In Missouri, Platte County Prosecuting Attorney Eric Zahnd has sued Kansas-based Integrity Gaming LLC for installing illegal video gambling machines in two Parkville convenience stores. Police seized five of the machines from the stores in October 2018.
Both store owners said Integrity Gaming set up the machines. According to court records, company officials said their terminals are not considered betting devices since each game’s result is predetermined. “The games have no element of skill,” a March 20 police report noted.
However, Zahnd said, “We believe these sorts of machines are illegal under Missouri law. Ultimately, the court is going to have to decide.”
Similar machines have been showing up across the state in truck stops, gas stations and other establishments with liquor licenses. So far most prosecutors have not sued the video gambling machine companies or the businesses hosting the machines.
The case gained attention after Missouri lawmakers disagreed on whether to legalize sports betting and slot machines. The court will hear testimony in December.
