After narrowly passing sports betting legislation in November, Missouri is now introducing a bill that would legalize Video Lottery Terminals (VLTs) in the state. The possibility has been a hotly contested one in the legislature in recent years, often entangled with the sports betting effort.
VLT legalization was a feature of previous sports betting bills in Missouri, but held up the advancement of sports wagering. However, even as sports betting operators get ready for their December 2025 launch, Sen. Karla May is keeping VLT proponents’ hopes alive with Senate Bill 16, making the machines a standalone issue.
Adding Video Lottery Terminals would expand the gambling options in Missouri in the short term. However, they could equally become a stumbling block for other gambling expansion, especially when it comes to the future hypothetical of online casinos for The Show-Me State.
What the VLT bill entails for Missouri
SB16 would authorize and establish the Video Lottery Control Act. The bill was introduced by Sen. May on Jan. 8.
Should it pass through the Missouri legislature, it would allow the Missouri Lottery Commission to implement a series of VLTs while also issuing licenses to manufacturers, distributors, operators, handlers and retailers.
VLTs would be allowed to operate in the following spots:
- Fraternal organizations
- Veterans organizations
- Truck stops
- Business entities licensed to sell liquor and only allow patrons 21 years of age or older
Each business would be required to file application fees and annual license fees. They would also be required to pay commission of 36% of the VLTs adjusted gross receipts. That tax revenue would go toward education funds in Missouri.
The fraternal organizations, veterans organizations, and truck stops would be limited to 10 VLTs at each location. All other qualified businesses would be limited to five.
Cost for customers playing the VLTs would be anywhere from $0.01 to $5. No cash award for the maximum wager played on any individual game will exceed $1,000.
How would VLT legalization impact online casino expansion?
Some legislatures were pushing for VLT legalization to accompany efforts to legalize sports betting in the state. However, pairing the two kept either from gaining much ground. Sen. Denny Hoskins was one of the biggest proponents of VLTs. However, he was recently named Missouri Secretary of State during the November elections.
At the same time, sports betting was officially made legal in Missouri on its own when its ballot measure passed with just 50.05% of the vote.
It’s unclear just how much momentum SB16 has and what potential the bill has for being passed.
However, it would be another expansion of regulated gambling in the state should it move forward.
While that is a positive sign for gambling in Missouri, it could also be a serious threat to the prospects of online casinos finding a home in the state.
Other states that have implemented VLTs or legalized skill games have seen those same industries heavily oppose iGaming expansion. They find it to be a threat to their potential revenue and probably do have more to worry about on that front than retail casinos.
Retail casinos are a multi-faceted entertainment experience, distinct from online play. On the other hand, VLTs’ selling point is largely convenience of access, something that online casinos do better. Should customers have the option for online casino play, it could easily prove more appealing than making a trip to a corner store, bar, or gas station to use VLTs. The terminals also can’t offer the same size of jackpots as an online casino.
Already in Missouri we have seen brick-and-mortar casinos oppose sports betting legalization over similar fears. However, casino operators can sometimes be coaxed by the benefits of online casinos. In other states, like Illinois, the VLT industry has proven to be a much more stubborn opponent.
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