Gambling

Rep. Bill Hardwick, R-Dixon, is backing a bill to legalize gambling machines that are often found in truck stops and fraternal organizations.

The machines, called video lottery terminals, are often found in bars and convenience stores.

Missouri's sports betting legalization comes with a $5 million compulsive-gambling fund that proponents hope will help the state avoid the rise in addiction other states have seen as bettors started placing bets from their homes.

Missouri voters in November narrowly passed an amendment legalizing sports betting, but the system faces challenges before anyone can actually start gambling.

Critics say sports gambling revenue could have little effect in Missouri's education.

Backers of Missouri Amendment 2, which would legalized sports gambling, claim in TV and online ads that the resulting revenue will boost public education. But its detractors point out there is no evidence Missouri schools will see any benefit.

Secretary of State Jay Ashcroft initially said that the plan didn’t receive enough signatures in Missouri’s 2nd Congressional District.

If approved by Missouri voters, the development would include a hotel, convention center, restaurants and other attractions.

Cockfighting, the practice of fighting roosters, is a federal crime and illegal in all 50 states. But in Oklahoma, there’s an effort to lower the penalties for cockfighting that breeders say simply protects their right to raise roosters.

During the past two legislative sessions, the Missouri House of Representatives has passed bills legalizing sports betting in the state. However, its continued failure to advance in the Senate could lead to the issue being decided by voters instead.