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Iowa Committee Rejects Gambling Amendment

IOWA – As reported by the Des Moines Register: "Rural Iowans who are pressing state lawmakers to include new riverboat casino licenses in a major gambling bill were dealt a setback in the Legislature on Tuesday.

"The Senate State Government Committee rejected, 9-6, an amendment that would have authorized the Iowa Racing and Gaming Commission to issue as many as five additional licenses for riverboat-style casinos.

"…The legislation revises casino tax rates, allows table games at racetrack-casinos, and makes several other changes in gambling laws.

"The debate is far from over. House File 2302 now goes to the Senate's tax policy committee before the bill is considered by the entire Senate next week.

"…Palo Alto and Worth are among a handful of counties that have voted to authorize gambling but need state licenses to proceed with plans for floating casinos in their communities.

"…Sen. Jack Kibbie, an Emmetsburg Democrat, led the unsuccessful effort Tuesday to insert the proposal for up to five new casino licenses in House File 2302.

"…State Government Committee Chairman Mark Zieman, a Postville Republican, said he was concerned about altering the bill so much that the House would refuse to go along with the changes…"

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