Racing and Gaming Commission approves two casino expansions

The Iowa Racing and Gaming Commission has refused to extend the deadline for applying for a new riverboat license, and has approved expansion plans for two existing casinos. The Iowa Racing and Gaming Commission set November 10th as the deadline for applying to the state for a new riverboat license. Polk County interests asked that the deadline be moved back to December 31st, but gaming commissioners said no. The Commission also voted to let Prairie Meadows add 33 table games to its slot machine casino, and the AmeriStar riverboat in Council Bluffs got approval to expand its facility. The commission has a new leader, too. Mike Mahaffey, a republican attorney from Montezuma, had served two terms as the Commission’s chair, but rules prohibit a third term. Diane Hamilton of Storm Lake was elected Commission chair. That means she’ll preside over the Commission’s deliberations as it considers bids from communities around the state that want a new riverboat casino.