Iowa lawmakers debate bill on new casinos

David Pitt

Thursday, April 15, 2004 | 9 a.m.

DES MOINES, Iowa -- Gambling supporters and opponents were preparing Wednesday for a showdown as the House scheduled debate over whether new casinos will be authorized in the state.

A Senate bill approved early Wednesday left only one major difference with the House -- the moratorium on new casino licenses.

Six Iowa counties have approved gambling in referendums since June 2003 and developers are seeking to build new casinos in those locations.

The House bill retained a moratorium on new casinos while the Senate leaves the decision to the Iowa Racing and Gaming Commission.

Some House lawmakers could change their vote because they represent counties that have passed gambling referendums. Others are staunch opponents to gambling and want to stop any chance of more casinos.

"It really comes down to a question of whether or not we have a moratorium or not," House Speaker Chris Rants said. "That will be the key debate that happens on the floor of the House."

Those who favor more licenses say their communities have voted for gambling and deserve a chance at benefiting from the money a casino generates.

Those against gambling may try to amend the Senate bill to restore the moratorium or work to get the bill defeated.

"We'd like to see some control," Rep. Danny Carroll, R-Grinnell, said.

He said some lawmakers are considering an amendment that would limit the number of new licenses allowed, but they most likely will try to defeat expansion.

"A number of us who are opposed to expansion will just simply decide to vote 'No,' and we'll see where that leads," he said.

Many lawmakers -- after dealing with the gambling issue for more than a year -- want desperately to pass a bill that the governor will sign and put the issue quickly behind them.

"I would hope it would put it to rest in Iowa for a long time," Rants said.