Missouri may soon rule on video gambling terminals

A lawsuit in Missouri may help decide on video gambling terminals’ legality in the state, as lawmakers failed to legalise sports betting and slot machines.

US.- Even as the gambling industry evolves in the US, some states continue to fail to update their regulations. Such is the case of Missouri, where video gambling terminals remain in the spotlight.

However, a lawsuit against a Kansas-based supplier of gambling devices could help the gambling expansion. The issue is whether five machines placed by Integrity Gaming LLC in two shops are skill-based or not.

“We know that this will impact our sales in the future,” lottery chief May Scheve Reardon said. “It’s going to drastically affect the money that’s being returned to education.”

“We continue to see a proliferation of machines throughout the state. They are starting to pop up more and more,” Senate President Pro Tem Dave Schatz said. “We’re trying to figure out what’s the appropriate way to move forward.”

The proposed legislation

Missouri lawmakers considered a legislative piece that would expand gambling in the state. If passed, HB 423 would’ve become the largest expansion since Missouri established the casino industry in 1994.

The law would’ve allowed thousands of new lottery slot machines at retail facilities in the state. Despite establishing the industry in 1994, in 2008 there was another vote that limited the number of land-based facilities within its boundaries to 13.

Had it been approved, the proposal would have had a significant impact across Missouri’s rural areas. Hundreds of slot machines could be located in convenience stores, restaurants and other types of facilities as well.