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Committee hears hours-long testimony on bill to regulate video lottery terminals; sponsors outline transition plan for 'no‑chance' machines
Summary
The committee heard hours of testimony on House Bill 970, which would create state licensing and regulation for video lottery terminals, provide a transition for existing "no‑chance" machines, and impose limits and consumer safeguards for VLTs.
The committee held a full public hearing on House Bill 970, a proposal to establish a regulatory framework for video lottery terminals (VLTs) and to transition existing "no‑chance" gaming machines into a state‑regulated market.
Sponsor Representative Bill Hardwick opened the hearing by describing the bill as "a comprehensive regulatory framework for all gaming devices in the state of Missouri," saying it aims to provide regulatory certainty for businesses and route revenues to education via the state lottery fund. Hardwick told members the bill would create a licensing system administered by the lottery, with enforcement roles for the Highway Patrol and the state's gaming commission. He said the bill defines gambling similarly to existing law (a stake of value, a game of chance, and a payout) and would make "no‑chance" machines unlawful while providing a path for retailers to transition into the regulated system.
Attorney Alex Cosette, representing Torch Electronics, described the transition mechanics in detail. Under the sponsor's plan, the lottery commission would issue temporary stickers allowing current "no‑chance" machines to…
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