Iowa Lawmakers Once Again Considering Video Gambling

It is amazing what a couple of years of economic disaster will do to a state's point of view. Iowa lawmakers are once again considering video gambling, even after their first attempt to bring the machines to Iowa was met with massive resistance.

The Iowa Lottery, three years ago, put video gambling machines in some of the most convenient locations throughout the state. The public almost immediately voiced their displeasure with the machines and the gambling plan was quickly aborted.

Now, however, some lawmakers feel that with the proper oversight, the video machines can be a helpful tool to turning around the economy in Iowa. The Iowa Racing and Gaming Commission would be responsible for regulating the machines.

"I think it is a live round to be discussed," said House Speaker Pat Murphy, "The big question is whether or not you can get enough votes to pass it. But I think you have legislators who may have said no a year ago who all of a sudden may say yes now."

Murphy could have pointed to any number of states as proof that the recession has made lawmakers reconsider their stance on gambling. In Illinois, the governor has already signed a Bill that would allow video gambling.

The law in Illinois gives all towns and cities the right to ban the video gambling machines. If they do not exercise that right, then the machines will become legal and will be placed in various locations in the towns.

While Illinois is going towards video gambling, other states are expanding their casino gambling options. West Virginia, Colorado, Pennsylvania, and Missouri are just a few of the many states that have either legalized casino gambling, or have expanded their existing laws.

October 23, 2009
Posted By April Gardner
Staff Editor, CasinoGamblingWeb.com
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