DES MOINES(AP) - A state lawmaker says a small group of legislators is quietly assembling a compromise to allow gambling devices in adult-only establishments as a way to ease bar owners' concerns about Iowa's new smoking ban.

Rep. Brian Quirk, D-New Hampton, said allowing limited and "heavily regulated" gambling machines in bars could help offset a decline in business that some bar owners complain is a direct result of the smoking ban, which went into effect in July.

"We are looking at trying to remedy a problem," he told The Associated Press on Monday. He declined to identify the other lawmakers he's working with on the plan.

Quirk said the group is suggesting that gaming devices such as video Keno be allowed in adult-only establishments.

He noted that the Iowa Smokefree Air Act, which prohibits smoking in nearly all public places including restaurants and most bars, exempts casinos, putting bars at a disadvantage.

"We're creating this inequity between casinos and bars," he said. "If (bars) were allowed to have some type of gaming device, on a limited basis and heavily regulated, that would go a long way toward keeping their doors open."

The state went through a pitched battle several years ago when the Iowa Lottery began installing TouchPlay machines in thousands of retail outlets around the state. Critics complained that the machines were indistinguishable from slot machines.

The Legislature quickly banned the TouchPlay machines, and the state has agreed to pay out millions in settlements to TouchPlay manufacturers, distributors and operators.

While the TouchPlay machines were installed in all kinds of retail outlets from convenience stores to bowling alleys, Quirk's proposal would allow the gambling devices only in bars that are age-restrictive.

"It would not be TouchPlay, we've been down that road," he said.

The Democrat, whose party has control of both chambers of the Legislature, said he's considering having legislative staffers draft proposed legislation to explore the details of the measure.

Key leaders said they were interested in the idea, but not ready to endorse it.

"I'll keep an open mind on it, but I'm not prepared to commit to moving forward," said House Majority Leader Kevin McCarthy, D-Des Moines. "I do have a lot of empathy for some of the concerns raised by the bar owners."

McCarthy agreed there's a disparity between banning smoking in bars and allowing it in casinos, and he said that the gambling devices could possibly be a way to even things out.

"It's something I'm open to having a discussion on," said McCarthy. "I'm told there are some states that have them, heavily regulated and licensed."

Such a proposal could start a firestorm at the Statehouse.

The well-financed and politically potent gambling industry would likely view the idea as allowing serious competition in an area they currently have to themselves.

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