Iowa lawmakers debate
bill on new casinos
Gambling supporters and opponents were preparing Wednesday for a showdown
as the House scheduled debate over whether new casinos will be authorized
in the state. A Senate bill approved early Wednesday left only one
major difference with the House -- the moratorium on new casino licenses.
(PRWEB) -Gambling supporters and opponents were preparing Wednesday
for a showdown as the House scheduled debate over whether new casinos
will be authorized in the state.
A Senate bill approved early Wednesday left only one major difference
with the House -- the moratorium on new casino licenses.
Six Iowa counties have approved gambling in referendums since June
2003 and developers are seeking to build new casinos in those locations.
The House bill retained a moratorium on new casinos while the Senate
leaves the decision to the Iowa Racing and Gaming Commission.
Some House lawmakers could change their vote because they represent
counties that have passed gambling referendums. Others are staunch
opponents to gambling and want to stop any chance of more casinos.
"It really comes down to a question of whether or not we have
a moratorium or not," House Speaker Chris Rants said. "That
will be the key debate that happens on the floor of the House."
Those who favor more licenses say their communities have voted for
gambling and deserve a chance at benefiting from the money a casino
generates.
Those against gambling may try to amend the Senate bill to restore
the moratorium or work to get the bill defeated.
"We'd like to see some control," Rep. Danny Carroll, R-Grinnell,
said.
He said some lawmakers are considering an amendment that would limit
the number of new licenses allowed, but they most likely will try
to defeat expansion.
"A number of us who are opposed to expansion will just simply
decide to vote 'No,' and we'll see where that leads," he said.
Many lawmakers -- after dealing with the gambling issue for more
than a year -- want desperately to pass a bill that the governor will
sign and put the issue quickly behind them.
"I would hope it would put it to rest in Iowa for a long time,"
Rants said.