Iowans Against Regulated Online Gambling

Although Iowa is one of the states considering online gambling a recent poll suggests that a mere 25% of Iowans actually want the state to legalize and regulate it. Back in 2011 a study from the Iowa Racing and Gaming Commission showed that the state could benefit from between $3 Million and $13 Million a year in tax revenue, however residents simply do not believe that it's a good thing for the state. While some Iowans are against all gambling on religious grounds, many others believe that it does not serve an economic purpose and would only serve to create problems such as compulsive gambling.

At present, many Iowans take to the virtual felt at offshore regulated online poker rooms such as Bovada Poker and BetOnline Poker and there are no specific laws against this. Iowa in general has fairly relaxed gambling laws, there are privately owned casinos and horse racing tracks where slots and table games are played. Playing poker at home for real money is fine too, as long as the stakes are kept low and you're actually at home and not in a public place. It's hard to understand why around 75% of Iowa residents are against the implementation of regulated online poker, as other states such as Delaware, new Jersey and Nevada have done so with some success.