- Iowa Rep. Bobby Kaufmann introduced online gambling bills in 2022 and 2024.
- Former Prairie Meadows CEO Gary Palmer argues against online gambling bills.
- Iowa problem gambling is on the rise.
DES MOINES, Iowa – Key figures in Iowa are at odds over the online gambling market in the state, including online blackjack.
In 2022 and 2024, state rep. Bobby Kaufmann introduced legislation that would have allowed for legal online blackjack, slots, and other casino-style games.
However, Gary Palmer, the soon-to-be former, retiring CEO of Prairie Meadows Casino in Iowa, stated it would not only compete with their casino operations, but also feed into problem gambling.
“You'll ruin your community when people are gambling at home,” Palmer said.
Problem Gambling Statistics In Iowa + Nationally
It’s been reported that 1% of the overall population, which equates to nearly 2.5 million people, suffer from some sort of problem gambling, and that between 80-90% of them do not seek help.
In Iowa, over a quarter of a million of the population (14%) were deemed at-risk gamblers who have shown symptoms and signs of problem gambling in 2018. Fast track to 2025, and that number has jumped to over one in five adults (22% of the population).
What Does This Mean For Online Gambling In Iowa?
With problem gambling in Iowa at a steady incline since 2018 and Kauffmann’s legislation already being shot down twice, it seems that Iowa online blackjack, amongst other online casino games, might not be in the picture for the time being.