Catfish Bend Casino partners with PointsBet to launch retail and mobile sportsbook in Iowa

Sportsbook operator PointsBet announced Monday that it has entered a multi-year partnership with Catfish Bend Casino, one of Iowa’s leading casino, entertainment, and hotel destinations. It will include the launch of both premium retail and mobile sportsbook operations in Iowa, following proper licensing afforded by the Iowa Racing and Gaming Commission. A bill that would legalize betting on sporting events and fantasy sports in Iowa has passed the Senate and is expected to be considered this week in the House.

PointsBet and Catfish Bend Casino will work in tandem to build out a multi-faceted sports entertainment venue centrally located on the Catfish Bend property, including a sports bar, multi-screen video and odds display wall, and additional casino gaming options. The non-smoking venue will also welcome sports bettors and fans alike to participate in viewing parties during major sporting events.

“PointsBet is thrilled to announce this partnership, enabling us to create a first-class sportsbook for Iowa’s sports bettors at one of the best casino resorts in the Midwest,” commented Johnny Aitken, PointsBet’s US CEO. “Catfish Bend Casino’s executives - Gary Hoyer and Rob Higgins - are two of the most progressive and forward-thinking operators in the industry. We knew they were the perfect match for PointsBet’s long-term vision of gaming in the US from day one.”

Gary Hoyer, CEO of Great River Entertainment, the parent company of Catfish Bend Casino, stated: “We couldn’t imagine a better sportsbook to bring to Catfish Bend Casino and the state of Iowa. The potential legalization of sports betting in Iowa opens an exciting new opportunity for recreational and avid players, and PointsBet’s unmatched dedication to bettors makes them the ideal partner for our brand and go-to-market plan.”

In January, PointsBet announced the launch of its sportsbook in New Jersey, building on its reputation as a fast-growing betting company in Australia. Along with the launch, the company delivered its US sports expertise, high-tech app and product to industry-wide early adoption.