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Ottumwa Casino Meeting Held

OTTUMWA, Iowa – As reported by the Ottumwa Courier: "Thursday is a big day for Ottumwa's efforts to get a casino license. That's something members of the River Hills Riverboat Authority agree on.

"But nobody really knows what will happen.

"The Iowa Racing and Gaming Commission denied Ottumwa a license at its May 11 meeting. The decision surprised and disappointed many who felt Ottumwa's package was among the better ones presented to the commission.

"Area supporters took a few days to regroup after the decision. They got a boost when Gov. Tom Vilsack expressed disappointment in the decision regarding Ottumwa. A quiet campaign has been waged since then, with area supporters and Wild Rose Entertainment pushing to get Ottumwa's license application reviewed.

"…All of that leads into Thursday's meeting of the IRGC in Johnston. The meeting begins at 8 a.m. at the Stoney Creek Inn, the same location used for the meeting that denied Ottumwa a casino license.

"…RHRA Chairman Steve Siegel said the group is against a moratorium on new casino licenses, but there is some flexibility.

"…Members of the RHRA plan to attend Thursday's meeting. But they aren't looking for other area supporters to join them. Webber said the authority wants Ottumwa's presence to be low-key. He doesn't think high-pressure tactics will work…"

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