Gaming News

Study: Council Bluffs hurt by proposed casino

IOWA -- As reported by the Omaha World-Herald:" "A study commissioned by the Council Bluffs Chamber of Commerce indicates that the city's three casinos would lose nearly a third of their business if the Ponca Tribe of Nebraska is allowed to build a casino in Carter Lake.

"The Council Bluffs casinos and their allies say the research is proof that the Ponca casino would hurt Iowa taxpayers — they estimate that the state could lose roughly $30 million in tax revenue annually because Indian tribes aren't obligated to pay taxes.

"They believe the millions that could be lost are reason enough for the Pottawattamie County Board of Supervisors to join Nebraska in a lawsuit seeking to block construction of the casino. The board received the report at Monday morning's meeting and expects to make a decision next week on whether to join the lawsuit.

"...But the mayor of Carter Lake and skeptical Pottawattamie County Board members are crying foul. Several said Monday that they believe the research was biased and said the existing casinos are interested only in preserving their substantial slice of the gambling pie..."

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