The Hawkeye State Not Ready for Mobile, Online Gambling

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The Hawkeye State Not Ready for Mobile, Online GamblingAs the state sign reads to motorists upon entry, the people of Iowa welcome you… just not online gambling.

Don’t look for smartphone and tablet owners in the state of Iowa to begin playing real money games on the mobile devices any time soon. It appears that Iowans and their lawmakers aren’t fond of online gaming. In particular, online poker is already looking to be a long-shot for 2014.

Published reports Monday indicate that Iowa lawmakers won’t even take up the issue and bring it to vote this year. 2015 is the earliest such legislation will be considered in the State.

“A short session also equates to limited time for any meaningful debate. Therefore, no discussion in the 2014 legislative session will take place to allow authorization of online intrastate poker to be played via casino portals,” says Wes Ehrecke, President and CEO of the Iowa Gaming Association. “Rather, the industry will closely watch the introduction of i-gaming in New Jersey and Delaware, plus Internet poker in Nevada. This will be an opportunity to learn what is working or not, including their regulations, compacts with other states, etc., and decide on suggested language for a bill to consider in 2015.”

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