Missouri Intensifies Crackdown on Illegal Gambling Machines as VLT Bill Stalls in Senate
Missouri State Capitol via Pixabay
Missouri officials are intensifying enforcement against unregulated gambling machines following a federal court ruling that so-called “skill game” devices are illegal under state law. At the same time, a bill that would legalize video lottery terminals (VLTs), which supporters argue could replace illegal machines, has stalled.
Court Rules ‘No Chance’ Games Are Illegal
Last month, U.S. District Judge John A. Ross ruled in TNT Amusements, Inc. v. Torch Electronics, LLC, that the devices manufactured by Torch Electronics are “gambling devices” under Missouri law (Mo. Rev. Stat. § 572.010). Therefore, they’re illegal under Missouri law when operated outside a licensed casino.
Operators have argued that because players could see results before playing, or because skill influenced outcomes, the devices did not meet the legal definition of gambling. The court disagreed.
The ruling builds on an October 2025 jury verdict in the same case, in which jurors found that Torch misrepresented the legality of its machines and violated Missouri law.
The decision marked a significant development in Missouri’s long-running battle over unregulated slot-style machines. It has effectively removed one of the operators’ primary legal defenses.
Enforcement Against VLTs Intensifies in Missouri
Following the court decision, Missouri Attorney General Catherine Hanaway and local prosecutors have intensified enforcement against businesses operating these illegal machines.
In Jackson County, Prosecutor Melesa Johnson announced a joint effort with Hanaway, warning operators to remove the machines by July 1 or face criminal charges.
“For far too long, these gambling devices have operated in our county completely unregulated, and the people of Jackson County have paid the price,” Johnson said. “We finally have the authority and partnership we need to act.”
On March 18, Hanaway announced two first-degree felony charges against the managing officer of Briarwood One Stop in Brookline, a Greene County convenience store. The officer is accused of operating 12 illegal slot machines.
The Greene County charges follow an enforcement action by Hanaway in February. Her office filed five lawsuits against Dunklin County businesses accused of operating illegal gambling machines, including VLTs and fishing table games.
VLT Bill Passed in the House, Stalls in Senate
Enforcement actions come amid legislative efforts to legalize VLTs. Supporters frame legalizing VLTs as a way for business owners to generate revenue from regulated devices rather than unlicensed terminals like Torch’s “no chance” games.
House Bill 2989, which passed in the House last month, proposes:
- Allows licensed retailers to operate VLTs under a licensed framework.
- Caps machines at eight terminals per location, with local governments able to reduce the limit to five.
- Imposes a 31% state tax and 3% local tax on adjusted gross gaming revenue. The remaining income is split 50/50 between operators and retailers.
- Imposes an annual $1,250 fee per terminal.
- Establishing a statewide regulatory structure.
HB 2989 allows local municipalities to opt out of VLT operations.
The bill’s path forward, however, remains uncertain. The legislation has been referred to the Senate, where it is facing resistance from key lawmakers, including Senate President Pro Tem Cindy O’Laughlin. Critics have raised concerns about potential social impacts.
Opposition has also emerged from the casino industry, where slots remain the primary driver of revenue.
The bill has sat in the Senate for a month with limited action. Still, O’Lauhlin has said it will receive a hearing, which has not yet been scheduled.
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