Iowa authorities settled down around the idea of making the social and charitable gambling rules and regulations less strict and more compatible with the fast changing gambling environment.
According to the so-called Senate File 482, gambling events held with the aim of raising funds for charitable purposes will go under a special unified section. In addition, reporting will be modernized, outdated regulations will be updated and new technologies will be adopted. That was the information revealed by Senator Jeff Danielson. The above-mentioned amendments were passed on a 50-0 vote.
Although the majority of Iowa Senators supported the bill, they made certain changes, concerning the payment methods charitable organizations are allowed to accept. The idea for enabling them to accept credit cards was rejected. In other words, organizations that hold charitable gambling events will be enabled to accept debit cards, checks and cash but credit cards remain prohibited.
Senator Tony Bisignano, the initiator of the aforementioned amendment, commented on the mater and said that it is not too wise for someone to participate in gambling activities on credit. Although social gambling was a nice idea, it should not get players in trouble.
The other amendments in the bill were related to the increased amount of prizes given to participants in bingo games organized by religious or fraternal organizations. Up to now, they amounted to $100 but once the bill comes into force they will reach $250.
Certain amendments are to be imposed on the raffles and those that amount to less than $1,000 will not be required to present a license.
The popular devises, installed in restaurants and paying out prizes instead of money were also subject to reviewing. Up to now, every restaurant had to install no more than 2 machines but Iowa officials increased the number to 4.
Meanwhile, senators took into consideration the penalties that should be imposed when a player is caught cheating in a casino.
According to the existing laws, a player who attempts at cheating at the gaming table commits a Class D felony and may spend up to five years behind the bars.
Back in March, Iowa officials were urged to consider online gambling legislation. The state has been trying to legalize online poker for quite some time but no bill was passed. In case online gambling is legalized, state residents will not opt for placing their bets on the gray markets and the economy will greatly benefit. Although no imminent actions have been taken so far, people with knowledge on the matter remain hopeful that the legislation will not be stalled for long.
