The Missouri Gaming Association commends the Dunklin County Sheriff’s Office for its decisive action in seizing more than 70 illegal gambling machines operating in their jurisdiction. These devices, often found in gas stations, convenience stores, and other unregulated locations, are a blatant violation of Missouri law. The people of this state understand common sense: if you put money into a machine and have the chance to win (or lose) money, that’s gambling. And in Missouri, gambling is strictly regulated to protect players and ensure fairness.
Some of these machines try to disguise themselves as so-called “legal preview games,” claiming they comply with the law by offering a brief preview of the outcome before a player wagers money. But this is nothing more than an old parlor trick-something straight out of the carnival hustles from a hundred years ago. The Missouri Gaming Commission and the courts have been clear on what constitutes legal gaming and what does not. These machines do not meet the legal standard, and operators using this loophole are simply trying to skirt the law.
Unlike licensed casinos, these illegal machines operate without oversight. There are no safeguards to prevent underage individuals or those struggling with gambling addiction from playing. There is no consumer protection to ensure the games are fair. Worst of all, these machines do not contribute to the education system, veterans’ programs, or other vital services funded by legal gaming in Missouri. Instead, they siphon money away from the communities they infiltrate.
The Missouri Gaming Association urges other counties to follow Dunklin County’s lead. The law is clear, and it must be enforced. Illegal gambling operations harm our communities, rob vital state programs of revenue, and undermine the integrity of Missouri’s regulated gaming industry. We support law enforcement agencies across the state in taking similar action to ensure that all gaming in Missouri is conducted legally, fairly, and with the proper protections in place.
It’s time to put an end to these illegal machines once and for all. We applaud the leadership in Dunklin County and encourage others to take the necessary steps to protect their communities from these unlawful operations.
