Due to the risk of coronavirus, the Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services recently issued an indefinite ban on using the estimated 14,000 unregulated video gaming machines found in gas stations, bars and convenience stores. The move is a victory for the state’s casinos, represented by the Missouri Gaming Association which has been urging the state to eliminate illegal slot machines.
MGA Executive Director Mike Winter said, “Often lined up one right next to each other in gas stations and other establishments, the cleanliness of these illegal and unregulated slot machines is questionable. We believe the state should shut down these illegal slot machines, for the safety of our residents.”
Scientific data is not available regarding how long the coronavirus could survive on slot machines or similar devices. A National Institutes of Health study said coronavirus was detectable for two to three days on plastic and stainless steel.
Missouri Governor Mike Parson ordered the state’s 13 licensed casinos to close at least through April 6.
Gregg Keller, a spokesman for Torch Electronics, supplier of the machines, said the games are legal since players know the outcome in advance. Last year the Missouri Gaming Commission concluded the Torch machines are “gambling devices,” meaning they’re illegal unless they are located in licensed casinos.
The Missouri Highway Patrol has forwarded dozens of illegal gambling cases to local prosecutors who are waiting for the outcome of a case in Platte County. In Linn County, Prosecuting Attorney Shiante McMahon charged Torch with first-degree promotion of gambling, after Brookfield police officers seized three Torch machines from a local convenience store. If Torch is found guilty, it could face a $10,000 fine.
To date, Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services spokeswoman Lisa Cox said, “No businesses have been closed and no machines have been targeted by the state. Right now, we are focused on promoting social distancing and good hygiene. This would be more easily enforceable by local health departments.”
Missouri Lottery officials said the unregulated video gambling machines have cannibalized $50 million in tax revenue, which helps fund education.
