Close of Meskwaki Casino has impact on state coffers

The State of Iowa is apparently benefiting from the recent shut down of the Meskwaki Casino in Tama. The Meskwaki Casino was shut down in May of 2003 and didn’t reopen until December 31st as the tribe wrestled with a leadership dispute. Gambling revenue at the state-licensed casinos was up over nine-percent in the last six months — part of which may be attributed to those gamblers who would’ve gone to Tama. The state likely gained from the Meskwkai closure too. Records from the State Racing and Gaming Commission show the state took in 101 million dollars in tax revenue from the casinos in that six month period. The Meskwaki Casino does not pay taxes to the state, so the state is benefiting from gamblers who went to state-licensed casinos while Meskwaki was closed.