Political donations from gambling-related businesses have risen sharply in Missouri ahead of renewed efforts to legalise video lottery terminals (VLTs), according to campaign finance records analysed by the Missouri Independent.
The report found that gambling operators, casino companies, sports betting interests and related political action committees (PACs) have contributed more than $4m to Missouri political campaigns since the beginning of 2025, with approximately $3.4m directed toward legislative candidates and affiliated PACs.
Among the largest contributors is Illinois-based J&J Ventures, one of the largest retail gambling terminal operators in the US.
The company has donated $3.5m to Missouri campaigns since 2015, including more than half of that total during 2025.
Shortly after the Missouri legislature adjourned in May, J&J donated $200,000 to PACs aligned with lawmakers who have supported VLT legislation.
Representative Bill Hardwick, sponsor of a VLT bill that passed the House but stalled in the Senate, and Senator Jason Bean, who has publicly backed the proposal, were among the recipients. Bean has stated he believes there is sufficient support in the Senate to bring the legislation to a vote in a future session.
Supporters argue that regulating VLTs would generate new tax revenue, replace the state's unregulated "grey market" machines and provide greater oversight of gambling activity.
Estimates suggest Missouri could support around 35,000 terminals, potentially generating $600m annually for the state.
Opponents, including outgoing Senate President Pro Tem Cindy O'Laughlin, have questioned further gambling expansion on both moral and constitutional grounds, arguing that any new form of gambling should first receive voter approval.
The debate comes as Missouri prepares for another legislative push to determine whether regulated video lottery terminals should become part of the state's expanding gambling market.
More generally, the story echoes wider international scrutiny of gambling industry political influence. In Australia's Capital Territory, an independent lawmaker has introduced a bill to ban political donations from the gambling sector entirely, citing concerns that financial ties to operators are stalling broader gambling reform efforts.
Missouri legalised sports betting through a statewide ballot measure in 2024, while every other currently legal form of gambling in the state has also been approved by voters through constitutional amendments
