Lamberti on Cedar Rapids casino: 'It was clearly the right decision'

DES MOINES — During a TV taping today, Iowa Racing and Gaming Commission Chairman Jeff Lamberti forcefully backed the commission's 4-1 vote that denied a casino for Cedar Rapids.

'I can't solve all the world's problems, I can decide what kind of industry we're going to have,' Lamberti said during the recording of Iowa Public Television's 'Iowa Press' program. 'I know people in Cedar Rapids are disappointed with the decision, but I think it was clearly the right decision.'

Commissioners rejected the proposed $164 million project on Thursday, largely because of the effect it would likely have on existing casino revenues. Iowa law gives the commission the authority to determine where and how many casinos can operate in the state.

Ernie Goss, a Creighton University economist and co-author of 'Governing Fortune: Casino Gambling in America,' who also appeared on the show, supported that opinion.

'Any casino you open in Iowa, and I don't care where you open it, is going to cannibalize some activity from another casino,' he said.

Lamberti said the model the commission uses is to have a few 'destination' casinos that require large investment and protection. He said the Iowa Legislature and governor have the ability to change that model if they want to.

'I don't think Iowa wants a bunch of small slot parlors,' he said.

Also Thursday, the commission ruled that the Argosy in Sioux City must shut down by July 1 because it lacks a valid license.

About 300 people are employed there. Some of them may get hired by the under-construction Hard Rock Casino.

'We obviously stay out of the business of who they hire, but we told, when we started this business, we told the employees we'd try to keep that business open as long as possible relative to the opening day of Hard Rock,' Lamberti said during a short interview after the taping.

He said the Hard Rock expects to open by the end of July, so 'there may be a window,' or period of time, when neither casino is operating in the city.

'Iowa Press' is scheduled for broadcast at 7:30 tonight and at noon Sunday, April 20. The program also will be broadcast on IPTV World at 8:30 a.m. Saturday, April 19. Iowa Press will be available online beginning this evening at Iptv.org.

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