Missouri gambling laws could change if a bill to regulate gaming machines outside of traditional casinos passes.
In a move that could forever change the Missouri gambling landscape, lawmakers are considering legislation that would allow gamblers to legally play on individual gaming machines outside of brick-and-mortar casinos.
House Bill 970 would regulate and license these machines, addressing what proponents call a gap in the current gaming framework.
Currently, many gaming machines operate in a legal gray area. This debate has been added to the smoke-free casino debate in Missouri.
Gaming Regulations Outside of Casinos in Missouri Are Murky
In Missouri, gambling is only legal if you do it inside a licensed casino. However, many gaming machines have been operating without oversight, thanks to a legal loophole. Recent court rulings have made the situation even more confusing.
The legality of these machines is a hot topic. While gaming machines are legal in nearby Illinois (and online gaming could be next), it’s not so clear-cut in Missouri. Opinions vary, and everyone seems to be waiting for a clear answer from either the courts or the legislature.
Marc Ellinger, an attorney for the Missouri Gaming Association, told 4 News in St. Louis that only 13 casinos are allowed to run "games of chance" in the state. These casinos follow strict rules and pay taxes, and they include:
- Harrah’s North Kansas City
- Hollywood Casino St. Louis
- Horseshoe St. Louis
He points out that 20% of their revenue goes directly to support education, and each casino visit generates $2 for local cities and veterans' services. The question remains whether gaming machines outside casinos will become part of this regulated system.
What Would HB 970 Change in Missouri?
Erin Schrimpf, a spokesperson for J&J Gaming Ventures, an Illinois-based company, told KFVS TV: "What we have right now are illegally operated gaming machines that are not authorized by the Missouri Lottery or the Missouri Gaming Commission."
The legislation seeks to bring these machines into the fold of legality. In the interview with KFVS, Schrimpf, who supports the bill, points to an existing demand among Missourians. "In Missouri, there is a clear demand among consumers for access to these local gaming opportunities," she stated.
The proposed law, she suggests, is about "offering gaming options fit for local community standards, while ensuring that consumers are protected and the integrity of the games is maintained."
While the bill works its way through the House, the discussion surrounding gaming machines continues to evolve.
Missouri Gaming Commission Supports Legislation
KFVS also spoke to Jan Zimmerman. She is the Chairwoman of the Missouri Gaming Commission, and expressed general support for regulation, despite not being familiar with the specifics of HB 970.
"I think any type of law or legislation that provides some sort of mechanism for those machines to be regulated would have to be a good thing," Zimmerman said. She emphasized the importance of regulation to ensure compliance and fair payouts.
Zimmerman also noted recent issues surrounding gaming machines in Dunklin County, where machines were seized for operating outside the Commission's purview. She reiterated that her agency does not currently regulate gaming machines outside of casinos, underscoring the need for legislative action.
As House Bill 970 continues to be debated, it remains to be seen whether Missouri will embrace this shift in gambling regulation. For now, the emphasis lies on creating a legal framework that satisfies both regulatory agencies and consumer demands.
Some casinos in Missouri offer online platforms where you can play free slots, video poker, blackjack, and other games. These platforms, known as sweepstakes or social casinos, are completely legal because the games use virtual coins rather than real money.
