J&J Ventures Funds Missouri Primary Ads as VLT Debate Continues

JEFFERSON CITY, Mo.: J&J Ventures has contributed $266,000 to a PAC targeting a Missouri Senate candidate. The spending brings the state’s unresolved video lottery debate into a four-way Republican primary.

The Illinois gambling company is seeking legislation that would authorize video lottery terminals in Missouri businesses. J&J is also backing state Rep. Bill Hardwick, the principal House sponsor of legislation to legalize the machines.

J&J Is Sole Donor to PAC Targeting Kelly

J&J Ventures is the only reported donor to Legio XIII PAC, which was formed on May 13. Campaign finance and broadcast records show the PAC has spent at least $44,000 on radio advertisements in Springfield, Lebanon and Rolla.

The advertisements target former state Rep. Hannah Kelly and accuse her of being influenced by casino, marijuana and pharmaceutical interests. They also claim she missed 250 votes during her time in the Missouri House, although the advertisements provide no context for that figure.

The spots do not identify J&J Ventures as the PAC’s sole financial backer or explain the company’s interest in Missouri video lottery legislation. Neither J&J nor the PAC’s treasurer responded to the Missouri Independent’s requests for comment.

Hardwick is legally prohibited from coordinating with the PAC. He said he did not know about the advertisements and declined to discuss their content.

Video Lottery Bill Connects Spending to Gambling Policy

Hardwick has sponsored legislation that would create a regulated market for video lottery terminals in Missouri. His proposal has advanced through the Missouri House in each of the past two years but stalled in the state Senate.

J&J Ventures has contributed $4,000 to Hardwick’s campaign over the past two years, the maximum amount permitted. It also gave $95,000 to the Missouri Enterprise Fund, a PAC aligned with Hardwick that can accept unlimited contributions.

Legio XIII sent another $22,000 of J&J’s money to other candidates. The company has made approximately $2.3 million in direct and PAC-linked Missouri political contributions since January 1, 2025, according to the Missouri Independent’s review.

Hardwick has defended the video lottery proposal by saying communities would decide whether to permit the machines and that limits would apply where they are authorized. Opponents argue that expanding access could increase gambling harm and draw spending away from the state lottery and licensed casinos.

Casino Interests Are Also Funding the Race

Kelly has received $75,000 from gambling interests opposed to video lottery terminals since June 30. Penn Entertainment, which owns two Missouri casinos, contributed $50,000, while the Missouri Gaming PAC, representing the state’s 13 casinos, provided $25,000.

Kelly said she did not solicit those contributions and that the donors shared her opposition to video lottery legalization. Hardwick acknowledged that gambling interests are funding both sides and said campaign attacks have distorted the positions in the race.

The other Republican candidates are state Rep. Don Mayhew and Philip Lohmann. Mayhew opposes video lottery legalization, while Lohmann supports allowing adults to use the machines.

The primary will determine which Republican advances in a district that has generally favored the party. With the chief House sponsor seeking a Senate seat, the result could affect how Missouri’s video lottery proposal returns to the legislature.

RELATED TOPICS: Regulation