Missouri lawmakers are considering a measure allowing casinos to loan money to patrons, something opponents say could make things worse for those with gambling addictions.
The St. Louis Post-Dispatch reports that the House Financial Institutions Committee added the change onto a banking bill Wednesday with no debate. Committee members endorsed it by a 13-1 vote, sending the measure to the full House after the Rules Committee approves it.
Gamblers who pass a credit check would be able to borrow money and exchange it for electronic tokens and chips for wagering.
Proponents say the change would help attract high-end gamblers. But Jamilah Nasheed, a St. Louis Democrat, says lawmakers should try to help protect problem gamblers from themselves.
