The Missouri Senate continues to hash out details regarding the amount of gambling that should be legal throughout the state. The chance that it will reach a definitive decision before its session ends on May 13 looks slim.
Part of the debate hinges on provisions that would allow the Missouri Lottery to install video gambling machines in truck stops, veterans halls and in fraternal clubs, something casinos statewide do not want to see.
Those in favor of video lottery machines argue that casinos should not get extra revenue if other venues are not included.
Some state prosecutors would prefer to see nothing pass due to the number of machines already installed that have been targeted as illegal gambling devices.
An additional complication for the state has been determining how much money has been spent on video games that offer cash prizes. These have gained a presence in truck stops and convenience stores during the last few years. Because vendors have called these “no chance gaming” machines and claim players can determine if they will win prior to playing, these devices are legal per state law.
Since the Supreme Court repealed PASPA in 2018, online gambling is currently available in 32 states, with 18 of those allowing for legal online sports wagering. According to the US Census Bureau, those jurisdictions represent more than 166.9 million people.
Missouri’s neighbor has recently taken significant steps to legalize sports betting. Kansas legislators approved a bill that will legalize sports betting statewide. A majority of the sports betting revenue generated will be used as an incentive for the Kansas City Chiefs to move from the team’s Missouri-based location over to the Kansas metropolitan side.
The Kansas Senate passed the bill by a 21 to 13 vote. Six GOP senators abstained from voting. The House also passed the measure in a vote of 73 to 49.
Kansas Governor Laura Kelly is soon expected to sign the bill into law.
Senate Majority Leader Caleb Rowden expressed his frustration that Missouri has yet to make the same move. He commented: “We just bring up the rear on a lot of stuff in this state. It is frustrating and I always say that the common sense stuff in this building, you know, usually has the hardest time getting across the finish line.”
