Iowa has been analyzing and debating on whether or not to legalize online gambling for over a year now and it now looks as if it could soon be legalized.
Supporters of a bill which was discussed by a legislative subcommittee on Monday, February 20 feel that Iowa should try to cash in and benefit from online gambling as it is a multi-million dollar industry.
During last year’s legislative session, the matter of legalizing online gambling was delayed to this year’s session in order to give the Iowa Racing and Gaming Commission an opportunity to compile a study on what the regulation of online gambling would mean for the state of Iowa. According to the report that was compiled by the Commission, regulating online gambling could increase the state’s gambling revenue from $3 million per annum to a massive $13 million.
Brian Ohoriko, Director of Gaming, revealed that although one side of the bill is all about generating revenue, the other side of the bill is about protecting the consumer. Gambling online is presently illegal in the state which results in people playing via online sites that are operated overseas. He added that should internet gambling be legalized, it could be controlled by not allowing players with gambling problems or underage players and regulating an environment that is safe and secure which is operated by trustworthy people.
Despite the fact that the Iowa Racing and Gaming Commission have released the results of the study, they have made it clear that they are not taking a position on the bill.
