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.

A Missouri Senate committee heard two bills on Wednesday that would legalize sports betting. While one addresses only sports gambling, another also allows the establishment of video gaming terminals.

Wildwood-based Torch Electronics, which is accused of operating illegal gambling machines in Missouri, made six $40,000 donations this week to a constellation of political action committees run by its lobbyist, former House speaker Steve Tilley.

Missouri lawmakers are considering the biggest expansion of gambling in the state since voters approved riverboat — and ultimately riverside — casinos three decades ago.

Bills would ban ‘pre-reveal’ machines, expand casino offerings and allow for video lottery games.