Gambling

Supporters of the bill said that while they weren’t eager to expand access to gambling, it would be more harmful to leave the machines unregulated.

For more than five years there have been legislative efforts, ultimately unsuccessful, to expand legal gambling through video lottery games and sports wagering.

The horse racetrack’s new owner, Accel Entertainment, plans to build a new casino, put in a restaurant, improve the track and eventually build a concert venue over the next three years.

Secretary of State Denny Hoskins rejected speeding up the process to begin sports betting.

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.