A bill creating a moratorium on new casinos — and skuttle proposed casino in Cedar Rapids — has cleared a House Committee. There was a statehouse hearing on the proposal yesterday. Iowa’s casino industry is urging lawmakers to pass the bill before the Iowa Racing and Gaming Commission votes on the license for the Cedar Rapids casino on February 6th. There are currently 19 state licensed casinos in Iowa with 4 Native American casinos for a total of 23.

Lawmakers for the bill feel there are enough casinos in Iowa as it is a short drive for anyone, and adding another casino will take away revenue from an existing one. While the lawmakers against the bill talk about job opportunities in the Cedar Rapids area with a new casino and that competition is a good thing. The House Ways and Means Committee approved the moratorium early Monday evening.

The bill is eligible for debate in the Iowa House on Thursday. It’s unclear whether the Senate would take up the legislation next week.

Zach Tomesch, News Director KFJB