On September 17th, 2008, state legislators could be headed for a gaming debate when the Iowa legislature convenes in January 2009. An important legislator is proposing to allow Iowa Taverns to install video keno machines and Iowa House Majority Leader Kevin McCarthy said that he is open to a debate on giving new gaming licenses for casinos proposed in Tama, Ottumwa and Fort Dodge and Franklin and Lyon counties.
State Representative Brian Quirk, a Democrat from New Hampton who heads the Iowa House gambling subcommittee, pushed the policy debate this week. He suggested that tavern owners hurt by the statewide indoor smoking ban that was enforced on July 1st, 2008 be given permission to offer video keno machines. McCarthy commented that neither he nor Quirk is supporting a full-blown gaming debate regarding the expansion of the gambling industry. But he said that he understands the plight of rural bar owners because casinos are exempted from the smoking ban.
House Republican Leader Christopher Rants, a Republican from Sioux City alleged that Democrats are secretly making a gaming bill to alleviate the anger of bar owners. Quirk said that he is still polishing the details of his proposal to allow video keno in bars, although he has no intention of supporting the Iowa Lottery's defunct TouchPlay gaming machines.
Taverns are only allowed to feature amusement machines, which can only pay in non-cash credits, like food and merchandise. Iowa has now twenty casinos with more than 20,000 slot machines, aside from casino tables like poker, blackjack, craps and roulette. The state also features bingo, lottery and betting at a horse racing track in Altoona and at greyhound racing tracks in Council Bluffs and Dubuque.
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John Sullivan
