Casinos in other states have been feeling the pinch of the economic downturn, but the facilities in Iowa saw revenues increase by just over two percent in October compared to last year.
The president of the Iowa Gaming Association, Wes Ehrecke, says they know the situation could change. He says they are not recession proof and with high gas prices, the flooding and the economy tightening, they could see revenues go flat in the upcoming months.
Ehrecke says the casinos are hoping that the "amenities" they offer along with gambling will continue to draw people to them. Ehrecke says they are trying to be ahead of the curve by offering hotels, spas, in one case a bowling alley, golf courses along with concerts and other events to draw in patrons.
Ehrecke says the casinos will have to keep an eye on the situation. Ehrecke says they’re realistic and will hope as people tighten their belts that they chose casinos to spend some of their discretionary dollars. There are 17 state-regulated casinos.