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Iowa Gambling Bill Hits Snags

IOWA – As reported by the Des Moines Register: "A proposal to allow table games at racetrack-casinos could stand while senators argue over a House-approved ban on slot machines and whether to allow new casino licenses in Iowa, Senate leaders said Tuesday.

"'I think there's more than a 50-50 chance that it will survive, but I don't think it will go without a challenge,' Senate President Jeff Lamberti said of the proposal to allow table games at racetracks such as Prairie Meadows in Altoona.

"…The wide-ranging bill passed by the House in late February probably will be debated by the Senate in the next few weeks. Review of House File 2302 by a Senate subcommittee could start this week.

"While there probably will be attempts in the Senate to strip the license and slot machine bans from the bill, leaders know they must tread carefully.

"…A lot is riding on the bill's fate financially because it sets new casino tax rates and erases $112.6 million in back taxes that the state owes to Iowa's three racetracks.

"Sen. Mark Zieman, chairman of the State Government Committee, said he didn't envision a lot of changes in the bill, but he acknowledged there would be a big push from five counties that have authorized gambling to get the Senate to allow new casino licenses…"

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