Des Moines, Iowa — The Republican leader in the Iowa Senate says there is gaming fatigue in the state Capitol and that’s why a temporary moratorium on new casino licenses was quickly passed.
That’s Senate Majority Leader Jack Whitver, who notes there was zero push back during Senate debate of the moratorium.
There are 19 state-licensed casinos operating in Iowa today. The moratorium on new licenses would last until July of 2024 — if the governor signs the bill into law. In August of 2019, sports betting became legal and Whitver says that was a factor.
And legislators this year tabled the casinos request to allow wagering on video game competitions, often called E-sports.
Whitver made his comments during an appearance on “Iowa Press” on Iowa PBS. Dozens of local investors and Cedar Rapids officials said they intend to apply for a casino license as soon as state law allows. The plans for a 250 million dollar casino and entertainment complex in downtown Cedar Rapids include flood control measures.
