IOWA

Iowa passed legislation making riverboat casino 'low-stake' gaming legal in 1989 in order to attract tourism to the state. The legislation set a US$200 per trip limit on the amount a customer may loose and a maximum bet limit of US$50. The law also required operators to include entertainment for minors on the boats. The Iowa Racing and Gaming Commission granted its first five licenses to operators on April 1, 1991. Five riverboat casinos opened on the Missis
sippi River, but only two of the original five riverboats remained operating by 1994. In 1994 Iowa liberalized its betting limits to instill new life into its riverboat casinos. Currently there are nine licensed riverboat casinos and 3 Indian owned casinos operating in Iowa. The three Indian casinos operate under the National Indian Gaming Act and agreements negotiated with the State of Iowa. Iowa Racing & Gaming Commission. In 1995 Iowa also introduced video slot machines at its horse and greyhound dog race tracks.