Regulators fine company $20K for NCAA, Super Bowl illegal bets

DES MOINES — A sports gambling company was fined by state regulators for offering illegal bets on Caitlin Clark’s performance during an NCAA women’s basketball tournament game in March.

The fines were approved earlier this week by the Iowa Racing and Gaming Commission.

The commission fined the mobile sports betting company Tipico Iowa a total of $20,000 for two series of bets that it offered to gamblers in violation of state law.

A $15,000 fine was issued for Tipico offering wagers that involved the number of points, rebounds and 3-point baskets for former University of Iowa women’s basketball star Clark during the Hawkeyes’ NCAA tournament game on March 25. Those types of bets are not allowed by state law.

According to the commission, six bets were made; successful wagers were retained by the bettors and losing wagers were refunded.

A $5,000 fine was issued for Tipico offering bets related to the number of interceptions thrown by starting quarterbacks during the Feb. 12 Super Bowl. That type of bet also was not allowed.

According to the commission, five bets were placed; all were losing bets and all were refunded.

The commission also this week approved a total of $45,000 in fines to Prairie Meadows Casino in Altoona for multiple violations. The casino was levied separate $20,000 fines for two underage patrons who were allowed into the casino and gambled at slot machines.

District judge appointed

Elizabeth O’Donnell Reist has been appointed as a district judge in Eastern Iowa, the governor’s office announced.

O’Donnell Reist, of Davenport, is working in the Scott County Attorney’s Office. She received her undergraduate degree from Loras College and her law degree from the University of Iowa, according to the governor’s office.

O’Donnell Reist will serve in Iowa Judicial District 7, which includes Cedar, Clinton, Jackson, Muscatine, and Scott counties.

Gazette-Lee Des Moines Bureau

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