Rep. Megan Jones has accused the Iowa Division of Criminal Investigation (DCI) of using spying software on the Iowa Capitol before monitoring student athletes for online gambling.
The DCI is facing a lawsuit from college athletes over allegations it used illegal methods to monitor their smartphones for betting activity. As part of the case, Jones claims documents show that the spyware was also used in the Iowa Capitol, potentially on lawmakers.
“I am not alone in my rage,” Jones said on the House floor this week. “…This very building folks, to test software, to test phones for illegal gambling. And what was the probable cause? I see none. This was a fishing expedition.”
Jones claimed, “People are furious,” and called for “an in-depth analysis of what they’re doing.”
Iowa sports betting scandal
The DCI conducted an investigation into illegal gambling in 2023 and brought charges against 35 athletes and staff from the University of Iowa and Iowa State University. Although Iowa sports betting is legal for over 21-year-olds, the NCAA places restrictions on college athletes from gambling.
Some of those involved accepted deals, pleading guilty to underage gambling in exchange for dismissal of more severe charges. Eventually, however, the charges were dismissed due to the nature of the investigation coming to light.
In April 2024, 26 student-athletes filed a federal lawsuit against the DCI, alleging violations of their constitutional rights through warrantless surveillance. According to Jones, information about the DCI’s testing was revealed in documents related to the lawsuit, which remains ongoing.
A spokesperson for the Iowa Department of Public Safety admitted that during training, geolocators were used to show where sports betting apps had been opened. She said that this was used for “demonstrative purposes” and at no point was any personally identifiable information accessed or used.
Students punished by NCAA
Despite the dismissal of criminal charges, several athletes faced NCAA sanctions, including suspensions and loss of eligibility. One notable example was Eyioma Uwazurike. The former Iowa State running back was also suspended by the NFL for betting on matches.
The NCAA prohibits athletes from wagering on any sport in which the NCAA conducts a championship, regardless of legality under state law. However, the organisation is considering lifting the ban on betting on pro sports.
Biggest lawsuit the state has seen
Jones said during discussions on the matter, “One lawyer pulled me aside and said this is potentially going to be the biggest class action lawsuit that the state has ever seen.”
She said everyone who enters the Capitol should have an expectation of data privacy, and that would be violated if their phones were being monitored.
Adam is an experienced writer with years of experience in the gambling industry. He has worked as a content writer and editor for five years on sites such as Oddschecker, CoinTelegraph and Gambling Industry News, bringing excellent knowledge of the world of sports betting and online gambling.
