Peninsula Gaming LLC received a cool reception this morning when its top officials presented plans for a second Greater Des Moines casino to the Polk County Board of Supervisors. At the end of a half-hour information session, more than one supervisor expressed skepticism about the idea and none offered encouragement.

Peninsula operates the Diamond Jo casinos in Dubuque and Northwood, as well as facilities in Louisiana. Company CEO Brent Stevens assured the board that not only would a second racing and gambling facility, Prairie Meadows South, increase the local gambling market, but that there would be “no risk” for existing Prairie Meadows Racetrack and Casino stakeholders.

“Even if Prairie Meadows revenues contract,” Stevens said, “the existing stakeholders cannot make less.”

“Having served for so long and heard so many things, I’m skeptical,” Supervisor John Mauro told Stevens. “How are you going to guarantee this risk? You’ll have to show me.”

Stevens, Chief Financial Officer Natalie Schramm and Chief Operating Officer Jonathan Swain gave a brief overview of a license-sharing plan being discussed with the Prairie Meadows board, and also showed video testimonials from city leaders in Dubuque.

The Peninsula team offered financial projections showing that a new casino in the southwest corner of Des Moines would produce $132 million in annual revenues, building the local gambling market to $286.3 million.

Supervisor Robert Brownell complained that, although the proposed site is in his district, he had not been previously contacted by Peninsula. He wondered aloud whether “perhaps the advice you’re getting is that because I’m a member of the minority party, what I think doesn’t matter.” All in all, Brownell said, “I remain skeptical.”

Supervisor Tom Hockensmith, whose district includes Prairie Meadows, told Stevens, “I have not found one constituent in my district that supports another casino.

“We’re building synergies with the new Bass Pro Shop and the Iowa Speedway, and frankly, I think a second casino would have a negative impact on those.”

Angela Connolly, the chair of the board, said, “I’m not sure a second casino is what we need right now.”