Des Moines, Iowa — The Iowa Racing and Gaming Commission is planning to raise the penalty against casinos for underage gambling and violations of the self-ban.
During its meeting Thursday, members discussed raising the minimum penalty from one to three thousand dollars. Iowa Gaming Association president and CEO Wes Eherecke says the industry is concerned about how the amount is determined.
He says the current wording says a fine of up to $1,000, but all fines have become $1,000. Eherecke says the industry would like to see some plan for fines that differentiates them based on the seriousness. He cites a recent case.
Commission members say one of the factors is inflation and the fine has not been changed in 32 years. They also agreed to look at some parameters so that the fines are based on the severity of the violation. Racing and Gaming Commission Administrator, Brian Ohorilko, says the recent violations prompted them to take a look at the fines.
There have been 162 fines of $1,000 by the Gaming Board in the last five years. Seventy-nine were for violations by minors and 24 for self-exclusion violations. Ohorilko says they will move forward with the rule process after the discussion Thursday.
The Racing and Gaming Commission met in West Des Moines.
