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- A Missouri House committee cleared HB 2989 to legalize video lottery terminals statewide and force removal of unregulated slot machines.
- If passed, the measure would create a state-run network in bars, truck stops, and similar venues, directing new tax revenue toward education and veterans while allowing local governments to opt out.
The Missouri House Special Committee on Public Policy voted 8–5 to advance House Bill 2989, sponsored by Republican Rep. Bill Hardwick, sending it to the full House for debate.
The bill would authorize the Missouri Lottery Commission to operate a network of video lottery terminals (VLTs) in locations such as bars, fraternal organizations, veterans’ halls and truck stops, with a cap of eight terminals per site and a minimum player age of 21.
All terminals must connect to a central control system for monitoring and revenue tracking. HB 2989 also targets the thousands of unregulated “no‑chance” or gray market machines currently in stores by giving vendors two years to remove them.
Supporters estimate a regulated VLT market could generate roughly $600 million for education, and raising casino entry fees from $2 to $4 could add about $55 million for veterans’ programs. Opponents, including the Missouri Chamber of Commerce, warn the bill “retroactively legitimizes unlawful operators, and it expands high‑risk gambling into vulnerable communities without adequate safeguards.”
Local jurisdictions could opt out
A legalized VLT system would increase legal, taxed betting options in everyday locations and likely replace many unregulated machines, which could improve oversight and prize reliability through the required central monitoring.
The 21+ age limit and state operation suggest stronger regulatory control, but critics say the legislation lacks specific responsible gambling safeguards and could concentrate machines in lower‑income areas.
Financially, the state expects significant tax and fee revenue, creating incentives for municipalities to allow VLTs – though local opt‑outs mean the market could become a patchwork of permissive and prohibitive jurisdictions.
HB 2989 now moves to the full Missouri House for debate and a possible floor vote; if approved, it would proceed to the Senate and then to the governor.
Based on reporting by Garrett Kerman for eSports Insider.
