Daily Racing Form Retail and Online Sportsbook Opens in Iowa

The origins of The Daily Racing Form date all the way back to 1894. The Chicago-based horse racing tabloid established itself as the go-to guide in the horse racing industry. The brand grew into simply being known as DRF.

In an updated twist to that same business concept, DRF.com evolved into one of the most popular ways to bet on horse races online. The company’s most recent progression was to enter the legal US sports betting industry.

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DRF and Legal Sports Betting in Iowa

Behind an iconic brand name in the horse racing industry, DRF has expanded its gaming options to include sports betting.

The company chose Iowa to launch DRF Sportsbook as its mobile betting app. Expanding into the retail sports betting sector, a DRF Sportsbook is now part of the gaming options offered at Lakeside Hotel and Casino in Osceola, Iowa.

The grand opening of the new sports betting facility took place on Thursday, March 3. The timing should be perfect with the upcoming postseason tournaments for men’s college basketball.

As one the biggest sports betting events of the year, this season’s NCAA Tournament gets underway later in the month. In-state college teams such as the Big Ten’s Iowa Hawkeyes and Big 12’s Iowa State Cyclones should attract quite a bit of betting attention in their respective conference tournaments.

Most of Iowa’s monthly sports betting handle is generated through mobile sportsbook apps. However, the popularity of retail sportsbooks in land-based casinos is on the rise. DRF Sportsbook is operated by Lakeside’s sister company the Daily Racing Form.

The retail book should compliment the company’s promotional efforts behind the rollout of DRF Bets as its mobile sports wagering platform.

Part of those rollout plans also include DRF Cash Grab. This is a free-to-play mobile sports app designed as another promotional vehicle for the DRF brand. The company also offers DRF Sports. Fans and bettors alike can get up-to-date news, betting stats and game insights for every major US sports league.

DRF’s Affinity Interactive

The Daily Racing Form, DRF Bets, DRF Sports and DRF Cash Grab are all under the corporate umbrella of Affinity Interactive. This omnichannel gaming industry company offers gaming technology, digital and media platforms and a comprehensive online betting presence.

Combined, Affinity Interactive currently serves close to one million customers. This is the driving force behind DRF’s foray into the legal US sports betting industry.

James Zenni is the Chairman of Affinity Interactive. He had this to say about opening the company’s first sportsbook:

“The opening of the DRF Sportsbook is a significant event for Affinity Interactive’s expanding platform. This opening advances our overall strategy towards becoming the prominent omni-channel gaming provider in the US.”

Lakeside Hotel and Casino is part of an expanding group of regional land-based casinos owned and operated by Affinity Interactive.

Also included on the list are Primm Valley Resort & Casino, Whiskey Pete’s Hotel and Casino, Buffalo Bill’s Resort and Casino, Silver Sevens Hotel & Casino and Rail City Casino in Nevada. St. Jo Frontier Casino and Mark Twain Casino are located in Missouri.

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