In an unlikely pairing, the gambling industry is pushing a bill sponsored by a conservative Republican, Sen. Jack Goodman of Mt. Vernon.

His bill (SB1171) would place a two-year moratorium on licenses for new casinos.

The bill was spurred, in part, by the Missouri Gaming Commission’s recent decision to seek proposals for a new casino in Sugar Creek, in the Kansas City area. Those proposals are due March 11.

Ameristar, Harrah’s, Isle of Capri and Argosy already operate casinos in the Kansas City area. They say another casino would simply siphon off some of their business, rather than increase the market and the state’s gaming tax revenues.

Mike Winter, a lobbyist for the industry’s trade group, testified for the moratorium today. He said a two-year cooling-off period would let Missouri regulators evaluate the impact of increased competition from planned casinos in Kansas.

Gaming Commission Executive Director Gene McNary testified against the moratorium. He said legislators shouldn’t get involved in whether to issue more licenses.

“That’s why you have a commission — to treat it in a comprehensive manner, rather than to have the industry say, ‘We don’t think there should be any competition here,’” McNary said.

If the bill doesn’t pass, the gaming industry has another option: an initiative petition. A proposal ready for circulation would cap the state’s casinos at those already built or being built. It also would repeal the state’s $500 loss limit and raise gaming taxes slightly.

Secretary of State Robin Carnahan approved the petition’s wording today. That means supporters can start collecting signatures to get the plan on the November ballot. The deadline to submit the petitions is May 4.