Missouri House committee recently approved a bill that would require purveyors of unregulated video slot machines, like Torch Electronics, to convert to regulated lottery games or shut down within 18 months. The bill, sponsored by Republican Rep. Bill Hardwick, received mixed reactions from committee members, with concerns over regulatory clarity and due diligence. Torch Electronics, which has previously fought legislative efforts against its machines, stands to benefit from the bill as it aims to enter the legal, regulated market.
Industry lobbyists and casino representatives have expressed opposition to the bill, citing concerns over competition and illegal games. The proposed legislation would allocate revenue from video lottery games to state and local governments, terminal providers, and retailers. It is estimated to generate $404 million in government revenue once fully deployed, with a portion earmarked for education programs.
Hardwick emphasized the need for regulatory clarity, revenue generation for education, and support for local businesses. The bill would task the Missouri Lottery with licensing and regulating video lottery terminals, while requiring operators like Torch to obtain state approval for each machine. The implementation of regulated lottery games would phase out unregulated machines currently in place.
The bill’s approval signals a potential shift in the landscape of gambling in Missouri, as the state grapples with the legality and regulation of video lottery games. As the debate continues, the fate of Torch Electronics and other operators of unregulated machines remains uncertain, pending further legislative action.
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