(Radio Iowa) – The Iowa House has overwhelmingly voted to extend a moratorium on new casinos in Iowa until 2029. The current moratorium will expire July 1st. Representative Bobby Kaufmann, a Republican from Wilton, says this is a policy decision for lawmakers, not state gambling regulators.

Kaufmann says the commission has vague rules for considering casino license applications and the bill strengthens those guidelines. Representative Sami Scheetz, a Democrat from Cedar Rapids, says the proposed rules would effectively block Cedar Rapids from getting a casino license.

Shortly before 1 a.m. Saturday the House approved the extended casino moratorium and new regulations for casino applications on a 71 to 21 vote. The Senate must approve the policy, too, before it could go to the governor for review.