How Do I Apply for a Gambling License?

• Go to the Game Machine Management System (via USAFoodSafety) to log in or create an account.
• New Users
  • If you are a new individual user (even if someone else with your organization already has an account), select "New Account." Each person needs their own account. Later in this process, you will link yourself to all the organizations you are associated with.
  • Choose "Apply for a social or charitable gambling  license..." (top option) as your primary purpose for creating the account.
  • Make sure the jurisdiction that shows is "DIAL Social & Charitable Gambling," and click "Confirm."
• Existing Users
  • If you already have an account, enter your username and password to log in. Do not share your user name or password with anyone else.
  • If you forgot your password or if it has expired, choose "Forgot Password." Passwords are requried to be changed every 120 days.

• Charitable Gambling License
  • Qualified Organization License, 14-Day ($15)
  • Qualified Organization License, 90-Day ($40)
  • Qualified Organization License, 180-Day ($75)
  • Qualified Organization License, One-Year ($150)
  • Qualified Organization License, Two-Year ($150)
  • Bingo at a Fair or Festival License ($50)
  • Very Large Raffle License ($100)
• Social Gambling License
  • Social Gambling License for Beer and Liquor Establishments, Two-Year ($150)
  • Social Gambling License for Public Place, No Alcohol Allowed, Two-Year ($100)
• Amusement Concession License
  • One-Year License, Per Game ($50)
• Bingo/Electronic Raffle Manufacturer or Distributor License
  • One-Year License ($1,000)
• Amusement Device License
  • Iowa Code restricts the total number of registered amusement devices that may be placed in the state. Anyone interested in purchasing an amusement device for placement in an approved establishment should contact DIAL social and charitable gambling staff to learn how they may place their name on the waiting list to register a device.
  • Once an account has been established, individuals may make changes to their information, including changing the location of registered devices.
    • Each device must display a registration tag that is issued annually: $25 per device
    • Manufacturer registration: $2,500
    • Distributor registration: $5,000
    • Owner registration: $2,500 (no more than four devices may be placed at a single location)
    • Qualified organizations: $0 (no more than four devices may be placed at a single location)

• Iowa Sales Tax Permit Number. (This is not your federal ID number.) Gambling receipts are taxed, even for nonprofits. Pay all taxes to the Iowa Department of Revenue, not to DIAL. For questions, visit their website or call 515-281-3114, ext. 4.
• Delinquent Reports. All overdue gambling reports must be filed before your application can be approved.
• Submission. The person listed as the Responsible Party must submit the application.
• Proof of nonprofit status. You must include proof your group is nonprofit. Acceptable documents:
  • 501(c)3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 10, or 19 organizations: Send a signed IRS letter (dated after 2000 is best).
  • Local chapters of national nonprofits: Include the national 501(c) letter and a letter saying your local chapter is covered under it.
• Government Agencies.  Use the full government name (e.g., “City of ABC,” not “ABC Fire Dept.”). Also include a letter from an official (mayor, city manager, etc.) confirming:
  • Your department is part of the government.
  • The government manages the money from the gambling activity.
  • The government oversees staff and volunteers.
  • The government is responsible for making sure the gambling follows the law.
• K-12 Public or Private Schools. No nonprofit proof is needed if the school is approved by the Iowa Department of Education.
  • Parent-Teacher Organizations and Booster Clubs (Not 501(c)). Must have a separate federal ID and include a notarized letter from the school principal, superintendent, or school board stating:
    • Your group raises money only for the school or district.
    • The school allows your group to hold the gambling event.
• Political Groups or Candidates. Must include proof from one of these:
  • Iowa Ethics & Campaign Disclosure Board (preferred: form DR-1)
  • Secretary of State
  • County Auditor

• If the premise is a bar you must include your liquor license number. If you have questions, visit the Iowa Department of Revenue's Alcohol page, or call 515.281.7400.
• Sports betting pools. Send a copy of each type of sports betting grid your bar plans to use.
  For example, if you're doing:
  • A $1 baseball grid (pays out each inning)
  • A $1 football grid (pays each quarter)
  • A $1 basketball grid (pays each half)
  • A $5 football grid (pays each quarter)
  • You must send a separate form for each one. You can find a blank 10x10 grid here. You may also enter this info directly on the online application.
• Submission. The person listed as the Responsible Party must submit the application.

• Iowa Sales Tax Permit Number. (This is not your federal ID number.) Gambling receipts are taxed, even for nonprofits. Pay all taxes to the Iowa Department of Revenue, not to DIAL. For questions, visit their website or call 515-281-3114, ext. 4.
• Submission. The person listed as the Responsible Party must submit the application.

• Gambling lab certification. Submit a copy of the gambling lab certification of the electronic raffle system with the initial application.
• Base contract. Include a copy of the base contract that is used with all qualified organizations using their equipment and/or software in Iowa.
• Submission. The person listed as the Responsible Party must submit the application.

DIAL staff will review the application with the required documentation after receiving it. If approved, DIAL will mail the license to the applicant. Please note that the license is not valid until you receive it. It is only valid during the period mentioned on the license.

Contact the department with questions.