Gov. Signs Bingo Gambling Expansion

Gov. Jay Nixon signed SB940 (see related post MO Expands Bingo Gambling-5/16/10) saying it should help boost revenues for non-profits “serving” their communities. The expansion takes effect August 28. Besides expanded fees and some increased record keeping, organizations can soon expand how often and how long games take place as well as increase advertising costs and content. (Not the kind of community “service” Missourians need!)

Over the past 15 years, the number of “legal” bingo games are half what they were since MO opened its doors to casino gambling. (Talk about a gambling gateway!)  Now, bingo sponsored by charitable, religious, fraternal, veteran and service organizations get their increased piece of the action as well as the state through increased fees. This is not the kind of economic development MO needs and certainly not through these complicit and compromising means. Again in this case, the welfare of the people is not the supreme law. Shame on the governor and shame on the MO legislature.