(KTTS News) — Springfield could become the first city in Missouri to ban gaming machines that offer a cash prize.
Springfield City Council heard first reading on a bill Monday night.
It could vote on the issue in two weeks.
Press Release
Springfield City Council considered a bill at its Jan. 22 meeting regulating entertainment devices offering monetary prizes. “No-chance” games are starting to proliferate in Springfield and the bill seeks to prohibit their operation due to reported negative impacts on neighborhoods. Citizens provided nearly an hour-long testimony in reaction to the bill. Video of the testimony and meeting can be found at CityView.Springfieldmo.gov.
The measure leaves undisturbed legitimate arcades that may offer toys and similar items as prizes as well as live games that may offer monetary prizes. Examples include games offered for fan entertainment during sporting events, which are not viewed as creating the same negative impacts on neighborhoods created by no-chance devices.
City officials started seeing these devices appear in locations throughout the community a couple of years ago and Council members have received complaints about the negative impact this activity has on the surrounding neighborhoods.
“Entertainment devices offering monetary prizes can result in detrimental impacts to the players of such devices, including financial hardships and increased reliance on public assistance,” said Mayor Ken McClure. “Regulation is necessary for the protection of the public health, safety, and welfare of our community.”
