JEFF CITY TO WEIGH TOTAL GAMBLING BAN IN NOVEMBER VOTE

Gambling remains very much in the forefront around Missouri. For example, revenue reports indicate riverboat gambling operations are generating more revenue for the state than predicted, although there don't seem to be any offsetting moves to reduce the tax burden in other areas. In effect, the extra state revenue is a bonus for the state coffers -- money that wasn't anticipated in the budgeting process.

Of course, the riverboat operators are reaping more profits than expected, thanks to the initial hefty interest in the gambling operations, several of which are only a few months old. How long the better-than-anticipated level of gambling will continue is anybody's guess. And the Missouri Gaming Commission is taking a cautious position on granting any more licenses until it sees how well the existing riverboats do.

Meanwhile, the current $300 loss limit imposed on gamblers who visit Missouri riverboats is under pressure too. Proponents of raising -- or even eliminating -- the limit suggest that gamblers would lose even more money that could be shared by Missouri schools. So far, all of the publicity about increasing the loss limits has been directly linked to more funding for education, although Missouri taxpayers already are being forced to pay an extra $300 million-plus for the Outstanding Schools Act, and there is no clear evidence so far that the state has better educational opportunities as a result. So would more education funding from gambling make a real difference?

The state's constitutional amendment that permits riverboat gambling figured prominently in a planned vote Nov. 7 in Jefferson City. The constitution requires communities that have riverboat potential to submit the idea to local voters before boat operators start making any plans. Jefferson City voters will be asked to approve an amendment in that city's charter that imposes an outright ban on gambling in the capital city. If successful, the charter change wouldn't even allow the local vote provided for in the state constitution.

Proponents of riverboat gambling in Jefferson City -- and there are some -- challenged the planned city vote to change the charter, suggesting the move would violate the state constitution. Not so, said Cole County Circuit Court Judge Byron Kinder, who rules the issue could go on the ballot.

As Missourians gain more and more experience with riverboat gambling, there will continue to be watchful eyes on the revenue produced and how it affects overall taxation and spending in the state.