Citizens in the counties seeking gaming operations are required to vote on new licenses and expansions. A vote is also required every eight years to continue gaming operations. This voting process was enacted in March of 1994 as a part of legislation that, if approved by a local referendum vote, allows for unlimited wagering and elimination of loss limits for the expansion of gaming in counties where riverboat gaming operations existed. The legislation also allowed for slots at racetracks subject to approval of a local referendum.
The Iowa Gaming Association members thank the sizable level of support from the business, labor and civic leaders who, along with the citizens of the many communities, join together to advocate for referendums to be passed.
Following is a listing of results by year of referendum votes in various Iowa counties, starting in 1994:1994 Counties vote to remove wager and loss limits, and tracks to allow slots 1995 Clarke County approves new gaming license
1997 Clarke County approves new gaming license
2002 Eleven counties with existing casino licenses vote to be re-approved
2003-04 Fifteen counties without an existing casino vote to be considered for a license2006 Two additional counties vote to vie for casino license 2007 Cherokee County voters defeat bid for casino
2008 Jasper County rejects new gaming license
