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Missouri Attorney General Catherine Hanaway has defended a statewide campaign against slot style gaming machines while two lawsuits challenge how her office handled retailers and operators.
Good to Know
- Missouri officials classify the machines as illegal games of chance.
- Two lawsuits accuse state officials of using prosecution and licensing threats.
- A Cole County Circuit Court hearing is set for August 12.
Court Fight Centers on Enforcement Tactics
The main dispute no longer focuses only on whether the machines resemble illegal slots. Retailers and industry groups now question whether state officials gave businesses a fair chance to contest that position before demanding removals.
Two lawsuits filed in Cole County allege that the office of Hanaway pressured bars, gas stations and convenience stores with warnings about criminal charges and possible licence action. One case came from the Missouri Licensing Advocacy Group, which represents businesses holding liquor and other state licences.
Hanaway rejected claims that her office had bypassed normal legal safeguards.
She said: “If you go and you play this machine and you can’t affect the outcome, then it’s a game of chance, and it’s illegal in Missouri.”
According to Hanaway, businesses facing investigation receive the same legal process used in other criminal matters. Missouri law prohibits people and companies from promoting illegal gambling.
A hearing in one of the challenges is scheduled for August 12 in Cole County Circuit Court.
Federal Ruling Strengthened State Position
A February federal judgment gave Missouri officials stronger legal grounds for enforcement. U.S. District Judge John Ross ruled that machines operated by Torch Electronics met the state definition of illegal gambling devices when offered outside licensed casinos.
Torch Electronics later agreed to suspend Missouri operations. The company had ranked among the largest suppliers of slot style devices in bars, restaurants and convenience stores.
Meanwhile, the Missouri State Highway Patrol has supported searches and seizures across roughly 10 counties. One operation announced in May covered several locations and included machines, cash and payment kiosks.
The office of Hanaway has also filed criminal and civil cases against individual retailers. A Greene County convenience store owner faced two felony counts of first degree promoting gambling after investigators found 12 machines at the property.
Several operators have agreed to remove their equipment rather than face further legal action. However, the current lawsuits argue that a federal ruling involving one machine supplier does not automatically give state officials unlimited authority over every retailer or device.
Missouri Gaming Machine Law Remains Divided
Licensed casino gambling remains legal in Missouri, but bars, gas stations and convenience stores cannot offer unlicensed slot machines.
Operators have often described retail devices as skill based or no chance games. State officials argue that labels do not change the legal test. A machine qualifies as gambling when a customer pays to play, receives something of value and cannot meaningfully control the outcome.
Missouri lawmakers have also considered replacing the unregulated market with a state controlled video lottery system. Proposed rules have included age limits, location caps, operator fees and revenue payments to government programs. No approved framework currently protects the machines targeted by Hanaway.
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