A bill to authorize video lottery games in gas stations and other locations suffered a decisive defeat Wednesday in a Missouri Senate committee, ending for another year hopes of vendors hoping to replace unregulated games.
With no discussion, the Senate Select Committee on Gaming voted unanimously against the House-passed bill. The committee was set up by Senate President Pro Tem Cindy O’Laughlin to consider the bill, and she made herself the chair.
O’Laughin, a Republican from Shelbina, has been a long-time opponent of video lottery games and said nothing she’s heard has changed her position.
“My problem is it’s horrible for all the communities, and if we want to expand gaming, we can put it on the ballot,” O’Laughlin said.
