Clinton first non-racing casino to offer off-track betting

DES MOINES, Ia. — A Clinton casino has become the first in Iowa without live racing to offer off-track betting.

Wild Rose Casino and Resort in Clinton has installed 56 television monitors that will allow betting on horse and dog races from 16 different tracks around the country beginning Friday.

Off-track betting is allowed as part of a change in a state gambling law in 2014 designed to save struggling greyhound racing in Iowa.

The 18 Iowa casinos without live racing can offer off-track betting after signing a revenue-sharing contract with the Iowa Greyhound Association.

Wild Rose casino owners say they plan to offer off-track betting at Jefferson and Emmetsburg casinos soon.

Iowa Racing and Gaming Commission Administrator Brian Ohorilko says Horseshoe Casino in Council Bluffs also plans to offer it.