the three Iowa casinos operated by Wild Rose. The casino operator is also partnering with Rush Street Interactive (RSI) for mobile sportsbook gaming at its properties in Clinton, Emmetsburg and Jefferson.

DraftKings and Wild Rose received approval Thursday from the Iowa Racing and Gaming Commission after submitting applications and documentation to move forward with their partnership agreement to operate sportsbooks in Clinton, Emmetsburg and Jefferson. With the agreement, DraftKings becomes the Wild Rose retail and mobile partner that will accept and process wagers on a wide array of sporting events. 

“Sports betting is the most energizing change in Iowa gaming since the slot machine,” said Tom Timmons, President and Chief Operating Officer of Wild Rose. “We couldn’t be more excited to be the first Iowa casino company to partner with DraftKings, which we view as the most recognizable name in sports gaming.” 

Under the sports betting law enacted in May, each casino in Iowa is allowed – but not required – to apply for a sports wagering license. As part of the license, casinos can have two mobile partners with two “skins” or unique mobile betting web pages or mobile applications. Wild Rose chose to partner with DraftKings after a thorough analysis of the sports gaming landscape across the nation. 

“DraftKings is thrilled to work with Wild Rose to bring our online sportsbook product to sports fans in Iowa,” said Matt Kalish, Chief Revenue Officer and co-founder of DraftKings. “We look forward to fueling fans’ passion and competitive spirit while building on the success we’ve seen in the other states we serve.” 

Moreover, Rush Street Interactive (RSI) will launch its iGaming platform at Wild Rose casino properties later this year and enter the digital arena in Iowa with BetRivers.com. This partnership solidifies RSI’s Midwest plans, which includes sports betting partnerships in its home-state of Illinois and Indiana, as well.

“We are really thrilled to extend our U.S. footprint by bringing our online sportsbook to sports betting enthusiasts in the state of Iowa,” said Richard Schwartz, President of Rush Street Interactive. “We are proud of our growing presence in the Midwest and are looking forward to growing the sports betting market here by bringing Iowa sports fans exhilarating new experiences while watching their favorite teams and getting in on the action.”

Each of the three Wild Rose Casinos are individually licensed for sportsbook gaming and all received approval Thursday on their respective contracts with RSI from the Iowa Racing and Gaming Commission. RSI will provide online market access and on-premise player registration until state-wide online registration opens on January 1, 2021. Wild Rose chose RSI after looking at a number of mobile companies based on the quality of its platform, operational strength, and track record of success in other markets. In addition to working in New Jersey, and New York, RSI is the service provider for the No. 1 in-casino and online sportsbook in Pennsylvania.

“Sports gaming is an exciting new adventure for our fans and players, and we want to offer the most engaging mobile services to complement the casino experience,” Timmons said. “RSI takes an innovative approach to this business and stands out as a company with top-of-the-line technology for sports fans.”

Gaming enthusiasts will be able to visit any of the three brick-and-mortar casinos to register their online account with BetRivers.com. Once an account is created, users will be able to simply log into BetRivers.com from anywhere in the state and legally place their bets from their computer and mobile devices. Millions of betting options on thousands of games—locally and around the world—will be at bettors’ fingertips.

RSI focuses on the convergence between online gaming and land-based casinos. “It’s truly a two-way street, and a partnership,” Schwartz added. “We have designed our product and operations to focus on how we can enhance cross-promotional opportunities between online and land-based gaming properties.”

An important distinction in Iowa is that sportsbooks are not permitted to accept college sports in-game wagers (commonly known as prop bets) involving game statistics and individuals who play for any Iowa college including Drake University, Iowa State University, the University of Iowa and the University of Northern Iowa. The prohibition extends to opponents in games with Iowa schools. Pre-match betting on Iowa college teams and their opponents, however, is permitted. 

Besides the three Wild Rose properties, there are 11 others in Iowa that are approved for sports betting. Iowa Racing and Gaming Commission approved Thursday Riverside, Grand Falls and Rhythm City's agreement with one of their corporate subsidiaries to operate sports betting. Hard Rock Sioux City and WinnaVegas Casino & Resort are eyeing a mid-September start, while Blackbird Bend Casino is looking at a mid-October date. The Q Casino in Dubuque is expected to have its retail operation going this week.