Iowa Gambling Meeting Draws Hundreds Of Residents

The gambling issue is one of the most divisive issues currently in the US. On Tuesday, that was evidenced again in Iowa where regulators held a meeting to discuss the possibility of adding four new casinos in the state.

The issue has had many showing their support or displeasure for the idea for the past several months. On Tuesday, however, hundreds of people showed up to have their voices heard about the state of gambling in Iowa.

The Iowa Racing and Gaming Commission held the meeting in Johnston. The meeting was set for residents of Tama County, Lyon County, Ottumwa, and Fort Dodge to voice their concerns over the plan that would bring casinos to their areas.Buses were used to bring residents of these areas to Johnston.

The state of Iowa is already one of the leading gaming states in the US. Currently, there are seventeen licenses casinos. The Commission is considering adding another four, which would bring the total to twenty-one, and place Iowa in a position to remain a top gaming destination even with all of the expansion taking place throughout the US.

The arguments on both sides of the issue have been consistent with standard battles regarding gambling. The pro-expansion groups are pushing the idea of expanded gambling revenue and increased employment opportunities. The state is coping with the fall-out from the economic recession, and could use the millions of dollars in tax revenue the new casinos would provide.

The anti-gambling groups, however, believe that the social ills that could come from gambling expansion are too great to ignore. Several lawmakers are proposing that the state decrease, not increase, their reliance on casinos for revenue.

May 5, 2010
Posted By Terry Goodwin
Staff Editor, CasinoGamblingWeb.com
Submit News!

Racetrack Developer Loses Gaming License In New Mexico
Missouri Casino Gaming License Drawing Much Interest
Macau Gambling Revenue Continues To Break Records In April
Syracuse Man Wins At Casino, Returns Home To Burned Down House
Casino Gambling Begins In New Brunswick Today