Most Iowans against Internet gambling, poll shows

A February poll suggests that Iowans are against legalizing Internet gambling.

The Des Moines Register Iowa Poll says 73 percent of the people polled opposed the idea. Twenty-three percent favored the idea, and 4 percent weren't sure.

The Legislature is considering a bill introduced shortly after the poll took place. The bill would legalize only online poker. Iowans would play each other only. Iowa casinos would do the shuffling and dealing at virtual tables.

Sen. Jeff Danielson, D-Waterloo, introduced the bill. He says he's confident that when Iowans know the bill's specifics, more of them will back it.

The poll of 800 Iowa adults was conducted Feb. 13-16 by Selzer & Co. of Des Moines. The poll has a margin of error of plus or minus 3.5 percentage points.