Video gambling machines up in St. Louis?

There is an ongoing debate over whether the terminals should be allowed outside of casinos.

The discussion over the legality of unregulated slot machines in Missouri looks set to continue, as lawyers turn to a state appeals court for a decision on the future of the machines. 

Meanwhile, in St. Louis, the number of potentially illegal gambling terminals registered in the city has reportedly risen from 50 to 250 since 2019, with some of the terminals becoming a common fixture in places like retail stores. 

The Missouri Lottery has complained about the growing number of machines in the state, suggesting their presence could take people away from scratch cards and other lottery products.

Spokeswoman Wendy Baker said: “Everyone has been surprised by the spread of these machines, both in Missouri and around the country.” 

Similarly, the Missouri Gaming Commission has deemed the machines as “gambling devices,” and the association representing the casinos has said the machines could be taking players away from the casinos. 

Indeed, the Missouri Gaming Association is asking the state for another chance to prove that unregulated slot machines in places like gas stations, bars and truck stops represent illegal competition. 

Back in October, Torch Electronics appealed its case in Missouri, contending that a feature within its No Chance Games does not qualify the games as ‘illegal slot machines.’

Ciaran McLoughlin

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