Iowa Gubernatorial Candidate Wants Less Dependency On Gambling

Over the past decade, Iowa has become one of the top casino gaming states in the US. If gubernatorial candidate Bob Vander Plaats has his way, that will be coming to an end in the near future.

Vander Plaats has been an outspoken opponent of gambling in Iowa for quite some time, and now he may get to lead the anti-gambling crusade from one of the most powerful positions in the state government. Th Republican voiced his opinions on gambling again this past week.

""As governor, I'd say , 'I'm definitely against the expansion of gambling' and I've been very clear about that and on record about that," said Vander Plaats, "but the step two is we need to get our state government in order." The gubernatorial hopeful went on to say that the state has become too reliant on turning to gambling in times of economic trouble.

Iowa, like many other states, has expanded their gambling options in the face of the economic recession. Casino licenses have been added, and millions of dollars in revenue has been created. That revenue has gone towards helping balance the state budget.

Former Governor Terry Branstad has been the most influential politician in bringing gambling to Iowa. First, Branstal anchored legislation to allow pari-mutuel gambling. Then, several years later, he helped bring the lottery to the state, and finally, in 1989, he signed a bill allowing casino gambling.

The state has benefited tremendously from the gambling, but Vander Plaats wants to put the emphasis on finding other solutions to create revenue. Whether the people of Iowa believe he can accomplish that feat will be recognizable in the upcoming election.

April 24, 2010
Posted By Terry Goodwin
Staff Editor, CasinoGamblingWeb.com
Submit News!

Ohio Columbus Casino Vote Less Than Two Weeks Away
Sumner County Casino Gambling Bidding Open Again
Harrah's May Be Looking To Sell Rio Casino In Las Vegas
Wynn Resorts Opens New Macau Casino, May Move Las Vegas Company
Poll Shows Massachusetts Residents Favor Casino Gambling Plan