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Iowa City, County Leaders Pick Separate Gambling Options

IOWA – As reported by the Des Moines Register: "Des Moines and Polk County leaders Wednesday forged ahead on separate paths to expand gambling options in the metro area.

"Local entrepreneur Gary Kirke and Isle of Capri Casinos became the apparent front-runners to seize the City Council's endorsement to build a casino in the capital. Four council members indicated strong support for the Kirke-Isle of Capri proposal and directed the city attorney to prepare a final agreement for a Monday vote.

"Meanwhile, Prairie Meadows Racetrack and Casino officials agreed to cement an alliance with Polk County and the Greater Des Moines Partnership. Officials from Prairie Meadows' operator, the Racing Association of Central Iowa, hope the renewed partnership will allow a $110 million 'Las Vegas-like' expansion and keep the Altoona facility as the metro area's lone gambling venue.

"…Des Moines city leaders see the addition of a casino as an opportunity to ease their money problems, while Polk County worries that a new gambling venue in the area would siphon money away from county-owned Prairie Meadows, leaving county taxpayers on the hook for the $217 million Iowa Events Center…"

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