Missouri VLTs Under Fire as AG Launches Investigation

Summary

Missouri Attorney General Catherine Hanaway has opened a broad investigation into video lottery terminals (VLTs) operating across the state. The probe follows a local civil court finding that some machines are illegal and will examine the games themselves, where they are sited, how many terminals are in operation and the flow of money to determine appropriate enforcement action.

VLTs — often found in shops, restaurants and petrol stations — occupy a legal grey area: they resemble slot machines but exploit differences and loopholes to avoid being classified as gambling. Estimates put the number of VLTs in Missouri at around 25,000. While some lawmakers are pushing a bill to legalise and regulate VLTs, Hanaway says she will enforce existing law until any change is enacted. Torch Electronics, a major operator, has fought legal challenges aggressively and says it is ready to cooperate if investigators contact it.

Key Points

Attorney General Catherine Hanaway has launched an investigation into VLTs in Missouri.
Investigators will review the machines, their locations, terminal counts and cash flows to decide enforcement steps.
Roughly 25,000 VLTs are estimated to be operating in retail locations, exploiting a regulatory grey area.
Lawmakers are pursuing a bill to legalise and regulate VLTs, but enforcement will continue under current law until any change passes.
Torch Electronics, the prominent operator, has fought prior legal actions and says it will cooperate if contacted by investigators.

Why should I read this?

Quick and blunt: if you care about gambling regulation, local government revenue or the state of the casino market, this is worth a look. It’s a live legal and political tussle over tens of thousands of machines that could re-route billions in spending — plus it shows how operators and regulators are playing hardball. We’ve read it so you don’t have to — but you might want to follow how this shapes future rules.