DES MOINES -- An Iowa Senate committeeapproved a bill yesterday to get rid of the Iowa Lottery's controversial TouchPlay machines, according to report by the Associated Press.
The bill is similar to one approved on Tuesday by a state House committee, as reported yesterday in CSP Daily News. That measure would ban the machines and give businesses 30 days to get them out of their stores.
The state legislature authorized the TouchPlay machines in 2002, but many lawmakers complained that they were misled by lottery officials [image-nocss] about their use. More than 5,000 machines are in convenience stores, taverns and grocery stores around the state.
Governor Tom Vilsack has created a task force to look at the issue. He ordered a moratorium on installation of the machines until the group makes its recommendation, which is expected next week.Members help make our journalism possible. Become a CSP member today and unlock exclusive benefits, including unlimited access to all of our content. Sign up here.