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Iowa Commission Votes to Keep Casino License Moratorium

DES MOINES, Iowa – As reported by the Iowa Globe Gazette: "After hearing from Iowans who see gambling expansion both as an economic savior and a social curse, Iowa gaming regulators told both camps Thursday to save their ammunition for the 2004 legislative session.

"The Iowa Racing and Gaming Commission voted 5-0 to leave in place a 5-year-old moratorium on the issuance of new casino licenses.

"…That action dashed, for now, the hopes of numerous communities staking their economic hopes on new riverboat facilities. And it shifts the front lines in the expansion debate to the Statehouse, where a long, complicated and contentious struggle likely lies ahead.

"…Commission members were reluctant to take what they consider a monumental step toward expansion without a strong signal from elected lawmakers.

"…Lawmakers are bracing for a battle.

"…Commissioners balked despite pleas from several delegations urging them to lift the moratorium. Voters in Black Hawk, Worth and Palo Alto counties have approved casino measures and several other counties are mulling plans or scheduling votes…"

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