Associated Press - July 1, 2009 8:34 PM ET

DES MOINES, Iowa (AP) - Under a new state law, any minor caught trying to sneak onto an Iowa casino's gambling floor will face a $500 fine.

The law went into effect Wednesday.

Wes Ehrecke, president of the Iowa Gaming Association, says the measure is aimed at putting some teeth into efforts to bar underage persons.,

Iowa law prohibits persons younger than 21 from entering casino floors. The casinos can be fined up to $20,000 if an underage person is discovered gambling.

Ehrecke says the casinos are preparing signs to place at gaming floor entrances to inform patrons of the new law and will work with law enforcement to ensure compliance.

Information from: The Des Moines Register, http://www.desmoinesregister.com

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