The Racing and Gaming Commission’s decision to throw open the license process for a land-based casino to replace the riverboat that currently operates in Sioux City is a chance to secure a gambling license that has become a rare opportunity in Iowa. Racing and Gaming Administrator Brian Ohorilko says his office has had several inquiries on applications for the new license.
“I think the interest is good, but I’m not sure how far along any of these parties are in looking at an application though,” Ohorillko says. He says no one has filed an application for the license yet, and that is not a surprise.
“I would not expect that we would see any until probably November first, which is the deadline,” Ohorillko says. Most applicants for a gambling license wait to file until the deadline because the information filed with the Racing and Gaming Commission becomes subject to open records laws.
“Because of that there’s always the concern (that) maybe one of their competitors would see what is submitted,” Ohorillko explains. “Typically we wouldn’t see any applications until that last day.” The current operator and non-profit groups involved in running the riverboat casino have fueded for several months over an operating agreement, and the commission then decided to open up the licensing process for the land-based casino to anyone.