DES MOINES (AP) — Iowa Gov. Terry Branstad said Monday that he has not ruled out the possibility of backing a measure being debated in the Legislature that would legalize Internet poker.
Branstad said he would need to learn more about the proposal if it cleared the Legislature and reached his desk, and he acknowledged that many Iowans already play poker illegally on the Internet using sites based outside the country.
“Some of the people who are promoting it are saying, ‘You’ve got this illegal offshore gambling that’s going on,’” Branstad said at a press conference. “We want to prevent that from occurring, and this would be a way of having it done legally, instead of it being done illegally without the state getting any benefit from it.”
The measure to legalize Internet poker has won approval in a Senate committee and is awaiting debate in the full Senate.
Asked whether he would veto the bill, Branstad had no immediate answer. “It’s usually my policy not to threaten a veto on anything until I see it in its final form.”
Backers said the fact that Branstad is open to the idea will probably give the proposal momentum.
“It helps,” said Sen. Jeff Danielson. “There are all kinds of subject matters out there that are difficult and complex. Gaming is one of them.”
During his initial tenure as governor, Branstad signed into law much of the legalized gambling that is on the books in Iowa, although he says he doesn’t support gambling. During his most recent campaign, Branstad said Iowa, which is in the process of building its 18th casino, “is saturated” with gambling.
Money also gives the proposal momentum. Lawmakers are struggling to close a projected state budget gap of more than $500 million next year, and Internet gambling has been projected to generate about $30 million for the state.
“The people of the state of Iowa have supported legal gaming,” Branstad said, “however, there is a concern about the illegal activity that is going on” on the Internet.
One of the key arguments made by backers of the Internet gambling measure is that state regulation is the best way to protect Iowans who are already playing poker on the Internet.
Branstad agreed.
“Protecting the integrity of the state is the most important responsibility,” he said. “We want to protect our citizens from being defrauded by unscrupulous activity.”
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