The Iowa Department of Inspections, Appeals, and Licensing (DIAL) regulates the registration of all electrical and mechanical amusement devices that are subject to regulation according to Iowa law.
This page does not cover Bingo or Electronic Raffle Manufacturers or Distributor licenses. Visit the Bingo/Electronic Raffle Manufacturer or Distributor License page.
Summary
Code Citations:
- Iowa Administrative Code
- IAC 481 Chapter 100 - General Provisions for Social and Charitable Gambling
- IAC 481 Chapter 104 - General Provisions for all Amusement Devices
- IAC 481 Chapter 105 - Registered Amusement Devices
- Iowa Code
- Chapter 99B - Social and Charitable Gambling
- Chapter 123 - Alcoholic Beverage Control (Dept. of Revenue)
Requirements:
- Amusement devices cannot offer free plays as prizes, or let players pay more to boost their chances.
- Amusement devices cannot look like casino games (e.g., slots, poker, blackjack, or keno).
- Amusement devices may only be located on the premises of an establishment with one of the following permits:
- Liquor-control licenses: Class A, Class B, Class C, Special Class C, or Class D
- Beer permits: Class B or Class C
- Prizes must be merchandise worth $50 or less. No cash prizes are allowed.
- Prizes must be merchandise the business normally sells, and must be redeemed on the premises.
- A copy of 501(c) determination letter must be included with application for qualified organizations
Cost:
- 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)
Processing Time: 30 days
Additional Information:
- 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.
- Individuals owning or possessing amusement devices may register electronically through the DIAL's online Game Machine Management System (GMMS). Registrations may be purchased through the GMMS website as well. Once an account has been established, individuals may make changes to their information, including changing the location of registered devices.