After lengthy deliberations the Iowa Racing and Gaming Commission is in favour of three to five additional casino licences in the state. There are projects for ten new casinos in seven communities, but this number of new licences is unlikely to materialize.

Three of the projects are in Waterloo, including one for Waterloo Greyhound Park where a recent study has shown it to have the biggest money-making potential of the three proposals in Black Hawk County. The Greyhound Park is said to have the advantage because it would combine slot machines with live dog racing and simulcast wagering on televised races. However, another report recommended either the Isle of Capri adventure park or the Cedar Landing hotel & casino.

Another study, briefly presented to the five commissioners earlier this week, emphasized the down-side of gambling in socioeconomic research carried out by the University of Northern Iowa. The report shows that gambling in Iowa has created nearly 3,500 jobs and added $3.5 billion to the state’s economy but found that around 30% of money spent at casinos had been diverted from other businesses.

Most Iowans are in favour of having gambling facilities even though problem gambling numbers and bankruptcies have risen. The study also concluded that counties with casinos had higher rates of crime and bankruptcy, but that had been the same before the casinos were built. The majority of those surveyed thought that gaming had had a positive impact on Iowa.

The Commission, having travelled the state fact finding and holding a public enquiry, is due to decide on the licences it will issue next Wednesday, May 11. (E-05.05.05)

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