Russ Mitchell

Russ Mitchell has been covering news and sports in northwest Iowa since 1997, including 11 years as managing editor for one of the most acclaimed community newspapers in the state. He looks forward to keeping readers up to date on the growing sportsbook industry in Iowa.

Posts by Russ Mitchell:

Gambling Cedar Rapids

Iowa Casino Industry Questions: Will Cedar Rapids Get One? Council Bluffs Vs. Omaha?

Nebraska casino projects in Omaha and Lincoln will cut into Iowa’s largest market eventually. Two state-mandated gambling studies suggest the Iowa casino industry will remain strong in the meantime. The studies also examined the impact if Iowa added a 20th state-operated casino in Cedar Rapids. Brief background on the Iowa casino industry studies The Iowa […]
Posted on: February 15, 2022 | News | Russ Mitchell
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Deadwood

South Dakota Super Bowl Bets Stay In Deadwood This Year, Will They Eventually Go Statewide?

South Dakota sports betting took another step forward Wednesday when the South Dakota Commission on Gaming (SDCG) authorized two more sportsbooks to set up shop in Deadwood. But the industry could take a giant leap forward if a constitutional amendment to allow statewide sports bets reaches South Dakota voters this November. Where we’ve been: Limited […]
Posted on: February 3, 2022 | News | Russ Mitchell
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2022 Iowa Legislation

2022 Iowa Casino Legislation: Let’s Check Under The Hood

When it comes to betting policy in Iowa, look for a tune-up to the car you drove at the start of 2022. Don’t expect anything fresh from the showroom. That’s the word from Wes Ehrecke, president and CEO of the Iowa Gaming Association (IGA). Last week he made an annual check-in with lawmakers on behalf […]
Posted on: January 31, 2022 | News | Russ Mitchell
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RAGBRAI overnight stops

Breaking: RAGBRAI Overnight Stops Announced — And There’s Plenty Of Bike Seats Available

Organizers revealed the RAGBRAI overnight stops Friday night. Now, who’s going along for the ride? The historic touring bicycle ride across the state features a mostly northern course from west to east through the state in 2022. RAGBRAI begins in Sergeant Bluff and ends in Lansing this summer. The estimated 430-mile route is expected to […]
Posted on: January 29, 2022 | News | Russ Mitchell
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Royal Rumble

Royal Rumble Odds? Try The Free DraftKings Contest Instead

Plugging “Royal Rumble odds” into an internet search will get results, but you won’t find betting lines at any of Iowa’s 18 legal sportsbooks for good reason. Pro wrestling bets — including wagers for this weekend’s big WWE event — aren’t legal in Iowa. Too many details are predetermined, so pro wrestling is considered a […]
Posted on: January 29, 2022 | News | Russ Mitchell
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College wrestling odds

College Wrestling Odds: Yes, There’s A Way To Bet On No. 1 Penn State At No. 2 Iowa Tonight

Circa Sports may be new to Iowa’s sports betting landscape, but by offering Iowa vs. Penn State college wrestling odds, they clearly understand the terrain. The showdown between the defending national champions and the current No. 1 team happens tonight at Carver-Hawkeye Arena in Iowa City. Circa sees the top-ranked Nittany Lions as a favorite […]
Posted on: January 28, 2022 | News | Russ Mitchell
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DRF Sportsbook

DRF Sportsbook Becomes Iowa’s 18th Online Betting Option

A company known for horseracing expertise just made Iowa its first state for an online sportsbook. DRF Sportsbook went live Tuesday, Jan. 25, through an agreement with Lakeside Casino and Resort in Osceola. The south-central Iowa casino already has the new sportsbook featured prominently on its website. Lakeside Casino also carries Caesars Sportsbook in Iowa. The state’s […]
Posted on: January 26, 2022 | News | Russ Mitchell
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