Sioux City Hard Rock New Sportsbook Coming Soon

With sports betting legalized in the state of Iowa, we now have a glimpse at how retail sportsbooks are starting to materialize, beginning with the Sioux City Hard Rock. 

First off, online sports betting is currently available in Iowa courtesy of a few dozen offshore sportsbooks.  They will soon be joined by in-state operated betting sites.

Many of these soon-to-open books were hoping to have an edge over the offshore gambling companies by offering apps, but they hit a roadblock in this regard, at least as it pertains to the iPhone.

Those looking to place bets on their mobile devices with in-state sportsbooks will need to register in person first.  This could prove especially inconvenient to those looking to place bets with Iowa sportsbooks while visiting the state.

Now as far as the physical locations, the Sioux City Hard Rock should be mighty nice.

They will be converting a portion of an existing casino space into a new sportsbook as part of an $895,000 remodeling project, according to documents filed Friday with Iowa regulators.

By law, the commission must approve material changes to the state’s casinos, as well as any contracts they sign with vendors.  The Hard Rock will be meeting with officials to go over their planned construction projects.  They expect to be up and running in eight weeks once final approval is met.

It calls for remodeling 400 square feet of the casino’s high-stakes betting and wine bar area.

It will feature four betting windows staffed by three salaried and nine hourly employees, according to documents filed with regulators.

Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Sioux City's owner, SCE Partners, has not yet publicly identified a sportbook vendor.

Player and game prop bets on Iowa college teams such as the Hawkeyes and Cyclones will be prohibited.

- Aaron Goldstein, Gambling911.com