Iowa’s 19 casinos produced more than $1.1 billion in economic impact in 2019, according to a recent report from the Iowa Racing and Gaming Commission. Administrator Brian Ohorilko said, “Over $1.1 billion has been attributed to the Iowa economy as a result of the casino industry in 2019. This would include things that are required statutory payments, like taxes, but also expenditures for various supplies, construction, payroll expenses and charitable contributions. And so, when added together as a whole the impact for 2019 exceeded $1.1 billion.”
Ohorilko added, “Of that $1.1 billion, a significant amount of that money was spent with Iowa vendors or folks that reside in the state of Iowa. That is also something that commission focuses on, asks the operators to do.” Ninety percent of the money spent in 2019 went to Iowa vendors Ohorilko said.
Casino industry economic impact has topped the 1 billion mark for several years, he noted. In fact, he said, reaching that number was challenging in 2019 due to a harsh winter. “Last year was a tough year for the industry due to weather and flooding but what has been nice to see, at least early on in January, February and early March, is that numbers are up,” Ohorilko said. Numbers already are up this year due in part to milder weather.
“But also we think some of it is attributed to sports wagering being offered in the state,” he noted. Sports betting launched in mid-August. Wagerers are required to register at a casino before they can bet, which casino operators said has helped bring in new customers.
Ohorilko also announced the IRGC renewed the licenses of the state’s 19 casinos.
