Iowa gambling bill would create 5 licenses - 2004-02-13
Iowa House members published Thursday the highlights of a broad gambling expansion bill that could permit up to five new riverboat casino licenses in the state, lift cruising requirements for the boats and allow table games at racetracks.

Leaders from communities attempting to lure new casinos as an economic development tool praised the bill, while gambling opponents said it would expand the industry too far.

Lawmakers on the House gambling subcommittee that drafted the bill warned it is a work in progress that could be reshaped before it is voted on by the full House or Senate.
Read the full story at Quad City Times

Gambling Proposal - 2004-02-13
A bill calling for up to five more casino licenses and major changes to the state's gaming laws was ravealed Thursday. The bill also eliminates cruising requirements for riverboat casinos and permits table games such as poker at racetracks. The bill sets a new 22 percent tax rate for all casinos, but boosts the rate to 26 percent for racetracks offering table games and for casinos on boats that convert from floating riverboats to barges.

The Iowa Supreme Court struck down the state's previous two-tiered casino tax, which taxed racetrack casinos at a higher rate than riverboats.
Read the full story at WOI