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Iowa Governor Open to Expanded Gambling

DES MOINES, Iowa – As reported by the Sioux City Journal: "Governor Tom Vilsack said Tuesday he is open to expanding gambling in Iowa, but said he believes the Legislature should take the first step in deciding whether additional gaming licenses should be issued.

"Last month, the Iowa Racing and Gaming Commission voted against lifting a five-year moratorium on issuing new gaming licenses, saying the Legislature should make that decision.

"Vilsack said he agrees that issuing additional licenses is a policy decision for lawmakers, but said he doesn't hold an opinion of what they should do.

"…Black Hawk, Palo Alto and Worth counties already have passed gambling referendums to bring casinos into their communities, and five other counties are developing plans for new casinos in case the moratorium is lifted.

"Although Vilsack said it's up to lawmakers if more gaming licenses are issued, he said he believes the decision of who gets them should remain with the commission.

"…The governor said if lawmakers give approval to issuing more licenses, they should consider charging a fee for them. A group of lawmakers last year proposed auctioning off licenses as a way to raise money for state coffers…"

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