Legislation that would legalize gas station gambling fails in Senate committee

By Ray McCarty

May 7, 2026 - HB 2989 (Rep. Hardwick), a bill that would have legalized gambling in areas outside casinos in violation of the Missouri Constitution, was voted down in committee yesterday.

Associated Industries of Missouri has consistently opposed the legislation. Operators of such machines have operated illegally in Missouri for years, unfairly competing with legitimate games that do not offer cash prizes.

Despite ongoing investigations by federal, state and local law enforcement agencies, a jury in federal court finding devices are illegal in a lawsuit brought by members of AIM that operate legal amusement devices, and the launch of cases against operators of these machines by Attorney General Catherine Hanaway, the Missouri House sent the video lottery bill to the Senate. Senate President Pro Tem Cindy O'Laughlin created a special committee on gaming and referred the bill to that committee. AIM testified against the bill. Read more about the bill in our earlier story HERE.

While the bill was voted down 5-0, with Democrats and Republicans unified in opposition, an amendment was threatened on an economic development bill today. We will continue to oppose the legislation if it appears on other bills.

The legislative session ends May 15 at 6:00 p.m.