One of the headline stories coming out of Iowa is the controversy about the Touchplay machines that the Iowa Lottery has installed into gas stations, grocery stores, and bars. These machines look, feel, and sound exactly like their slot machine counterparts except for the fact that every play is predetermined. This is a loophole that the Iowa Lottery used in order to get the machines installed.

The Touchplay Machine

I’m not even sure why the Touchplay machines are a controversy. They are nothing more than an interactive scratch ticket or a pull tab. Sure, there are going to be those who waste their money in attemp to win the top prize,which by the way is less than a scratch ticket at 1,000. People get addicted to everything! Are we going to stop selling Little Debbie treats and Mr. Pibb because they are addictive? No. If you want to play then you should be able to play.

Des Moines Register: The issue has been a primary focus for the Legislature since it convened in January. Some lawmakers say it’s become a distraction from more important issues.

‘‘I’m just surprised that with all the issues out there, like education … that this is taking up so much of our time,’’ said Rep. Wayne Ford, D-Des Moines.

Thank you Rep. Wayne Ford from Des Moines. At least somebody gets it!