Illinois-based video gaming companies J&J Ventures and Accel Entertainment recently formed the Mo Coalition for Video Lottery political action committee to direct campaign contributions to Missouri legislators who could legalize video gaming machines. The unregulated machines have proliferated in Missouri gas stations, truck stops and bars in recent years.
Since 2016, J&J, headquartered in Effingham, Illinois, has contributed more than $100,000 to Missouri politicians, including Governor Mike Parson. The company’s website urges businesses to contact J&J to possibly earn “an additional $80,000 per year through video gaming.” The website states, “Once permitted, J&J Gaming will install state-of-the-art video slot machines in your establishment. Not only will we act as your premium service provider, but we’ll remain dedicated to your long-term success. Once video gaming is legalized in Missouri, we look forward to partnering with establishments like truck stops, restaurants, bars, fraternal organizations, veteran organizations and more.”
Based in the Chicago suburb Bolingbrook, Accel Entertainment Gaming has given $130,000 to Missouri lawmakers’ campaigns since 2019. The company supports legislation that would allow Missouri establishments with liquor licenses to offer a limited number of video gambling machines. Revenue from the games would go toward education.
Missouri’s 13 licensed casinos have blocked efforts to regulate and tax video gambling machines for fear the games would cannibalize their revenue. The casinos are pushing for legalizing sports betting, which could provide a revenue stream to offset potential video gambling losses.
Meanwhile, the Missouri companies Torch Electronics and Warrenton Oil also are contributing large sums to politicians who support legalizing the video gambling. The two companies have given $350,000 to six political action committees tied to lobbyist and former Missouri House Speaker Steve Tilley. The state has accused Torch and Warrenton Oil of operating thousands of illegal slot machines. In turn, the companies have sued the state, claiming they’re being unfairly harassed by the Missouri State Highway Patrol which has taken steps to remove the machines from some locations. Torch officials said their games are legal games of skill.
State Senator Denny Hoskins has sponsored Senate Bill 906 that would charge businesses offering the unlicensed machines with a felony and fine them up to $10,000 per machine. In addition, those businesses could lose their lottery retailer licenses.
“Currently, Missouri is the Wild West of illegal gaming devices. Nobody knows if taxes are being paid, nobody knows what the payouts are and nobody knows if the consumer is protected. If this legislation passes, all of those problems with the current state of affairs will be addressed and solved,” Hoskins said.
He added, “Missourians have a right, if they chose, to be entertained by playing legal devices. As lawmakers, we have a responsibility to ensure they are not taken advantage of and that our schools are receiving the funding they are entitled to receive.”
