Iowa Lawmakers Dislike Gambling Expansion Proposals

Bar owners in Iowa would like to place video gambling machines in their locations to offset damage done by the state smoking ban, but lawmakers aren't interested.

Like so many states, Iowa is seeking ways to close a large budget gap, and expanded gambling is being debated as a revenue increasing measure. But members of the legislature say the idea of allowing gambling devices, such as slots or video gaming, at local bars is a long shot to pass.

Iowa already licenses 21 state casinos, and lawmakers say they are against any further expansion of gambling. And some point out that only three years ago, the state acted to pull lottery quick-play machines that were in 3200 bars and stores.

"A couple of years later we're going to go reverse that and go back?" questioned state Senate majority leader Michael Gronstal, speaking on public television's "Iowa Press" program. "I think that's unlikely."

Bar and restaurant owners are advocating the placement of gambling machines in their locations, saying they need government to help them find ways to recover from the economic damage done by the state-imposed smoking ban.

Bu Gronstal insists that there isn't much interest in any new gambling ideas in the legislature. Instead, he says legislators are more likely to look at reforming the state system of tax credits to generate extra revenue.