The Iowa Racing and Gaming Commission will not authorize new casino licenses and will seek a study on the impact of new casinos. The five member commission made its decision Thursday morning at a meeting in Johnston.

At least five communities have said they want to build new casinos: Fort Dodge, Franklin County, Newton, Ottumwa and Tama. Iowa has 20 casinos, and it’s been three years since the state accepted new applications. Four casinos have opened in the last two years.

Operators of existing casinos have opposed expansion, arguing that increased competition would worsen a problem of flat revenue.