MIssouri Gaming Commission

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.

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.

The Miller County gambling complex would cost $60 million, but first it requires a state-tribal compact and federal approval.

Both casinos are owned or partially owned by publicly traded Penn National Gaming Inc. of Wyomissing, Pennsylvania, which said the layoffs will be permanent although the casinos will remain open.