DES MOINES, IA - April 28, 2011 - Legislation that would allow gamblers to bet on horse races over the phone or via computer made it through a House committee Wednesday.

The gaming bill also wrapped up several other long-standing loose ends for lawmakers and people involved in the racing and gaming industry, including:

* A requirement that the Iowa Racing and Gaming Commission study Internet gambling and produce a report for lawmakers by Dec. 1.

* A change to the law that requires voters to approve by referendum the continuing existence of the casinos every eight years. Under the legislation, there is a single eight-year review. After that review, a referendum would go on the ballot only if 10 percent of the residents of the county who voted in the previous presidential or gubernatorial election sign a petition calling for it.

* A deal between the state's various horse breeders and race tracks over purses.

Rep. Ron Jorgenson, R-Sioux City, was one of three "no" votes on the 23-member committee. He said he had an issue with the provision that eliminates the automatic referendum every eight years.

Other lawmakers, even those who voted for the legislation, said they were concerned about keeping people who aren't supposed to gamble from being able to gamble with remote wagering.

Read more: Quad-City Times