Iowa casino expansion?
January 1, 2009
State commissions two studies to see if more casinos feasible
Iowa state
regulators have hired two consultants to study whether Iowa’s gambling industry has room for
expansion. The move is seen as a first step toward awarding additional casino
licenses in the state.
By a 5-0
vote, the Iowa Racing and Gaming Commission awarded $106,500 to Innovative
Group, of Littleton, Colo.,
and GVA Marquette Advisors of Minneapolis, to identify “underserved” and
“underperforming” gambling markets in Iowa.
Based on the findings to be presented in mid-May, the commission could decide
in July to increase the number of casino licenses statewide beyond the current
20.
Among locations seeking
their own local casino are the cities of Fort Dodge,
Ottumwa and
Tama; and Franklin and Lyon counties. The commission ordered two studies to get
better information on an important statewide issue.
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