Iowa Senate moves against gambling

Tuesday, Feb. 24, 1998 | 10:08 a.m.

The bill would limit the number of state-licensed casinos to 13 until July 1, 2003. Sen. Jack Rife, R-Durant, said that would include the existing nine riverboats, three horse and dog tracks and a proposed casino in Osceola.

After July 1, 2003, new licenses would only be granted to casino riverboats on the Mississippi or Missouri rivers.

The bill would not revoke any existing licenses and would allow a casino that closes or loses its license to be replaced within the same county.

The bill itself was approved on a unanimous voice vote without discussion by the Senate State Government Committee. But an amendment dealing with the credit card portion divided the group.

Sen. Rod Halvorson, D-Fort Dodge, wanted to take credit card machines off the premises entirely, leaving ATMs in the casino. Rife's bill would allow both in "nongaming areas as designated by the commission."

"To have them located on a street corner is asking for trouble," Rife said. "From a public safety standpoint, this is an ill-conceived idea."

Rife also said it could prevent using credit cards at attached restaurants and hotels.

Halvorson's amendment was defeated 10-4.

The bill would also place a fine of $100 on a person younger than 21 who gambles or attempts to gamble at a state-licensed casino. That fine also would cover buying or trying to buy a lottery ticket.

The bill was sent to the full Senate for debate.