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Iowa Gambling Debate Heats Up

DES MOINES, Iowa – As reported by the Iowa Globe Gazette: "As Iowans prepare to sound off today on the potential for expanded gambling, lawmakers and lobbyists are already hard at work crafting legislation that could chart a new direction for the industry and communities betting on riverboat casinos.

"Lawmakers and lobbyists alike are praising what they say is an open hearing process in the House subcommittee drafting the gambling bill, led by Rep. Scott Raecker, R-Urbandale.

"…But there also is plenty of behind-the-scenes horse trading among gambling industry insiders, lawmakers who want to see gambling expanded and those who want to protect casinos on their home turf from new competition.

"Gambling opponents are also entering the debate, pushing for restrictions on credit card machines inside casinos and for more money to be spent on gambling addiction treatment programs.

"Voters in five counties have approved gambling referendums, but the fate of those local hopes have been tossed into the hands of lawmakers in Des Moines. Legislators are feeling the pressure.

"…Less than a month into the session, few lawmakers are willing to predict what a final gambling bill will look like…"

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