Missouri Continues Crackdown On Illegal Gaming Machines

Missouri Attorney General Catherine Hanaway says the state is entering a new phase in its long-running fight over unregulated gaming machines, announcing that authorities seized 35 devices and nearly $60,000 during a coordinated sting operation across four counties.

Hanaway announced the operation during a press conference with the Missouri State Highway Patrol and local law enforcement agencies, framing the seizures as a direct warning to businesses that continue to host machines often described by operators as part of a legal “gray market.”

“The era of Missouri’s illegal gaming industry hiding behind a so-called ‘gray market’ is over,” Hanaway said. “Illegal gaming has formed nuisance centers across our state.” 

The attorney general also claimed and the industry “has paved the way for violent and organized crime.” 

Hanaway has overseen an aggressive crackdown on gaming machines since being appointed attorney general last September.

Charges were filed against southeastern Missouri business owners in February after a lengthy investigation.

The most recent operation targeted five businesses in Boone, Dallas, Miller and Jefferson counties. According to Hanaway, authorities seized 35 gaming devices and $58,815 in what the office described as illegal funds. 

Prosecutors also filed 21 felony counts of first-degree promoting gambling connected to four locations and five misdemeanor counts of second-degree promoting gambling connected to a fifth location. 

The locations identified by the Attorney General’s Office included Eagle Stop North Providence in Columbia, Woody’s Pub and Grub in Ashland, Buffalo Eagle Stop in Buffalo, Bagnell Eagle Stop in Lake Ozark and Tenbrook Station Lounge in Arnold.

The largest cash seizure listed by the state came from Eagle Stop North Providence in Columbia, where authorities reported seizing four illegal gaming devices and $16,973. At Buffalo Eagle Stop in Dallas County, authorities reported seizing eight devices and $15,638. At Bagnell Eagle Stop in Lake Ozark, officials reported four devices and $15,985. Woody’s Pub and Grub in Ashland had six devices and $8,072 seized, while Tenbrook Station Lounge in Arnold had seven devices and $2,147 seized, with the state saying that total could increase once specialized tools are used to access a payment kiosk. 

The Attorney General’s Office is also seeking civil forfeiture of the seized money under the Missouri Criminal Activity Forfeiture Act, which allows law enforcement to seize property allegedly used in, derived from or intended for use in criminal activity. 

The sting follows years of debate in Missouri over video gambling machines placed in gas stations, bars and convenience stores. 

Supporters of enforcement have argued the machines operate as illegal gambling devices outside the state’s regulated casino and lottery systems. 

Machine operators and some business owners have often described the games as legal “pre-reveal” or gray-market devices.

A federal judge in February ruled the machines are illegal gambling devices. They began disappearing from convenience stores in April.

Hanaway’s office signaled that the latest operation is meant to move beyond warnings and lawsuits into direct enforcement against manufacturers, distributors and retail locations.

“This sting operation reflects our shared commitment with the Attorney General’s Office and local law enforcement partners to enforce the law, hold violators accountable and protect lawful business practices throughout Missouri,” MSHP Colonel Michael A. Turner said. 

The Missouri State Highway Patrol Division of Drug and Crime Control investigated the cases. The Attorney General’s Office said it also worked with the Arnold Police Department, Ashland Police Department, Boone County Sheriff’s Office, Columbia Police Department, Dallas County Sheriff’s Office, Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office, Miller County Sheriff’s Office and Lake Ozark Police Department.