US Edition
Missouri's Largest Provider of Illegal Gambling Devices Agrees to Suspend All Operations
Torch will stop illegal gambling machines as state and federal investigators pursue criminal cases and officials say the devices are unlawful.
- On Wednesday, Missouri Attorney General Catherine Hanaway announced that Torch Electronics, the state's largest provider of illegal gambling devices, agreed to suspend all operations effective Friday, April 10, 2026.
- U.S. District Judge John Ross declared in February that Torch's machines meet the statutory definition of a gambling device, eliminating the company's legal gray-area defense and paving enforcement action.
- Gambling interests including Torch and lobbyist former House Speaker Steve Tilley donated $3.3 million to campaigns since 2025, while lawmakers debated bills to permit regulated slot machine games licensed by the Missouri Lottery.
- Hanaway called the move a 'tremendous step forward,' but emphasized her office will continue investigating and pursuing enforcement action against other operators and retail stores facilitating illegal gambling.
- Prosecutors and the U.S. Attorney's Office continue pursuing a permanent resolution, while businesses face potential charges for promoting gambling if they fail to remove machines by legal deadlines.
17 Articles
17 Articles
Missouri's biggest video gambling machine supplier is pulling the plug this week
The machines — which are found in many gas stations, bars and convenience stores — have been a flashpoint in Missouri public policy circles for years. A federal judge recently ruled the devices are illegal gambling machines.
Missouri Independent
Missouri company behind gas station slot machines suspending operations amid criminal probe
Two "no-chance" gambling machines await customers in 2021 at a Columbia convenience store (Rudi Keller/Missouri Independent).After years of legal battles to protect its business from criminal prosecution, Torch Electronics will suspend operations of its slot machines in Missouri under pressure from state Attorney General Catherine Hanaway and the U.S. Department of Justice. In a letter sent to retailers on Monday, the Wildwood-based company said…
Torch Electronics halts operations in Missouri after criminal probe
Torch Electronics, the largest maker of video lottery terminals, has agreed to suspend all operations across Missouri beginning Friday, April 10, following a criminal investigation by the Attorney General's office. The post Torch Electronics agrees to suspend slot machines in Missouri after criminal probe appeared first on Springfield Daily Citizen.
Coverage Details
Bias Distribution
- 64% of the sources are Center
Factuality
To view factuality data please Upgrade to Premium
