As sports betting continues to evolve across the U.S., in states like Iowa, questions are being raised regarding a myriad of issues regarding both the positive economic impact of the industry and social responsibility and sports integrity.
At a recent webinar hosted by Lynn County Interfaith Council , moderator Carl Cassell spoke with three local experts on sports betting and gambling in Iowa.
Considering this issue from the point of view of regulators, Wes Ereke , president and CEO Iowa Gaming Association , noted the potential of the industry to develop tourism, create employment opportunities and overall contribute to the economic development of the state.
Prior to the COVID-19 pandemic, Iowa's gambling sector employed more than 8,000 people, contributed to retirement communities, and had a philanthropic component that gave approximately $90 million to nonprofits in every county in the state.
In addition, the industry generated over $320 million a year in tax revenue, prompting Ereke to point out that the market's total financial contribution to Iowa, both directly and indirectly, reached nearly £1 billion a year.
“We hope to return to this again, and I think that this is very positive for the state. It's done with a high degree of honesty and with a lot of rules."
Based on Ereke's comments, Eric Preiss , director of Your Life's project Iowa Department of Public Health , emphasized the need for responsible gambling initiatives as the state's betting industry continues to grow, and drew attention to the 1-800 Betting Department's helpdesk.
He began, “Strictly from a public health standpoint, we are committed from the integrator provider network that provides Iowa problem gambling treatment and prevention services to every county, and continue to raise the bar and raise awareness.
“If someone has a gambling problem, it’s not a moral issue, it’s not a weakness issue – it’s an addiction,” he continued, comparing gambling addiction to drug addiction.
“Many of these people are suffering silently and it is hidden. People can hide their financial problems that may come up as long as they don't empty their retirement accounts."
Ereke also noted, "We need to do this responsibly and make sure to keep the percentage of people who are prone to compulsive behavior, whether it's gambling or credit cards with alcohol, whatever they need to get help." .
"Fortunately, there are great providers in Eric's group who really go out of their way to help people and value people who need it."
“We like to think that more than 95% people can go to the casinos and entertainment events they are designed for, and we believe this trend will continue because even with the addition of new entertainment services such as sports, betting will – there will always be someone who will enjoy the experience of having fun with their friends.”
Finally, Todd Dorman , Iowa media columnist "Gazette" , raised the issue of corruption and fairness in betting, noting that a regulated market provides much better protection against illegal activity than an unlicensed one.
“I think that wherever you have a lot of money, there is a possibility of corruption or scandal,” he said.
“One good thing that Iowa did was that the final bill made it illegal for Iowans to place in-game bets on Iowa State and Iowa and State teams on things like “who makes the first free throw” and things like that. these are the things that you can force an athlete to change what he does for betting.
“There will always be an opportunity, but with technology it’s harder to do it now than it was when you paid your local bookie and no one knew about it.”
Source: Lynn County Interfaith Council.
The post Iowa Gambling: Balancing Economic Growth with Responsible Gaming first appeared on GamblingTV.com.
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