A consultant working on a study of the potential for new gambling licenses in the state told the Iowa Racing and Gaming Commission today that the economy will have a big impact on the commission’s decision. Lou Frillman is the president of the consulting firm G-V-A Marquette.
Frillman says he’s seen several business cycles and this downturn is the worst he’s ever seen and it cuts across all businesses. Frillman says Iowa’s casinos, so far, have been managing the downturn.
He says the gaming markets in Iowa are in much better shape than the rest of the country as some casinos in the U.S. have experienced first time drops that are having a big impact on their ability to operate. Frillman’s firm and another consulting firm are both preparing reports on the potential for new gambling licenses.
Each firm updated the Racing and Gaming Commission on their progress at today’s meeting in Osceola. Both say they are on schedule to produce their final reports at the commission’s meeting in June.