Iowa lawmakers approve online gaming by narrow margin

Iowa has moved closer to becoming the first state to regulate online gaming after the lawmakers in the House approved a gaming bill late Tuesday on a 72-21 vote.

The bill, which was already passed in the state Senate, now heads to Gov. Terry Branstad to sign or veto.

“He has not had a chance to review the bill,” Tim Albrecht, the Republican governor’s press secretary said Wednesday. “He has not taken a position.”

Albrecht said a decision was expected within a few days. The bill would require the Iowa Racing and Gaming Commission study Internet gambling
and produce a report for lawmakers by Dec. 1.

If Branstad signs the bill, Iowa would follow Washington D.C., in approving regulations for online gaming at the state level.