Iowa casinos allowed to cut security staff

The Iowa Racing and Gaming Commission has approved a revision in security staffing levels due to lower attendance as a result of the pandemic.

US.- The Iowa Racing and Gaming Commission has permitted casinos to cut back on security staff, amending plans made for the fiscal year.

The commission approved the revision due to lower attendance in properties as a result of the pandemic.

Racing and gaming administrator Brian Ohorilko said that without concerts, and with a decline in numbers in restaurants and other facilities, not as many security officers are needed.

He said: “There are variations depending on where these facilities are located — but overall we’ve seen a decline of approximately 25 to 30 percent year over year.

“It is still early and I think we are just not seeing a lot of the more casual gamblers or folks visiting the casinos to take advantage of the amenities and restaurants.”

Ohorilko said that despite lower visitor numbers, casino revenue was holding up.

He said: “A decrease in admissions should not be confused with the revenue. At this point, the revenue is still holding in there and nowhere near the decline that we’ve seen in regard to the admissions.”

The state reported strong figures for its first year of legal sports betting, which generated roughly $30m for the 19 state-licensed casinos.