Iowa’s online casino landscape is set for a shift as State Representative Bobby Kaufmann, a key advocate for iGaming legislation, announced he will not introduce new online casino bills in 2025. Kaufmann, who has been instrumental in pushing for iGaming over the past two years, cited his change in committee roles as a primary reason for stepping back. Despite this, he remains supportive of others who may take up the cause, ensuring that the conversation around online gaming continues in Iowa.
Shift in Legislative Focus
State Representative Bobby Kaufmann has been a prominent figure in Iowa’s push for iGaming legislation. Over the past two years, he has championed several bills aimed at legalizing online casinos in the state. However, Kaufmann’s recent announcement marks a significant shift in his legislative focus. No longer serving as the chair of the State Government Committee, Kaufmann explained that his current role does not position him as the ideal lawmaker to sponsor new iGaming legislation. He emphasized that while he could individually sponsor bills, they would lack the potency of study bills proposed by committee chairs, the governor, or state agencies.
Kaufmann’s decision to step back comes after his most recent attempt to advance online gaming, HSB 227, stalled in committee during Iowa’s last legislative session. Despite this setback, Kaufmann remains optimistic about the future of iGaming in Iowa. He has expressed his readiness to support any potential online casino bills that might route through his current committee, the House Ways and Means Committee. This shift in focus highlights the complexities of legislative processes and the importance of strategic positioning within the government.
Retail Casinos Take Center Stage
While online casinos have been put on the back burner, the focus in Iowa’s gambling sector has shifted to retail casinos. The expiration of a two-year moratorium on new casino development on July 1 has brought renewed attention to Cedar Rapids, Iowa’s second-largest city. Plans for a $250 million casino, Cedar Crossing Casino, are underway, spearheaded by the Linn County Gaming Association in partnership with Peninsula Pacific Entertainment (P2E). This isn’t the first time the Cedar Crossing Casino proposal has surfaced. In 2022, the same team tried to bring the project to life, but the statewide moratorium halted their efforts.
With the moratorium lifted, proponents are now in a race against time to secure approval from the Iowa Racing & Gaming Commission (IRGC) before another potential moratorium is introduced. Kaufmann, while supporting the Cedar Rapids casino project, has voiced concerns about the broader impact of new casinos on the state’s gaming industry. He has stated that he does not have an issue with a casino in Linn County but is wary of any new casino cannibalizing the industry. This delicate balance between supporting new developments and protecting existing businesses is a key consideration for lawmakers and stakeholders alike.
Future of iGaming in Iowa
The future of iGaming in Iowa remains uncertain, but the conversation is far from over. Kaufmann’s decision to step back from introducing new bills does not signal an end to the push for online gaming. Instead, it opens the door for other lawmakers to take up the mantle. Kaufmann has made it clear that he will support any efforts to advance iGaming legislation that come through his committee. This support is crucial as it ensures that the momentum for online gaming continues, even if Kaufmann is not the one leading the charge.
The upcoming legislative session will be a critical period for iGaming advocates in Iowa. With Kaufmann’s support, there is potential for new bills to be introduced and gain traction. The focus will likely be on finding the right sponsors and navigating the legislative process effectively. As the landscape of gambling in Iowa evolves, the interplay between online and retail casinos will be a key factor in shaping the future of the industry. Stakeholders and lawmakers will need to work together to create a balanced and sustainable approach to gaming in the state.
