Iowa Underage Gambling Law Showing How States Can Contribute

There is a growing concern around the country that lawmakers are expanding their gambling options but are not focused enough on preventing problem gambling. In Iowa, lawmakers have taken steps to do both.

This past Wednesday, a new law went into effect that hands out fines for underage gamblers caught playing in a casino. The fine is $500, with lawmakers putting the pressure on these children to stay out of casinos.

"There should be more of these laws around the country where the individual is held responsible in addition to the casinos," said observer Barry Fresh, "if children want to act like responsible adults and gamble, they they should have to pay the price."

The casinos will still receive the harshest penalties, but the minors have been put on notice that they will also be responsible. Casinos are fined a minimum of $20,000 when minors are caught in their establishment.

Youth gambling is a growing concern because of the increase in casinos around the country. There have been over a dozen states that have expanded their gambling laws in order for casino revenue to help with state budgets.

In other states, casino revenue is going towards their education system. Groups that are anti-gambling point to underage gambling as a potential problem, but states such as Iowa are dispelling the notion of more gambling equalling more problems with laws like the one that took effect Wednesday.

July 4, 2009
Posted By Terry Goodwin
Staff Editor, CasinoGamblingWeb.com
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