Dean Epps plays poker on a video gambling machine while waiting for his sandwich order at Riverbend Billiards & Grill on Friday, Dec. 21, 2012, in Alton. "It's less crowded than the boats," said Epps, who is in town from Colorado for the holidays visiting family. Epps was unaware of the recent law change which brought video gaming into local taverns before his visit home, but welcomes the new option. Photo by Laurie Skrivan, lskrivan@post-dispatch.com
LAURIE SKRIVAN •JEFFERSON CITY — Putting a question on the ballot asking if voters want to legalize sports betting could provide a path to banning illegal slot machines in Missouri, a top state senator said.