#Schatz

Missouri Gaming Association wants legislative action to stop the spread of illegal slot machines. The association estimates there are at least 14,000 illegal machines in use statewide. There are 16,500 legal ones in Missouri's 13 casinos. Senate Bill 10 did not advance past the committee stage. It would have targeted businesses that keep illegal machine more than 10 days after one is found. Right now, it's up to the Missouri Highway Patrol to investigate illegal devices.  The patrol confiscated 50 devices from two businesses in the Springfield area in June. They were used to play slot games.

Missouri Senate defeated a bill to expand gambling in the state. The bill also would have restricted unregulated devices that offer cash prizes to players. Some prosecutors have attacked the devices as illegal and others have refused to file charges over them. The biggest push for new gambling regulations has been in Senate, while similar bills in House have yet to receive a hearing.

Lawmakers renew effort to crack down on illegal gaming machines in Missouri.