ALTOONA, Iowa (AP) – A trade group has been given the greenlight to move ahead with plans to keep dog racing alive in Iowa. The Iowa Racing and Gaming Commission approved a racetrack license for pari-mutuel wagering on Thursday to the Iowa Greyhound Association. It gives the group authority to operate the Dubuque Greyhound Park at Mystique Casino.

Commission administrator Brian J. Ohorilko says the approved license is based on several conditions, including issues of security and financing. IGA will need to update the commission on them before they’re operational on Jan. 1.

The approval for a license follows a state law this year that will cease dog racing in Council Bluffs at the end of 2015. The racetrack in Dubuque will eventually be the sole location for live dog racing in the state.