Iowa Online Poker Runs out of steam

Iowa poker players frustration

Poker players in Iowa celebrated a little too early this week when the Senate approved File 2257 to legalize online poker in the state. Despite the 29-20 approval for the bill, it was soon clear that this was the end of the road when the Iowa House informed gambling proponents that it didn’t plan to take up the bill as there as a “general lack of interest” among Senate members.

According the House Speaker, Kraig Paulsen, none of the 60 members have met to discuss Senate File 2257 which would allow state licensed casinos to operate online poker sites, under regulations dictated by the Racing and Gaming Commission.

Paulsen said: “I don’t know if I’ve had three members mention this subject to me.”

Proponents of the bill say that legalizing and regulating online poker in Iowa would protect players, curb underage gambling and generate up to $60 million for Iowa casinos. The state is also expected to make up to $13.2 million in tax revenues.

Iowa casino operators would need to apply for an online gambling license, and, once received, players would be asked to register an account and deposit money before being able to play online poker.

It is believed that thousands of Iowans already gamble online at offshore sites, and supports of the bill were keen to tap into the millions spent by these players each year.

Speaking about the success of the bill in the Senate, Paulsen said: “I don’t know if it was that the gaming lobby was working hard over there or there was a particular champion in the Senate, but there seems to be quite a bit of discussion in the Senate on it.”