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Anti-Gambling Group Cries Foul Over Study Proposal

IOWA – As reported by the Des Moines Register: "An anti-gambling group is crying foul over plans by the Iowa Association of Business and Industry to underwrite a study for state lawmakers examining the economic impact of gambling in Iowa.

"Robert Miller of Muscatine, president of the Truth About Gambling Foundation, calls the study a sham intended to bolster proposals in the Iowa Legislature for an expansion of the state's casino industry.

"...James Aipperspach, president of the Iowa Association of Business and Industry, confirmed Monday that his association was paying 'several thousand dollars' for the study, which will be released in about two weeks.

"…The report is being written by retired state economist Harvey Siegelman and Iowa State University economists Dan Otto and Ken Stone, Aipperspach said.

"It will examine such factors as jobs and taxes generated by the gambling industry, the origin of the customer base, and the impact of adding casinos in certain areas, Siegelman said.

"The report won't examine the social costs of gambling addiction, such as suicides, divorces and bankruptcies, Siegelman said. The study also won't analyze the negative financial impact of an expansion of the casino industry upon other entertainment in Iowa, such as restaurants, movies and athletic events, he said…"

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