Iowa panel to mull casino requests

DES MOINES (AP) — A state panel will meet Thursday to consider adding to Iowa’s 20 casinos in a decision that could determine the fate of a proposed Jasper County casino. The Iowa Racing and Gaming Commission will discuss at a meeting in Johnston whether to take applications for gambling licenses. It’s been three years since the state accepted applications, and five communities are lined up with requests: Fort Dodge, Franklin County, Newton, Ottumwa and Tama. Proponents of expansion argue that there’s a demand for more gambling options and that casinos could give communities a big economic boost. “You know, nobody likes to have competition move in, but we think that you could increase tourism by having more gaming in central Iowa,