Iowa casinos fined

Monday, July 22, 2002 | 11:06 a.m.

DES MOINES, Iowa -- The Iowa Racing and Gaming Commission said two casinos agreed to pay $10,000 each for not keeping underage gamblers out of their venues.

The commission levied the fines against Prairie Meadows Racetrack and Casino in Altoona and Harrah's Council Bluffs Casino at its meeting Thursday in Johnston.

Iowa law prohibits anyone under the age of 21 from gambling or being on a gaming floor.

On June 6 a 19-year-old entered the Prairie Meadows casino. A security guard didn't ask the teen for identification. Nor did other casino staff, who saw him gambling at slot machines.

Prairie Meadows General Manager Bob Farinella said the security guard was fired.

At Harrah's on March 2, two male teens -- one 18, the other 19 -- entered the casino area several times.

On one attempt to return, a security officer asked the 18-year-old for his identification. The teen admitted to authorities he played slot machines and was cited for underage gambling. The other teen wasn't charged.