Keno is a lottery-like gambling game often found in casinos and lottery retailers. Players pick numbers ranging from 1 to 80, and 20 numbers are randomly drawn. Payouts are based on how many of the player’s numbers match the draw. Keno is popular for its fast action and potential for large payouts on small bets. However, its availability varies by state and jurisdiction. So an important question for gamblers and lottery enthusiasts is: is there Keno in Missouri?
The Current Status of Keno in Missouri
The short answer is no, there is currently no state-run Keno game available in Missouri. Keno was once offered by the Missouri Lottery from 1993 to 1995, but was discontinued due to lack of revenue and interest at the time. The state also briefly offered a virtual Keno game at fraternal organizations from 2003 to 2004, but this was also discontinued.
Since then, there have been occasional attempts to bring Keno back to Missouri, but none have been successful so far. Supporters argue that a new, improved Keno game could generate more revenue for education programs in the state. However, opponents counter that the social costs could outweigh any financial benefits. The debate continues, but for now, traditional Keno games remain unavailable through legal lottery channels anywhere in Missouri.
Nearby States Where Keno is Legal
While Missouri residents currently can’t play Keno at home, the game is legal just across the state borders in several neighboring states:
Illinois
The Illinois Lottery has offered Keno since 2012. It’s available at hundreds of licensed retailers throughout the state, including bars, restaurants, convenience stores, and more. Keno in Illinois offers drawings every 4 minutes from 6am to midnight daily, with tickets starting from $1. Top prizes go up to $100,000.
Kansas
The Kansas Lottery launched Keno in 2017. Drawings are held every 5 minutes from 6am to midnight Monday to Saturday, and 6am to 10pm on Sundays. Tickets start at $.50 and top prizes range from $3,500 to $100,000 depending on the amount bet.
Arkansas
Arkansas has had a state Keno game since 2004. It’s available at over 1,900 retailers. Drawings are held every 4 minutes from 6:30am to midnight daily. Tickets cost $1, $2 or $5, with top prizes up to $50,000.
Oklahoma
Oklahoma voters approved a state lottery including Keno games in 2004. The Oklahoma Lottery launched its Keno offering in 2006. Drawings are every 4 minutes from 6am to midnight daily. Players can bet 60 cents to $5 on spots, with top prizes ranging from $499 to $25,000.
Other Gambling Options in Missouri
While Keno is not offered, Missouri does have a range of other legal gambling options:
Missouri Lottery
The Missouri Lottery offers in-state drawings for multi-state games Powerball and Mega Millions. It also offers Scratchers, Draw Games with daily drawings, Pull-Tabs, and terminal games. Lottery proceeds go to public education.
Casinos
There are over a dozen riverboat casinos located around the state. Most offer table games like blackjack, craps, roulette and poker along with electronic gaming machines. The minimum gambling age is 21.
Bingo
Nonprofit organizations can be licensed to hold bingo games. Mini baccarat and pull-tab games are also allowed.
Pari-mutuel wagering
Betting on live horse racing is legal in Missouri at licensed racetracks. Simulcast betting on races from other states is also allowed.
Efforts to Bring Keno to Missouri
While Keno is currently prohibited in Missouri, there have been efforts to change that in recent years:
HB 1941 (2020)
This bill would have authorized video lottery and Keno. It passed the House but did not advance in the Senate.
HB 2111 (2018)
This legislation would have allowed fraternal and veterans’ organizations to offer electronic Keno games. It passed the House but was not taken up by the Senate.
HB 1767 (2016)
This proposal would have permitted Keno games at locations licensed to sell liquor by the drink. It did not make it out of committee.
Despite these unsuccessful attempts, some lawmakers continue advocating to legalize Keno in Missouri. Supporters argue it could generate millions annually for education, infrastructure, and other state services. However, opponents doubt revenue projections and cite social costs. The debate seems likely to continue in upcoming legislative sessions.
