JEFFERSON CITY - A flat gambling fee on Missouri casinos could decrease state revenue from gaming. The Senate Appropriations Committee discussed the fee in their meeting on Nixon's proposed budget for 2013.

The $1 increase is predicted to generate $50 million in revenue, Luebbering said, which would be used to increase the veterans fund and generate enough money to build a veteran's home. She said there is a waiting list of 1,700 veterans who want to live in the home. 

Some lawmakers said they are worried the admission price increase could force casino-goers across state lines. Sen. Will Kraus, R-Jackson County, said he is skeptical because the increase could affect casinos in the Kansas City area.

"We're hopeful that these can move in advance of anything else and really make it through," Luebbering said. "They are reasonable initiatives that we think there's wide support for. We don't see any reason why they can't pass."  

No legislation has been proposed to change this part of Nixon's proposed budget. The budget isn't official until it passes a majority vote in the General Assembly.