Jackpot Junction, which calls itself a “No Contest/No Chance Amusement Lounge,” recently opened in Hannibal, Missouri. Gambling machines also have popped up at numerous convenience stores in the area and other northeast Missouri locations. The machines are not regulated by the Missouri Gaming Commission.
Jackpot Junction owner Dustin Robertson said a loophole in Missouri law makes his establishment legal. “There is no clear definition of whether or not the machines can be considered gambling devices. The definition of gambling as stated by Missouri Gaming Commission is playing a game of chance. Since the machines state the outcome of playing prior to the pull, it cannot be considered a game of chance, thus cannot fall under the definition of gambling, therefore remaining unregulated,” Robertson said.
Hannibal Police Department said Marion County Prosecutor Luke Bryant advised he is awaiting the outcome of other similar cases before taking any further action.
In a statement, the Missouri Gaming Commission said, “We have no jurisdiction over gambling devices found outside of Missouri riverboat gaming casinos. When we receive a complaint, we forward the information to the Missouri State Highway Patrol. They investigate and provide a report to the local prosecuting attorney in the jurisdiction where the machines are located.”
A Missouri Highway Patrol spokesperson said the department cannot comment on any specific cases or locations in the Hannibal area. However, the spokesperson said all investigations are turned over to the area’s prosecuting attorney to decide if the case will be prosecuted.
Just 35 minutes away across the Mississippi River, the Quincy, Illinois city council voted in April 2012 to allow video gambling machines, which were legalized by the state in 2009.
