\u201cEach casino pays a different fee,\u201d Ohorilko explained to KIWA. \u201cThat fee is based on a formula that is dependent on the number of gaming agents that would be assigned to the property.\u201d<\/p>\n
Fees range from $2,000 to $3,500 a week. With racing costs added, Prairie Meadows pays the most, about $14,000 a week, Ohorilko said.<\/p>\n
During this period of time when the industry is closed, the commission is deferring all regulatory fees for the agency,\u201d Ohorilko was additionally quoted by KIWA. \u201cThe DCI [Iowa\u2019s Division of Criminal Investigation] has also agreed to do the same.\u201d<\/p><\/blockquote>\n
Iowa Casinos Remain Closed<\/h2>\n
Currently, Iowa\u2019s commercial casinos are closed through April 30 after an order by Iowa Gov. Kim Reynolds, a Republican.<\/p>\n
\u201cWe support this difficult but necessary decision, as it is imperative to contain this coronavirus and slow its community spread,\u201d the Iowa Gaming Association said in an online statement about the temporary closings. \u201cWe look forward to the day when we can \u2026 reopen to provide a fun patron experience and \u2026 bring back the employees who are the backbone of delivering stellar customer service.\u201d<\/p>\n
The association also notes shuttering the venues protects players, workers, and the communities in which casinos are located. When open, Iowa\u2019s commercial casinos attract thousands of players and guests weekly, the association adds.<\/p>\n
The state\u2019s commercial casinos employ about 8,800 workers, many of whom are now furloughed by the casinos. \u201cThey\u2019re just hopeful like everyone else that life gets back to normal and they can open up — even if it\u2019s on a limited basis,\u201d Ohorilko said.<\/p>\n
In a recent Facebook post, Prairie Meadows told the public: Stay Home. Stay Safe.<\/p>\n
\u2026We all wait for this unprecedented event to pass. We are sanitized and ready to welcome you back when it is deemed safe. Blessings to all of you to stay safe and healthy,\u201d the post adds.<\/p><\/blockquote>\n
Last month, Prairie Meadows donated six pallets of perishable food to the Des Moines Area Religious Council.<\/p>\n
Iowa Gaming Association President and CEO Wes Ehrecke<\/a> told the Des Moines Register <\/em>in March “These are unprecedented times. It\u2019s imperative for everyone to be cognizant of flattening the curve and minimizing the exposure to the virus.\u201d<\/p>\nEhrecke has stayed in touch with staffers from US Sens. Chuck Grassley and Joni Ernst (both R-Iowa) about the federal stimulus package.<\/p>\n
Iowa Coronavirus Cases<\/h2>\n
As of Sunday, Iowa\u2019s total number of positive COVID-19 cases is 1,587. The total number of deaths is 41.<\/p>\n
Iowa will see 565 COVID-19 deaths during the pandemic, according to a projection from the University of Washington, as reported by the Des Moines Register<\/em>. Also, Iowa could see the \u201cfirst peak\u201d in coronavirus cases during mid- to late-April, the report adds.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"The Iowa Racing and Gaming Commission (IRGC) is giving extra time to the state\u2019s 19 licensed gaming properties to pay fees while casinos are shuttered by the coronavirus pandemic. Typically, casinos pay the fees weekly. But last week the commission gave flexibility to the venues, and up to five weeks\u2019 worth of fees from the […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":44,"featured_media":132881,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[13592],"tags":[],"acf":[],"yoast_head":"\n
Iowa Delays Collecting Weekly Fees from Casinos during Pandemic<\/title>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\n\n\n\n\n\t\n\t\n\t\n