Legislators in Iowa are already formulating strategies to prevent the establishment of more casinos in the state as they look ahead to the 2025 legislative session.
State Representative Bobby Kaufmann (R-Wilton) is concerned that a new casino may affect Riverside’s earnings and jeopardize the jobs of his constituents.
“Whether it has to advance and what form it’s in is certainly up for debate, but I didn’t floor manage it last year, earlier this year, you know, just for it to go away,” Rep. Kaufmann stated. “So, I certainly plan to file legislation again.”
State Representative Jeff Cooling (D-Cedar Rapids), though, has resisted calls for further limitations.
The Democrat claimed the competition is beneficial for the state and expressed support for Linn County’s desire for a new casino.
“The residents of Linn County have spoken twice now about their desire to have that casino within Linn County in Cedar Rapids and the legislature should stay, stay out of it and let the process that is the law currently take place,” Rep. Cooling stated.
Lawmakers imposed a two-year ban on casinos back in 2022. After senators failed to take action on the House’s attempt to extend the block for an additional five years during the previous session, the block was lifted on July 1.
“There’s a movement in my caucus for folks that are not a fan of gambling, and then there’s a movement of folks in my caucus that are concerned about cannibalization, and so those two groups joined together for that amendment I proposed which is why it passed the House,” Rep. Kaufmann stated.
Rep. Cooling spoke against the proposal, arguing that additional casinos will create jobs and attract tourists while also increasing gaming income in the state.
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“Construction jobs and the quality jobs that we’ll create to build and maintain the casino are really important for our community,” Rep. Cooling stated. “Plus, the fact that this particular group wants to give the most in the state as far as there contributions to nonprofits at an 8% of profits.”
Rep. Kaufmann stated that he isn’t ruling out the possibility of a fresh moratorium before the Iowa Gaming Commission’s February vote on new casino applications.
“What the commission comes up with will certainly has an impact on us but that does not mean that we will not be pursing any sort of a moratorium whether its multiple years or a permanent one,” Rep. Kaufmann stated.
