MOScout Daily Update: MSHP Hits Gray Machines - Rook Announces - MO GOP To White House - MO Economy Dips and more...
MSHP Hits Gray Machines?
Post-Dispatch reports that the Missouri State Highway Patrol has filed charges against two gas station owners for “possession of gambling device.”
These “gray” machines have been at the heart of legislators’ angst for the last couple sessions as they grapple with their expanding presence across the state. The machines were designed to fall outside the legal definition of gambling, but most folks acknowledge that’s how they’re perceived and used. Steven Tilley’s Strategic Capital Consulting lobbying firm has successfully repelled legislation aiming to explicitly criminalize the machines.
The probable cause statement explains the officer’s thinking: When attempting to determine whether the device constitutes a game of chance versus a game of skill, the "prize viewer'' feature demonstrates that neither a player's skill, nor knowledge can change the outcome. Knowing the outcome in advance does not remove the chance-based determination. Further, being able to remove consideration upon learning of the outcome does not remove the element of chance because, as designed, the game requires a player to move past the immediate play for the chance that the next will be a winning game.
Why It Matters
This action could force courts to make a determination about the legality of the machines, potentially sparing the legislature from one more fruitless round of negotiating.
Senate 20: Rook Announces
And just like we have a Republican primary in Senate 20. Lori Rook announces on Sen. Curtis Trent’s birthday!! The tagline – “an ACTUAL conservative” – hints that Rook plans to run to Trent’s right…
But one MOScouter says Trent will fire back: Lori Rook is making a mistake running against Curtis Trent. No one laid a glove on her when she was an also ran in a multi way primary for Treasurer. But primarying a sitting state senator will bring a lot of scrutiny…
Lawmakers to White House
Get ready for social media posts from Republican lawmakers heading to Washington DC to visit the Trump White House this week…
O’Toole Passes
Obituary: James (Jim) Patrick O’Toole, age 67, of St. Louis, Missouri, passed away peacefully in his home on July 3, 2025.
· Jim dedicated his life to service, hard work, and community. He served as a Captain in the St. Louis City Sheriff’s Department, worked for the state of Missouri, and represented his district as a Missouri State Representative from 1993 to 2003. He was a proud member of Plumbers and Pipefitters Local 562 and the owner of ABC Pest Control.
· In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Jim’s honor to the Pancreatic Cancer Action Network (PanCAN) to support research and patient support services. A memorial visitation will be held at Kutis South County Chapel (5255 Lemay Ferry) on Thur. 7/10 from 4-8PM, with a funeral service on Fri. 7/11 at Noon. Services will conclude at funeral home.
MO 1Q GDP Dipped
Missouri’s economy shrunk in the first quarter of 2025 at an annual rate of -1.8%, according to the Bureau of Economic Analysis.
Gubby Appts
Governor Mike Kehoe appointed…
· Kimberly Clinton, of Webb City, was appointed as the Jasper County Circuit Clerk.
· Karisha Devlin, Ph.D., of Edina, was reappointed to the Missouri Agricultural and Small Business Development Authority.
· Susan DiRaimondo, of St. Louis, was appointed to the St. Louis City Board of Election Commissioners.
Help Wanted
Missouri House of Representatives seeks Legislative Analyst. The Legislative Analyst is a professional, non-partisan, staff position in the House Research Division and performs policy research and analysis for committees and members of the Missouri House of Representatives. The position is full-time and is eligible for Missouri state benefits. Starting salary begins at $5,833 per month…
New IP Filing
Missouri Right To Education filed its initiative petition. It would modify Article IX, Section 1, that refers to the state’s obligation to provide education. See the filing here.
$5K+ Contributions
CN-MO PAC - $25,000 from Bally's Corporation (Providence, RI).
Lobbyist Registrations
Sydney Henry added Google LLC and Its Affiliates.
Birthdays
Happy birthdays to Fred Kratky, Ryan Hobart, and Eddie Roth.