Outlook for the Future
Despite past failures, there still appears to be legislative interest in bringing Keno to Missouri. Several other states have shown that with the right model and marketing, a Keno game can be popular and deliver solid revenue. Other factors that may support future legalization efforts include:
- Growing acceptance of gambling nationwide
- Need for new revenue sources without raising taxes
- Tourism benefits from new gaming options
- Lower regulatory hurdles compared to casino gaming
Of course, opposition will remain from religious groups and other anti-gambling organizations. Public perceptions about the social costs of gambling could also impede momentum. But with neighboring states continuing to profit from Keno’s appeal, legalization in Missouri may be politically viable down the road.
Overall the long-term prospects for Keno in Missouri remain uncertain. But if an innovative, well-regulated, and appropriately marketed Keno model gains traction in the state legislature, Missouri residents could one day have the option to legally play this popular draw game without crossing state lines. For now, hopeful Keno players will need to look elsewhere or wait and see if changing attitudes and economic factors eventually bring legal Keno to Missouri.
The Case For and Against Keno in Missouri
Given the repeated attempts to legalize Keno in Missouri over the past decade, it’s helpful to examine the potential pros and cons of allowing the game:
Potential Benefits of Legalizing Keno
- Could generate tens of millions annually for state education programs, infrastructure, etc.
- Give residents a new entertainment option without having to travel out of state
- Create new jobs at establishments offering Keno
- Provide a “voluntary tax” by capturing revenue from players willing to gamble
- Boost traffic and sales at bars, restaurants, stores that offer Keno
- Let proponents claim victory after years of legalization efforts
Potential Drawbacks of Legalizing Keno
- Unproven how much revenue it would actually produce
- Possible rise in problem gambling and gambling addiction
- More state resources needed to regulate Keno games
- Questions over effectiveness of using gambling revenue to fund education
- Moral and religious objections over expansion of legal gambling
- Possibility that Keno sales may mainly cannibalize existing lottery sales
There are good-faith arguments on both sides of this issue. In the end, the decision of whether to legalize Keno involves legislators weighing these potential benefits and costs for Missouri’s economy and society. The verdict could ultimately depend on whether lawmakers believe a regulated Keno system would do more good or harm.
How Keno Might Work in Missouri If Legalized
Based on how other states run their Keno games, here are some possibilities for how Keno might be implemented if legalized in Missouri:
Locations
Keno would likely be offered in places already selling lottery games, such as gas stations, convenience stores, supermarkets, and liquor stores. Restaurants, bars, fraternal clubs, and casinos would be other prime locations. A statewide network of hundreds of retailers could potentially offer the game.
Ticket Prices and Payouts
Ticket prices would probably range from $1 to $5, with an option to play additional consecutive draws. Payouts for matching some or all numbers could result in many small prizes and a slim chance at a top prize up to $100,000. For every $1 played, around 70-80 cents might be paid back to players over time.
Drawing Schedule
To promote frequent play, drawings could be held every 4-5 minutes. Drawings from 6am to 2am daily would allow keno to be played almost around the clock.
Number Selection
Players might choose from 1-10 numbers from 1-80 on each ticket. Spots (number picks) and amount bet would determine payout amounts. Computerized random number generators could be used for fair drawings.
Winnings
Smaller prizes up to hundreds of dollars might be paid out automatically by retailers. Jackpot wins would be paid by the Missouri Lottery following validation procedures. Winnings would be subject to Federal and State tax withholding.
Revenue Distribution
Most net Keno proceeds could go to education programs, with additional funds for gambling addiction treatment and administrative costs. Local municipalities could also potentially receive a share of revenues from Keno sales in their jurisdiction.
Again, this is simply a conjecture of one way Keno could work if legalized. Real-world implementation might differ greatly based on the enabling legislation and regulations enacted. But examining potential models can further discussions on whether Keno makes sense for Missouri going forward.
Keno’s Track Record in Other States
How has Keno fared in other states where the game has been adopted? Looking at their experiences can help gauge how successful and profitable Keno might be if introduced in Missouri:
| State | Year Launched | Revenue in First Full Year |
|---|---|---|
| Connecticut | 1993 | $101 million |
| Oregon | 1992 | $167 million |
| Michigan | 2011 | $318 million |
| Georgia | 1993 | $426 million |
| Maryland | 1993 | $500 million |
In mature Keno states, annual revenue now ranges from $200 million to over $1 billion. Population and demographic differences make it hard to predict potential Missouri earnings. But the data shows Keno can generate substantial revenue when introduced to new markets.
