A plan has emerged at the statehouse that would give the state’s casinos authority to take sports bets from customers in the casinos AND from customers anywhere in the state using a smart phone app.

Brad Epperly (EHP-er-lee), a lobbyist for the Iowa Grocery Industry Association, says grocers and convenience store owners are disappointed they aren’t allowed to offer a sports LOTTERY — but the casinos may take bets from smart phones.

A representative of Iowa’s casino industry calls the plan an “ideal solution.”

The next step for THIS bill is debate in the Senate State Government Committee. Another senate committee is expected to weigh in on how high the state tax rate will be on sports wagering profits. On Thursday, a HOUSE subcommittee will examine a very similar plan for legalized sports betting and it DOES include a proposed tax rate — of less than seven percent.