SEARCH NEWS:

 

Iowa Casinos' Win Up

IOWA – As reported by the Des Moines Register: "Gamblers went on a spending spree at Iowa's riverboats and racetracks over the past six months, leaving behind a record $529 million, up 9 percent from a year earlier.

"The federally ordered shutdown of the Meskwaki casino near Tama, which reopened on New Year's Eve, undoubtedly contributed to the upsurge in casino revenues, industry officials said. But they also pointed to a rebound in the state's economy, more aggressive marketing campaigns, and heightened public attention to gambling because of ballot issues on riverboat casinos in several counties last year.

"…The typical customer at an Iowa riverboat or racetrack during the past six months spent nearly $53 on slot machines or table games per visit, up almost $4 from the previous year, according to the Iowa Racing and Gaming Commission.

"…Commission records show that state casino tax collections surged during the past six months to $101 million, well ahead of the pace of the past state budget year, when $191 million in state casino taxes were collected over 12 months…"

< Gaming News