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Iowa Officials Scrutinize Casino Applicants

IOWA – As reported by the Des Moines Register: "State officials are trying to ensure that nothing improper happens as casino companies and their local nonprofit partners compete for gambling licenses that could bring millions of dollars into Iowa communities.

"Charlie Smithson, executive director of the Iowa Campaign Finance and Disclosure Board, wrote to gambling regulators on Nov. 23, asking for help to ensure compliance with state ethics and lobbying laws.

"Smithson said he was concerned because there will be intense competition for a limited number of casino licenses. Emotions will be running high among everyone involved, he said in an interview.

"Officials with the Iowa Racing and Gaming Commission and the Iowa Division of Criminal Investigation said they would be watching during the next few months as applicants seek 10 gambling licenses for proposed casinos in Emmetsburg, Fort Dodge, Ottumwa, Waterloo, Riverside, and rural Franklin and rural Worth counties. Under Iowa law, each casino company seeking a license must have a local nonprofit sponsoring organization composed of community representatives.

"The state disclosure board has already disciplined one lobbyist for an Iowa casino project.

"…Gene Meyer, director of the DCI, said his agents would watch for misconduct during the licensing process just as they monitor casinos for collusion between customers and casino employees. However, he downplayed the possibility that anyone would try to bribe a gaming commissioner or commit any other crime in an effort to win a lucrative state gambling license…"

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