Election will not prompt expansion

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By Charlotte Eby | Saturday, November 11, 2006 1:03 AM CST | () comments

DES MOINES — Members of the Iowa Racing and Gaming Commission said Thursday they wouldn’t be more likely to allow more casinos to open after Democrat Chet Culver, a supporter of gambling expansion, was elected to the governor’s office this week.

Commission Chairwoman Kate Cutler of Council Bluffs said next spring the commissioners will begin a lengthy consideration of the idea of granting additional casino licenses. She said although it is not likely, the commission could also consider a moratorium on new licenses.

“I guess I don’t see that the election was a message about expanding or not expanding gambling,” Cutler said.

Cutler said the commission has not talked about the issue with Culver.

“I think that we always serve at the pleasure of the governor, but my thought is that I’m going to act given the information that I receive and the input from the totality of the citizens of Iowa and not just the governor,” Cutler said.

The five-member commission is appointed by the governor to staggered three-year terms. Over the course of his first term, Culver will have a chance to make an appointment to each of those seats.

Culver had sparred with GOP gubernatorial candidate Jim Nussle over the issue of gambling expansion.

Culver said during his campaign that Fort Dodge and Ottumwa, two communities left out of the latest round of casino licenses issued last year, should be first in line to get one if additional licenses are considered.

Commissioner Gerald Bair of Ankeny said the commissioners would first want to see all new casinos given licenses last year up and running before they granted additional licenses.

Bair said they will look at how opening new casinos might affect those already in operation.

“There were a lot of disappointed communities that first time around, but we felt we located the four that we did in (what are) pretty prime market conditions,” Bair said.

Other counties where gambling referenda have passed, including Franklin County and most recently, Tama County, could apply for licenses as well.

Wes Ehrecke, president of the Iowa Gaming Association, which represents Iowa’s gaming industry, said the association will take no position on whether new licenses should be granted.

Charlotte Eby can be reached at (515) 243-0138 or chareby@aol.com.