How Do I Apply for an Amusement Concessions License?

DIAL’s 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/electronic raffle equipment or supplies.

Please note: The application fees are non-refundable. 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 to process your application in time for your activity if these timelines are not met, or if your application is incomplete. 

License duration: One year
Cost: $50 per game 

Regulations Specific to this License

“Amusement Concession” means a game of skill or game of chance with an instant win possibility where, if the participant completes a task, the participant wins a prize.  “Amusement Concession” includes but is not limited to carnival-style games that are conducted by a person for profit.  “Amusement Concession” does not include casino-style games or amusement devices required to be registered pursuant to section 99B.53.

The rules of the game must be posted.

The cost to play cannot exceed $5.

Prizes cannot be cash. Merchandise prizes cannot have an actual retail value of more than $950.  It is not permissible to display prizes that cannot be won. 

There are two categories of Amusement Concession games, which are carnival-style or arcade-style. 

  • Carnival-style games are operator-led and the operator generally awards prizes to players that complete the task-at-hand successfully.  Each game not adjacent to another game of the exact kind requires a separate license. 
  • Arcade-style games are unattended and on automated mode.  These games either dispense a prize directly or dispense tokens, tickets, credits, etc., which are redeemable for a prize at a redemption center.  Each game that has its own plug requires a separate license.

What You Need to Apply

  • To fully complete the Amusement Concession application. 
  • Non-refundable $50 license fee per game.
  • Iowa Sales Tax Permit number. This is not your Federal ID number. Gambling receipts are subject to Iowa sales tax, even for non-profit organizations. All taxes are payable to the Iowa Department of Revenue, and should not be submitted to DIAL. More information can be found on the Iowa Department of Revenue website or by calling 515.281.3114, ext. 4.  
  • The person listed as the responsible party must submit the application. 

After You Apply

Once DIAL receives the application with the required documentation, DIAL will review 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.

You may call 515.281.6848 or send an email to scg@iowa.gov with any questions.

Contact Information

Send all completed forms and applications to: