DES MOINES, Iowa — A new bill introduced in the Iowa General Assembly aims to regulate the licensing of gambling games, including a moratorium on issuing new licenses until 2030. The bill, proposed by the Committee on Ways and Means and chaired by State Rep. Bobby Kaufmann (R), seeks to address the socioeconomic impacts of gambling on Iowans.

This comes after Lee County Republican State Sen. Jeff Reichman introduced Senate File 76 on Wednesday, which would also put a moratorium on new gaming licenses until June 30, 2030.

Both of these bills would halt Cedar Rapids’ casino plans.

Under the proposed legislation, the Iowa Racing and Gaming Commission would be required to conduct a comprehensive socioeconomic study every eight years, beginning in 2013. The study would assess the financial and societal impacts of gambling, analyze problem gambling and treatment programs, and evaluate the effects on community services such as public safety and infrastructure.

The bill also stipulates that from January 1, 2025, to June 30, 2030, the number of gambling licenses issued will not exceed 19. Licenses will be restricted to counties where gambling operations were already licensed as of January 1, 2025. The bill allows for licenses to be transferred within the same county if a facility is sold or if a license is surrendered, not renewed, or revoked.

Additionally, the bill introduces an inflation adjustment on initial license fees and mandates a study on internet gaming’s impact on Iowa’s gaming industry. The commission is expected to submit a report with findings and recommendations to the General Assembly by January 1, 2026.

The bill, deemed of immediate importance, will take effect upon enactment and applies retroactively to January 1, 2025.

The news comes as the the Iowa Racing and Gaming Commission is expected to hear oral arguments in Jefferson on Thursday morning, regarding a petition challenging the efforts to bring a casino to Cedar Rapids.