Recent reports indicate there might be possible debate during next year's legislative session over whether to allow Iowa's casinos to run Internet poker games people can access from their homes.
According to a recent study, it could bring in millions of dollars in tax revenue if they were allowed to be operated and the measure was discussed this past year.
Sen. Steve Sodders, D-State Center, said he voted the idea down in committee at this past legislative session because he said the proposal couldn't assure him that there were measures in place to keep kids off of the site. He also didn't like that there wasn't anything detailing how much money could be won or lost. Sodders is open to discussing it again, but said his concerns would have to be straightened out to get his approval.
"If my concerns aren't addressed, it would be hard for me to support it," Sodders said.
Sodders said online gaming will not be one of his priorities for the next session as those will include education reform and ways to attract businesses and jobs to the state.
If the opportunity was provided to the state's casinos to operate online poker, it may also be granted to the Native American casinos such as the one located at the Meskwaki Settlement.
Rep. Lance Horbach, R-Tama, agrees with Sodders in that it won't be a priority for him in the next session and he would need to see safeguards in place that would keep children off the site.
"At first, I'm kind of hesitant," Horbach said.
Horbach expects discussion about it during the 2012 legislative session.
Rep. Annette Sweeney, R-Alden, said there are plenty of ways to gamble in the state and is not in favor of adding online poker as another option.
"We don't need any more gambling in the state of Iowa," she said.
Rep. Mark Smith, D-Marshalltown, is very clear on his stance of possibly expanding gaming options on Iowa.
"I'm never a big fan of gambling, period," Smith said.
Smith said gambling can cause an increase in bankruptcies and social problems.
"In the end, I've always thought it costs a considerable amount more than what it brings in," he said.
