Iowa Racing to be First Online Gambling State
As states gather to take advantage of the sloth-like federal process to regulate online gambling, Iowa lawmakers are looking to seize the opportunity before other states beat them to the punch. One state Representative, part of a committee examining intrastate Internet gaming, said today that now is the time for Iowa to act if it wishes to be on the leading edge of online gambling.Speaking at a forum on gambling issues sponsored by IowaPolitics.com, Doug Struyk said that Internet betting already exists, as he reported estimates that 50,000 Iowans are involved with overseas Internet casinos and online poker rooms. That would mean that, in a state with 17 casinos providing easy local access, 2 of every 100 residents still chooses to gamble online.
Struyk said revenue would be a great reason to offer online gambling, but also regulation is necessary to protect Iowa's consumers. He told the group that poker players have said they are concerned companies are using fake players to post huge bluffs and back patrons out of pots.
Under the plan being developed in the Iowa legislature, players could create and fund accounts at licensed casinos, which would perform age checks and identification verification. Then the player would be free to patronize the state Internet gambling sites.
Struyk even foresees states forming networks, allowing players to participate against opponents from other states. Iowa sites would be regulated through the Iowa Racing and Gaming Commission.
Struyk made similar points about sports betting, saying almost everyone knows where to go to place a sports wager in their neighborhood. Regulation would simply tax existing activity and protect citizens.
