Legislation aimed at bringing Dave and Buster's FEC chain to the US state of Iowa is set to go before the Governor for consideration.
The Iowa Senate recently gave the measure final approval despite warnings by opponents who predicted it represents an expansion of gambling. Critics suggested the bill could cause a repeat of a controversy that ended in 2006 after Iowa lawmakers banned thousands of TouchPlay gambling machines installed in taverns, convenience stores and grocery stores.
Iowa law currently limits "amusement concession" prizes to US$100 or less, a provision discovered by attorneys for Dave and Buster's as the company explored opening restaurants in Iowa. The current law regulates the traditional operation of redemption machines and the prizes redeemed. Dave and Buster's, however, offers prizes like tablets or gaming consoles with value exceeding the current limit. The new proposed legislation raises the limit to US$950.
Iowa State Senator Dan Dawson, who was the bill's floor manager, strongly disagreed with the idea that the legislation will represent an expansion of gambling. He said there is no comparison between a Dave and Buster's restaurant adjacent to his legislative district in Omaha and Iowa casinos that operate in the Council Bluffs area.
"For everyone who is worried about a slippery slope, this is not the bill," Dawson said.
