<div id="subtitle">Iowa panel backs sports betting but congressional action needed before such gambling is legal</div><div><p>An Iowa Senate subcommittee has unanimously approved a bill legalizing sports betting in Iowa, but even backers conceded they have a long way to go before such gambling is legal in the state.</p><p>The measure would allow betting on professional sports at the state's 17 casinos.</p><p>Only four states — Delaware, Nevada, Oregon and Montana — had laws on the books allowing sports betting when Congress approved a ban on sports betting in 1992. Those state were allowed to continue, but others can't join them unless Congress repeals that ban.</p><p>The bill, which was approved Wednesday and faces more committee discussion, is among several gambling proposals being considered by Iowa lawmakers as they look to find money to close a budget shortfall estimated at $400 million or more.</p><img src="http://admatch-syndication.mochila.com/images/ad.gif?aid=68445026&bid=informcom" /></div><div id="copyright"><div>

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