Senator wants to repeal gambling loss limits

JEFFERSON CITY — A Senate Republican wants to cap the number of casinos while increasing their taxes and repealing the limit on how much gamblers can lose.

The measure would add a 1 percent tax on casinos for revenues above $40 million.

That money would first go to expand a scholarship program for students attending community colleges. The rest would be split between early childhood development and education funds.

Missouri is the only state that limits gamblers’ losses at $500 every two hours.

Supporters say Missouri casinos could be at a disadvantage from new casinos in Kansas.

But critics say lawmakers made a promise that there would be loss limits when voters were asked more than a decade ago to allow gambling.