Iowa lawmakers are poised to debate legislation that would block the construction of new casinos in the state, with a proposal expected to surface early in the 2025 legislative session. The measure, a response to Cedar Rapids’ ambitions to establish the Cedar Crossing Casino, would halt new casino developments until 2029.
Republican Representative Bobby Kaufmann said the bill will likely mirror a similar proposal passed by the Iowa House last year, which ultimately failed to advance in the Senate. Kaufmann expects the legislation to progress through committee discussions as early as the second week of the session.
“This is never a partisan issue,” House Minority Leader Jennifer Konfrst said, emphasizing that opinions on the moratorium stem largely from local politics rather than party allegiance.
Konfrst highlighted the range of opinions within her party. “I did not support the moratorium last time,” Konfrst said. “This is not a caucus position. People are all over the map on that. There are arguments on both sides to be made.”
The bill is likely to reignite longstanding debates over gambling expansion in Iowa, with some lawmakers advocating for local control while others push for restrictions to manage competition among casinos.
At the 2025 Iowa Capitol Press Association legislative forum, Democratic leaders Konfrst and Senate Minority Leader Janice Weiner participated in discussions on the moratorium and other legislative priorities. However, key Republican leaders, including Governor Kim Reynolds, House Speaker Pat Grassley, and Senate Majority Leader Jack Whitver, declined to attend for the third consecutive year.
The absence of Republican leadership at the forum leaves questions about their stance on the proposed casino moratorium as the session approaches.
If introduced, the moratorium is expected to spark robust debate within both parties. Proponents argue it would prevent oversaturation in the gambling market, while opponents highlight the potential economic benefits of new casino projects, particularly in regions like Cedar Rapids.
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