Iowa Friendly Betting Pools OK

IOWA – As reported by the Des Moines Register: "Care to wager on whether Iowa will win the Outback Bowl?

"How about choosing the champ of the Houston Bowl, featuring Iowa State and Texas Christian?

"Office pools in which participants predict which teams will win college bowl games are legal - provided they are small, friendly and don't include a cut for the organizer.

"…Iowa law forbids gambling outside licensed casinos, but there are many exceptions - including those that allow social poker parties or office pools for NCAA basketball tournaments, the Super Bowl or college bowl games.

"…To be legal in Iowa, pools must involve people in a social relationship, have winnings of $50 or less a day, and not include any entrance fees. Social gambling can't occur on school property or involve wagers on athletic events by people who are involved in the competition…"
2005-12-28