Iowa Gaming Association pushes for online gambling

Wes Ehrecke, President of the Iowa Gaming Association, has told the media that a possible push for legalised online gambling in Iowa is underway. However, he believes it is too early to say whether the idea has the traction required to reach for next year’s legislative session. Concerns exist as to the impact on the State’s brick-and-mortar casinos, which employ thousands of people and pay hundreds of millions of dollars in taxes. The potential for further gambling addiction and social problems is also likely be an issue. But despite the fact that Governor Kim Reynolds only signed legalised sports betting into law two years ago, several US States already have online gambling, including Delaware, Nevada, New Jersey, Pennsylvania and West Virginia, and supporters will obviously argue strongly that online gaming creates jobs, boosts tax revenues and spurs technological innovation.