HCS SS SCS SB 345 -- CRIME OF GAMBLING

CO-SPONSORS: McKenna (Treadway)

COMMITTEE ACTION: Voted "do pass" by the Committee on Ways and Means by a vote of 18 to 3.

This substitute excludes from the definition of gambling or gambling device any amusement device that confers only an immediate right of replay for something of value that does not exceed $25. The something of value must be immediately redeemed on the premises, must not be cash, intoxicating liquor, nonintoxicating beer or tobacco products, and cannot later be sold, transferred, or redeemed for any consideration. The amusement devices may not be games of chance or replicate games of skill used in casino gambling or allow a player to accumulate credits in excess of $25 in value.

In addition, the substitute allows individuals to own slot machines if the slot machine is not used for gambling purposes. Ownership of a slot machine will not be the basis for prosecution for any gambling offense under current law.

FISCAL NOTE: No impact on state funds.

PROPONENTS: Supporters say that this bill will clarify the legality of amusement devices used for entertainment purposes in pizza parlors, amusement parks, and state fairs.

Testifying for the bill were Senator McKenna; St. Louis Slot Machine Company; Missouri Amusement and Machine Operators; Acme Music Company; Missouri Association of Beverage Retailers; and the Bowling Proprietors Association.

OPPONENTS: Those who oppose the bill say that similar language passed in Texas has been used to allow slot machines to be operated and that allowing gambling by youth has been shown to increase the chances that they will become problem gamblers later in life.

Testifying against the bill was Casino Watch.

Bill Tucker, Research Analyst

Return to the Missouri House of Representatives