As Missouri considers expanding gambling, Accel Entertainment, a prominent operator of video gaming terminals (VGT) in Illinois, is making campaign contributions to politicians in the Show-Me State.
Accel is facing challenges in Illinois, which has prompted the announcement.
In September 2020, the Illinois Gaming Board (IGB) fined Accel $5 million as part of a deal made with DraftKings. The agreement also included allowing DraftKings advertisements to appear on VGT machines operated by Accel.
DraftKings is not at fault, however, the IGB claims that Accel unlawfully offered money to prospective clients in order to steer business towards them instead of other operators. Accel is disputing the penalty.
Joe Miller, the spokesman for IGB, informed the St. Louis Post-Dispatch:
The case is currently being heard by an administrative law judge, and the IGB has chosen not to provide any comments on the ongoing legal proceedings.
Despite this, Accel has donated significant amounts of money to various social candidates in Missouri. Specifically, on August 24, it contributed $15,000 to the House Republican Campaign Committee.
Accel also donated $28,000 to Tom Dempsey of St. Charles, a former Missouri Senate President, last year. The funds were then distributed to various officials.
Gold Rush Amusements, an Illinois VGT technician, is also investing tens of thousands of dollars in activities in Missouri.
Have donations significantly impacted Missouri’s gaming regulations? Below are the latest developments in the ongoing debate over gaming expansion in MO.
Missouri betting news
Missouri is exploring the legalization of retail and online sports betting, in addition to VGTs.
The Illinois VGT industry is experiencing rapid growth, and with Missouri also contemplating VGTs, it is understandable why operators are advocating in the state.
The recent gambling bill S 98 did not pass in the state Senate this week. According to a statement by bill sponsor Denny Hoskins:
I am disheartened that Senate Bill 98 was halted on the Senate floor last night. However, I am not discouraged. Instead of the current unregulated, illegal market in Missouri, I will continue to work with others to establish a regulated gaming environment that will generate over $200 million in new revenue for veterans and education.
Missouri does not allow VGTs in its gaming establishments. Despite various sports betting proposals in the state, the government has yet to find a solution that satisfies all stakeholders.
VGTs are very popular in Illinois.
Illinois boasts the largest Video Gaming Terminal (VGT) industry in the nation. In just one month, the machines generated $64.8 million in tax revenue for the state in July.
This is one of the reasons why online casino legislation has stalled in Illinois. Video gaming terminal (VGT) operators are concerned that online casinos would take away their customers, and many Illinois politicians agree with this viewpoint.
In Missouri, online casinos are not part of the gaming proposals, but the situation is similar. Companies like Accel are actively involved in the legislative process with a specific objective.
