(Radio Iowa) – Casinos in western Iowa will have some competition in the future after Nebraska voters approve gambling legislation in November. Iowa Racing and Gaming administrator, Brian Ohorilko says there are still many unknowns. “There’s no question that the authorization of gambling in Nebraska will have an impact on the markets in Council Bluffs and in Sioux City. So, the operators are watching very closely,” Ohorilko says. He says Iowa casinos will know more once gambling details are worked out in the Nebraska market. “What specifically is permitted in the state and what those facilities will look like in terms of size and scope,” he says.

Ohorilko says new casinos always get attention. “That Council Bluffs market is the largest market in terms of overall volume in Iowa and most people in the industry do believe that it will have some impact in Iowa,” according to Ohorilko. “Just typically when there is new competition we’ll see folks that will try those facilities and at the end of the day customers will go to where they feel most comfortable and what is most convenient in terms of proximity.”

He says the key is for Iowa’s casinos to take steps to hold the customers from across the boarder — and they are working on that. “Many of the facilities in Iowa are looking at potentially capital projects that will keep their facilities fresh and able to compete,” Ohorilko says.

Ohorilko says this is somewhat similar to the way casinos on the eastern border had to make changes to meet the increased competition from Illinois.