A study is getting underway to analyze the market statewide for the possible addition of new casinos, while another study that will look at a totally different aspect of the industry is also in the works. Iowa Racing and Gaming Commission administrator, Brian Ohorilko, says a law passed in 2004 gives the direction for the second study. He says the law requires the commission to do a study every eight years — beginning in 2013 — on the socioeconomic impact of gambling on Iowa.
The Racing and Gaming Commission heard presentations from three companies at their recent meeting who want to conduct the socioeconomic study. “The decision for the vendor to conduct that study, that will happen at the November commission meeting in Johnston,” Ohorilko says. The timeline for the socioeconomic study will be laid out once the company is chosen to conduct the study.
The other study — the market analysis — is scheduled to be presented to the Racing and Gaming Commission at its March meeting.