(Des Moines) The Iowa House has passed a bill imposing a moratorium on new gambling licenses in the state, restricting the issuance of any new licenses between January 1, 2025, and June 30, 2030. The measure also stipulates that no new licenses may be granted after July 1, 2030, until the Iowa Racing and Gaming Commission completes a required socioeconomic study for the year 2029.
Representative Tom Moore, a supporter of the bill, explained his reasoning for voting in favor of the moratorium. He pointed to past votes on similar measures and the ongoing debate over whether additional casinos should be introduced in the state.
Moore said as a result, at least two other casinos have been built as a result of their declining gambling.
The bill passed the House with a vote of 68-31-1.
