Missouri Attorney General Catherine Hanaway recently filed criminal and civil lawsuits against a convenience store in Greene County, accusing it of operating unregulated video lottery terminals. The management of Briarwood One Stop is charged with two counts of "first-degree promotion of gambling," and authorities seized 12 illegal gambling machines and over $30,000 in cash. In plain terms, it's a gray business that has been exploiting legal loopholes, and now it has been completely uprooted.
Criminal + civil dual accountability, Attorney General warns "profits cannot override safety"
This action is part of the state government's crackdown on illegal gambling devices, which have proliferated in convenience stores, bars, and other venues. The Missouri State Highway Patrol and the Greene County Prosecutor's Office jointly investigated and found that these machines were supplied by Wildwood-based Torch Electronics. Hanaway stated that businesses allowing illegal gambling operations are "intentionally putting profits above public safety," and she vowed to eradicate unlicensed gambling operations. In addition to criminal charges, the Attorney General's office also filed a civil lawsuit seeking a permanent injunction to prevent the store from offering gambling services.
The long-standing gray area has finally been breached: Federal court rules "no-chance games" are indeed gambling
Legal experts note that VLTs operated by Torch Electronics could survive in a gray area because they were often described as "no-chance games." However, this classification was recently overturned in court, with a federal judge ruling that machines allowing players to see results before betting are gambling devices and illegal in non-casino venues. This is the first such criminal case in Greene County, but the state's momentum against VLTs has been ongoing for months. Springfield police have issued nearly 450 citations following a 2024 city council ordinance, yet many businesses ignore local regulations.
Legislation and enforcement go hand in hand: Legalization bill still under consideration
This case also involves broader legislative efforts. In February this year, the Missouri House of Representatives passed a bill to legalize such machines, but it is still pending in the Senate. Supporters believe legalization could bring significant tax revenue, while opponents worry about addiction risks. Hanaway hinted that actions would expand to major suppliers and operators, urging businesses statewide to proactively remove illegal machines, "The best way is to pull the plug, shut down the machines, and return them to those who brought them." Interested in the latest updates on gambling enforcement in US states? PASA official website continues to track.
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