Iowans can bet on horse racing online from home and they can wager on sports online or in person.
But retiring Prairie Meadows CEO Gary Palmer argues that legalizing interactive online slot and table games, an idea that would be a competitor to the Altoona racetrack and casino, would ruin lives.
Iowa legislators have discussed the possibility as a generator of tax revenue. State Rep. Bobby Kaufmann, R-Wilton, proposed iGaming legislation in 2022 and again in 2024. But Palmer says allowing online casino-style gambling anywhere on phones, in bars or at home is a terrible idea.
“You’ll ruin your community when people are gambling at home,” he said.
