In Iowa, retired Des Moines businessman Fred Hubbell, the Democratic candidate for governor, said the state does not have to be the first to offer sports betting. “I don’t see why Iowa needs to feel we have to rush into all of a sudden starting sports betting because some states are going to do it. Why don’t we just wait and see what states are doing it right, which states aren’t and then we can come in a year or two afterward and do it the right way. But let’s do it based upon experience rather than just a knee-jerk reaction.”
The legislature debated a bill to allow sports betting in state-licensed casinos but the measure did not move to the House or Senate floor. Lawmakers said they’ll reintroduce the bill in the next session.
Hubbell said the Iowa Racing and Gaming Commission needs to look at the “big picture” and consider if more casino licenses should be granted. He noted the IRGC has shown a “clear bias” toward protecting existing casinos, “which makes some sense, but there are also other parts of our state that make good arguments for wanting to have some casinos in their neighborhoods.” He cited the example of Cedar Rapids which has twice been rejected for a casino license by the IRGC.
“I think the point is we need to really think about how we want to manage that industry. Is it really going to be harmful if we have more? Where should they be? And what is the motivation for the Racing and Gaming Commission? What is the best way to manage that industry in our state?” Hubbell said.