On the other hand, states like South Dakota and Montana have discontinued Keno due to lackluster returns. So outcomes are not guaranteed. Careful launch planning and marketing would be critical if Missouri adds Keno to help the game find its audience.
Problem Gambling Concerns
One major public health concern around Keno is the potential for it to enable problem gambling issues and addiction. Key points in this debate include:
- Critics argue the frequent drawings and fast pace of Keno promote compulsive gambling behavior.
- Proponents counter that responsible gaming programs and funding for treatment can mitigate risks.
- However, it’s true that Keno offers more bets, more action, and more immediate reinforcement than intermittent lottery drawings.
- Estimates suggest 1-2% of adults have a gambling problem, with higher rates among frequent gamblers.
- If Missouri adds Keno, responsible gaming resources would need to be a high priority.
Problem gambling seems to have a passionate opposition in Missouri. For example, the group Stop Predatory Gambling stated: “Keno takes the worst aspects of slot machines and lottery and combines them into a rapid-fire game that addicts people quickly.”
Yet things like proof of age, play limits, self-exclusion options, and publicly funded treatment programs could help counteract risks. Still, lawmakers would need to weight public health costs versus revenue benefits if considering legalization.
Public Opinion on Gambling Expansion
Polls show Missouri residents are split when it comes to their views on gambling:
- A 2016 survey found 44% in favor of more casinos vs. 40% opposed.
- On slot machines, 48% were in favor and 44% opposed in that poll.
- A 2020 study by the Brookings Institution showed 46% support for casinos in Missouri vs. 44% against.
- Younger adults tend to be more supportive of gambling expansion than older residents.
- But there are few polls specifically gauging opinion on Keno itself in the state.
Regional variation also plays a role – unsurprisingly, those living closer to existing casinos tend to have more positive views towards gambling. Opposition remains strongest among rural and religious conservative voters.
Elected officials in Missouri will have to weigh public sentiments along with economic arguments when considering Keno legalization. Although public opinion is divided, support for gambling does appear to be gradually increasing over time across the U.S.
The Ongoing Balancing Act in Gambling Policy
In looking at the debates around Keno in Missouri, themes emerge that apply more broadly to gambling policy issues:
- Weighing moral objections vs. personal freedom – Some oppose gambling expansion for moral or social reasons. Others view it as an issue of personal choice.
- Projecting state revenue vs. societal impact – Estimates for revenue potential from new gambling must be weighed against harder-to-quantify costs like addiction.
- Seeking consensus across a divided populace – With public opinion split on gambling, consensus is difficult. Compromise regulations may displease both expansion advocates and opponents.
- Reconciling gambling’s mainstream appeal vs. its addictive risks – Most can participate responsibly in gambling, but it holds unique risks for a vulnerable minority.
- Balancing state oversight role vs. business interests – States must aim to effectively regulate gambling while not stifling industry growth and revenue.
These are complex tensions without easy answers. For controversial issues like Keno, creative policy solutions that address diverse concerns may hold the most promise for success. The discussion continues in Missouri’s ongoing quest to shape balanced gambling policies.
Conclusion
In summary, while the classic casino game of Keno is not currently legal in Missouri, there have been efforts to change that. Neighboring states do offer regulated Keno lottery games that attract many Missouri residents.
Proponents argue Keno could generate substantial revenue for education and state programs. However, critics counter that the potential social costs outweigh the fiscal benefits. Public opinion polls reveal mixed views on expanding gambling options.
Estimating Keno’s income potential versus public health impact remains a key challenge. If enabling legislation ever passes, details such as licensing, regulation, problem gambling resources, and revenue allocation would need resolution.
Missouri’s experience mirrors larger themes of balancing freedom, entertainment revenues, addiction concerns, and moral objections surrounding gambling. For now, the Show Me State continues to cautiously debate if or how to introduce this fast-paced, lottery-style game. The lure of Keno revenues will likely continue tempting lawmakers, but future legalization is uncertain given the complex issues involved. Only time will tell if Keno joins the roster of permitted gambling options in Missouri moving forward.