A sweeping crackdown on illegal gambling is underway in Missouri, spearheaded by Attorney General Catherine Hanaway. The focus: unlicensed video gaming terminals (VGTs) and so-called “fishing table games” that have proliferated across the state, operating outside the bounds of the law.
The stakes are high. Operating illegal gambling within Missouri is a felony, carrying the potential for significant fines and even imprisonment under the Missouri Merchandising Practices Act. This isn’t a minor infraction; it’s a serious breach of state law with substantial consequences.
Attorney General Hanaway made it clear: businesses that knowingly allow illegal gambling on their premises aren’t just skirting the law, they’re endangering communities. The action isn’t simply about the games themselves, but the potential risks they introduce.
Five major legal cases have already been launched in Dunklin County, targeting businesses accused of hosting these unauthorized machines. Discount Spirits and Tobacco, Kennett Liquor and Tobacco, Laura’s Mini Mart, Dixie Package, and Swindle’s Quick Shop are all facing legal challenges.
Dunklin County Prosecuting Attorney Nicholas Jain echoed the Attorney General’s sentiment, emphasizing the harm caused by illegal gambling. He stated that these operations siphon money from Missouri residents and vowed to hold accountable those who profit from them.
Missouri’s history with gambling is complex. The state has previously embraced lotteries, riverboat casinos, and even daily fantasy sports, each carefully regulated and approved. However, these legal avenues don’t provide cover for the current wave of unlicensed VGTs.
Recent expansions in gambling, including the legalization of sports betting with companies like FanDuel and bet365, have further highlighted the distinction between lawful and unlawful gaming. The Attorney General’s office is drawing a firm line.
Hanaway’s message is unequivocal: her office will relentlessly pursue businesses profiting from illegal activity and work to dismantle these unauthorized gaming operations. The aim is to protect Missouri citizens and ensure a fair and regulated gambling landscape.
The Attorney General views the rise of illegal gambling as a potential gateway for organized crime, a concern that underscores the urgency of the current enforcement drive. The state is determined to shut down these operations and send a clear message that such activity will not be tolerated.
