Lawmakers Split On Gambling Expansion - 2004-02-09
A survey reveals that Iowa lawmakers are undecided on whether to expand gambling in the state.

The survey by The Des Moines Register finds that 47 percent of lawmakers who responded are against the state granting new casino licenses. That's compared to 40 percent of lawmakers who are in favor of expanded gambling. The rest are undecided.

The newspaper said two-thirds of lawmakers responded to the survey.
Read the full story at Iowa Channel.com

NEW GAMING GIANT: Boyd, Coast set up merger - 2004-02-09
Boyd Gaming Corp. and Coast Casinos are supposed to announce today a $1.3 billion merger that will create the biggest locals casino company in Nevada and one of the most diversified gaming firms nationwide.

Under the terms of the merger agreement, reached late Friday and unanimously approved by the boards of each company over the weekend, Coast will become a wholly-owned subsidiary of Boyd Gaming, sources close to the deal said Sunday. The Coast subsidiary will continue to be headed by Michael Gaughan, who now owns the company, sources said.
Read the full story at Las Vegas Review-Journal