The latest plan to legalize slot machines in gas stations and bars barely squeaked out of the Missouri House Wednesday.
After more than an hour of debate, the measure designed to tax and regulate gambling machines that have flooded the state in recent years now moves to the Senate, where top leaders have signaled the concept is a nonstarter in the final weeks of the legislative session.
The measure was approved 83-73, just one vote over the minimum needed to advance. The vote was held open more than 15 minutes to allow House leaders to twist enough arms for final passage.
Members of the Republican supermajority split 54-54 over the bill, with minority Democrats providing the remaining 29 votes needed.
