Missouri House Minority Leader Crystal Quade has introduced House Bill 2835 to address unregulated gaming machines and to legalize sports betting in the state.
Unregulated gaming machines in Missouri have been controversial for years, with some state gaming officials arguing that they are illegal.
“I have been contacted for quite some time by constituents all across the state about these slot machines. No matter where you go, whether it’s a gas station or walking through your neighborhood, they are everywhere. It’s quite a problem. Unfortunately, nobody is doing anything about them. Unregulated slot machines are not going away, and it’s past time for the Legislature to act,” she said.
HB2835 would legalize and regulate the machines to ensure they’re fair and compliant. It would also limit businesses to having no more than five machines, which must be situated away from children. Businesses would also be required to pay state taxes on the machines, providing a new source of state revenue that could amount to as much as $500 million.
“Some will go into education and some will go into public safety. I think those are places that Missourians would be very happy to see this money go,” Quade said about potential tax revenues.
The bill would also authorize sports betting, in line with growing demand after progress made in nearby states, such as Nebraska, Illinois and Kansas.
“We know sports wagering has been a big priority for lots of folks for a very long time. And that’s only increased since our neighboring states have legalized,” Quade added.
Eight bills relating to gaming or sports wagering have been filed in Missouri. Among them is an initiative led by the state’s pro sports franchises, including the St. Louis Cardinals and St. Louis Blues. Last week, Missouri pro teams collected more than 100,000 signatures supporting this campaign.
