lottery

More than a year after Missouri voters narrowly approved the legalization of sports betting, the books are now open across the state. Missourians wagered more than $543 million in December, although the state made little tax revenue from that. Now a bill could legalize video lottery terminals.

Legislation that legalizes and regulates the video gambling machines, often found in gas stations, passed the Missouri House last year but did not make it through the Senate. People under the age of 21 would be barred from playing.

A lottery player won the biggest jackpot in Missouri history on Sept. 6, thanks to a Powerball ticket sold at a QuikTrip in north St. Louis County. The winner will split a nearly $1.8 billion prize.

The machines, called video lottery terminals, are often found in bars and convenience stores. Currently, the only machines operating in Missouri are what are known as “no chance” machines because they don’t have truly random results.

Backers of Missouri Amendment 2, which would legalized sports gambling, claim in TV and online ads that the resulting revenue will boost public education. But its detractors point out there is no evidence Missouri schools will see any benefit.

A Missouri Senate committee heard two bills on Wednesday that would legalize sports betting. Among those in support of the bills were representatives of all six of Missouri’s professional sports teams.

The Mega Millions' estimated jackpot has increased to a total of $1.35 billion — the second-largest jackpot in the game's history, officials say.

Currently $20 million of the state’s annual $400 million in gaming revenue goes toward veterans. A state lawmaker wants voters to increase that share.

Only 45,000 of Missouri adults who received the vaccine since the state announced its vaccine lottery have entered the statewide drawing. That's fewer than 15% of the 600,000 people who entered the drawing for $10,000 prizes, which ends next month.

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This story was updated on June 24 at 11:02 a.m. to include the comments of Clark's attorney. A Missouri lottery winner who borrowed money from a bank,…