DIAL's social and charitable gambling staff regulates all gambling that occurs outside of a casino. It does not oversee Iowa Lottery products or online sports betting.
Charitable Gambling is for nonprofit organizations and includes activities such as:
- Bingo
- Raffles
- Games of skill and chance (generally, carnival-style games)
- Game nights (generally, casino-style games)
Social Gambling occurs in bars and other public venues and includes activities such as:
- Sports betting pools (only allowed in bars)
- Small stakes wagering by patrons on nonstructured card and parlor games
Amusement Concession Gambling is for businesses that are for-profit and includes activities like:
- Carnival-style games
- Arcade-style games
SCG also regulates the sale of all bingo and electronic raffle supplies and equipment. It does this under the license type bingo or electronic raffle manufacturer or distributor.
Rules and Law
SCG administers Iowa Code Chapter 99B, which covers all gambling activities.
SCG also administers Iowa Administrative Code (481) Chapters 100-106. The Administrative Code supplements Iowa Code Chapter 99B.
- Chapter 100 β General Provisions for Social and Charitable Gambling
- Chapter 101 β Amusement Concessions
- Chapter 103 β Bingo
- Chapter 104 β General Provisions for all Amusement Devices
- Chapter 105 β Registered Amusement Devices
- Chapter 106 β Card Game Tournaments by Veterans Organizations
How to Apply for a Gambling License
DIALβs licensing system makes it easy to complete applications and renewals online for those:
- Conducting charitable gambling,
- Conducting/allowing social gambling,
- Conducting amusement concession gambling, or
- Selling bingo or electronic raffle equipment or supplies.
The system accepts both electronic fund transfer (EFT) and credit/debit card payments. There is a $1 transaction fee for bank transfers and a 2.5% transaction fee for credit and debit cards.
Please note: The application fees are nonrefundable. Please make sure to complete all required fields and attach any required documentation. Follow the SCG Online User Guide for step-by-step instructions.
DIAL must issue a license before any distribution begins. Please be aware that DIAL has a 30-day processing time for gambling applications. DIAL cannot guarantee on time processing for missed deadlines or incomplete applications.