Prior to the outbreak of the coronavirus, about 14,000 unregulated video gambling machines were operating in Missouri gas stations, clubs and bars. Since the outbreak, the state’s 13 licensed casinos have shut down, at least through March 30. But the number of video gambling machines still in use is unknown. A reporter for the St. Louis Post-Dispatch found several available at gas stations in Columbia.
State Senate President Pro Tem Dave Schatz said, “I don’t expect them to just voluntarily shut off. They’re willing to break the law as it is.” Missouri Gaming Commission Chairman Mike Leara said, “I don’t know that the gas station machines would be restricted or shut down because they are not a gathering of people. If they were under our jurisdiction we would have considered shutting those down.”
Legislation to license and regulate the machines has stalled in the Senate. Now it’s uncertain when the measure will be taken up again. Because the machines are unregulated, any revenue they generate does not help fund education or problem gambling services, nor are they required to follow rules regarding acceptable payouts.
Operators claim the games are legal under Missouri law because a player can press a button to see the outcome of a wager in advance; the player must play the losing hand for the opportunity to win again.
One of the largest companies in unregulated video gambling machines is Torch Electronics, based in Wildwood, Missouri, which donated $20,000 to Governor Mike Parson’s election campaign and retains three lobbyists in the Capitol. Torch spokesman Gregg Keller said the company’s machines are legal, “so naturally they continue to be enjoyed by Missourians” during the coronavirus outbreak.
The Linn County prosecutor sued Torch for felony illegal gambling charges; a hearing is scheduled for April 23. Another illegal gambling case against a Kansas-based operator is pending in Platte County.
