Gaming machines spreading across Missouri present new addiction concerns
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COLUMBIA, Mo. — For Albert Newsome, the short drive to play the slots at the Fast Lane gas station near his house is more appealing than making a 20-mile trip to the nearest casino in Boonville.
“Twenty miles is a long way to drive just to play a machine,” he said on a recent afternoon. “This is easy and convenient.”
Newsome’s experience illustrates the draw of these flashy devices, popping up at gas stations, bars and clubs across the state.
But the machines have spread under the radar, meaning there are no addiction resources available, and no rules to ensure a fair experience for gamblers. What’s more, researchers who study gambling addiction consider slot machines one of the riskiest forms of gambling.
According to the Missouri Gaming Commission, slot machines are only legal — and regulated — inside the state’s 13 licensed casinos.
For machines outside of casinos, there are no gambler exclusion lists, no anti-addiction programs and no rules that govern acceptable payouts.
Newsome, 68, of Columbia, said he didn’t realize the games were unregulated, and that there was no law ensuring he had the same chance of winning big at the gas station as he does at the riverboat.
“Oh really?” he asked. “I learned something today.”
