(Radio Iowa) – Governor Kim Reynolds is suggesting it was a tip that led state agents to investigate whether there was illegal gambling among male athletes at the University of Iowa and Iowa State University.

The state’s investigation of sports wagering led to misdemeanor charges against several athletes at Iowa and Iowa State and the N-C-A-A sanctions that followed have sidelined players. During a news conference in Des Moines yesterday (Wednesday), Reynolds said no one in state government checked in with her about the investigation.

On August 15th of 2019, it became legal in Iowa to place bets on sporting events, although people originally had to go to one of the 19 state-licensed casinos to register. Since 2021, registration can be done online — but you still must be at least 21 to place sports bets. Reynolds says the gambling by Iowa and Iowa State athletes that’s been revealed is a wake up call.

Under current N-C-A-A rules, college athletes of any age cannot bet on any sport in which the N-C-A-A hosts a championship.