Iowa Another Tale of Casino Success

Iowa residents are demanding more casinos after seeing how the existing gambling venues have caused economic booms in the host areas.

Gambling opponents roll their eyes at the news Iowa may add more casinos to the seventeen state-licensed gambling operations and three tribal casinos already running in the state. But state lawmakers and industry representatives understand the call for more gambling, considering the boon gaming has been to Iowa.

Iowa House Speaker Pat Murphy says gambling has been key to the reversal of economic fortune in his hometown of Dubuque. Twenty-five years ago, that city was among the most distressed in the US, facing massive unemployment and a crumbling city center.

"We were pretty hard hit in the 1980s," said Murphy. "The gaming industry has been part of that turnaround."

According to Murphy, Dubuque's two casinos have helped the city recover and evelop a thriving downtown and riverfront district. Last year, $117 million in gaming revenue was created in Dubuque.

The success of gaming has caused uproar among Iowa residents who don't have a location in their state. Voters want to know why they are being denied the benefits other citizens receive, causing the call for more casinos.

Carlos Jayne, a retired lobbyist for the Methodist Church and a gaming opponent, worries the expansion is not slowing.

"I suspect that won't be until they are in every nook and cranny of the state," Jayne said.

Atleast not if the residents of Iowa have their way.