Colombia imposes a temporary tax increase on iGaming
The Colombian government has imposed a temporary tax increase on iGaming, introducing a 19% value-added tax (VAT) for 90 days.The taxation is part of a fiscal strategy...
Missouri debates over VLT regulation
Missouri lawmakers are debating a bill that would regulate tax video lottery terminals (VLTs), creating a debate over legal clarity versus gambling expansion.
Introduced by Rep. Bill Hardwick (R-Dixon), House Bill 970 would place VLTs under the Missouri Lottery Commission. Currently, the state only has “no chance” machines (devices in bars and convenience stores that aren’t truly random). These machines exist in a legal gray area since Missouri law prohibits gambling outside regulated casinos. However, some people argue that the lack of randomness keeps them legal.
Bill Hardwick said:
“What we owe all the businesses in Missouri is regulatory certainty as to exactly what is authorized by the law and what is not.”
If passed, the bill would phase out unregulated machines and replace them with licensed ones. However, critics worry it would expand gambling. Missouri voters remain divided on gaming—while sports betting was narrowly approved in 2024, a proposed new casino on the Osage River failed.
Emily Weber said:
“Sports betting barely passed. Gambling in Missouri is not an overall thing that Missourians love.”
Another controversial part of the bill would prevent local governments from banning or regulating VLTs for a year. Rep. Elizabeth Fuchs (D-St. Louis) opposed this, arguing cities should have the right to be excluded if needed.
Efforts to regulate VLTs have long been tied to sports betting legalization. In 2023, then-Sen. Denny Hoskins even blocked a sports betting bill because it didn’t include VLTs. Now, the debate over their future continues.
Star Entertainment sells Sydney event complex to stay afloat
Star Entertainment Group is struggling financially and has sold part of its Sydney event complex and other spaces for $60 million to Foundation Theatres.This move comes...
