SEARCH NEWS:

 

Iowa Gambling Bills Set for Debate

IOWA – As reported by the Des Moines Register: "…Now that this year's gambling bill is ready for an all-day debate Thursday by the Iowa House, amendments are being drafted furiously and lawmakers are being lobbied heavily.

"Senate Minority Leader Mike Gronstal, a Council Bluffs Democrat, said lobbying for the gambling bill is 'definitely intense' and includes organizations and individuals across the state.

"…House File 2302 is a wide-ranging bill that would allow five additional casinos in Iowa and table games such as blackjack at racetracks. The price would be $10 million for each new license or racetrack expansion.

"It would establish a new taxing structure for casinos, end the cruising requirement for riverboats, double the money for treatment of problem gamblers, create a $500 fine for underage gamblers, and create a new pot of money for charities in counties without a gambling license. Unlike debate on most bills, this one is unpredictable and is not expected to fall along political party lines.

"House Majority Leader Chuck Gipp, a Decorah Republican, said legislative leaders are not pushing for the bill. He said most of the lawmakers spearheading the effort - including the bill's floor manager, Scott Raecker - have opposed an expansion of gambling.

"…House Speaker Christopher Rants, a Sioux City Republican, said he expects 'a large number of amendments,' given the complexity of the bill and number of topics included…"

< Gaming News