Torch rejected that opinion, saying their products “fall outside the definition of a ‘gambling device’ under Missouri law and are entirely legal.” Torch spokesperson Gregg Keller says the machines have predetermined outcomes, and unlike slot machines, come with no element of chance.
Missouri Revised Statutes
Legalized Gambling
Missouri permits various forms of casino gambling on licensed excursion boats. The laws are in Chapter 313 of the Missouri Revised Statutes
Contracts Against Public Policy
Money lost at gaming recovered, how,
434.030 . Any person who shall lose any money or property at any game, gambling device or by any bet or wager whatever, may recover the same by a civil action.
Heirs may have the remedy.
434.040. The heirs, executors, administrators, wife and creditors of the person losing, may have the same remedy against the winner as provided in section 434.030.
Stakeholder liable.
434.050. Every stakeholder who shall knowingly receive any money or property, staked upon any betting declared gaming by the foregoing provisions, shall be liable to the party who placed such money or property in his hands, both before and after the determination of such bet; and the delivery of the money or property to the winner shall be no defense to any action brought by the losing party for the recovery thereof; provided, that no stakeholder shall be liable afterward unless a demand has been made of such stakeholder for the money or property in his possession, previous to the expiration of the time agreed upon by the parties for the determination of the bet or wager.
Parents may recover minor’s gaming losses.
434.060. If any minor shall lose any money or property at any game, gambling device, or by any bet or wager whatever, the parent or conservator of such minor may sue for and recover from the winner such money or property, or the value thereof, so lost by such minor.
Interrogatories.
434.080 . In all suits under this chapter, the plaintiff may call upon the defendant to answer, on oath, any interrogatory touching the case in the manner and form prescribed by the rules of civil procedure, and if the defendant shall refuse to answer, the same shall be taken as confessed; but such answer shall not be admitted as evidence against such person in any criminal proceedings by indictment or by information.
Action to be commenced in three months.
434.090. Any action for money or property brought under this chapter shall be commenced within three months from the time the right of action accrued, and not afterward.
Criminal Laws
Chapter definitions.
572.010. As used in this chapter:
(1) “Advance gambling activity“, a person “advances gambling activity” if, acting other than as a player, he engages in conduct that materially aids any form of gambling activity. Conduct of this nature includes but is not limited to conduct directed toward the creation or establishment of the particular game, lottery, contest, scheme, device or activity involved, toward the acquisition or maintenance of premises, paraphernalia, equipment or apparatus therefor, toward the solicitation or inducement of persons to participate therein, toward the actual conduct of the playing phases thereof, toward the arrangement or communication of any of its financial or recording phases, or toward any other phase of its operation. A person advances gambling activity if, having substantial proprietary control or other authoritative control over premises being used with his knowledge for purposes of gambling activity, he permits that activity to occur or continue or makes no effort to prevent its occurrence or continuation. The supplying, servicing and operation of a licensed excursion gambling boat under sections 313.800 to 313.840, RSMo, does not constitute advancing gambling activity;
(2) “Bookmaking“, means advancing gambling activity by unlawfully accepting bets from members of the public as a business, rather than in a casual or personal fashion, upon the outcomes of future contingent events;
(3) “Contest of chance” means any contest, game, gaming scheme or gaming device in which the outcome depends in a material degree upon an element of chance, notwithstanding that the skill of the contestants may also be a factor therein;
(4) “Gambling“, a person engages in “gambling” when he stakes or risks something of value upon the outcome of a contest of chance or a future contingent event not under his control or influence, upon an agreement or understanding that he will receive something of value in the event of a certain outcome. Gambling does not include bona fide business transactions valid under the law of contracts, including but not limited to contracts for the purchase or sale at a future date of securities or commodities, and agreements to compensate for loss caused by the happening of chance, including but not limited to contracts of indemnity or guaranty and life, health or accident insurance; nor does gambling include playing an amusement device that confers only an immediate right of replay not exchangeable for something of value. Gambling does not include any licensed activity, or persons participating in such games which are covered by sections 313.800 to 313.840, RSMo;
(5) “Gambling device” means any device, machine, paraphernalia or equipment that is used or usable in the playing phases of any gambling activity, whether that activity consists of gambling between persons or gambling by a person with a machine. However, lottery tickets, policy slips and other items used in the playing phases of lottery and policy schemes are not gambling devices within this definition;
(6) “Gambling record” means any article, instrument, record, receipt, ticket, certificate, token, slip or notation used or intended to be used in connection with unlawful gambling activity;
(7) “Lottery” or “policy” means an unlawful gambling scheme in which for a consideration the participants are given an opportunity to win something of value, the award of which is determined by chance;
(8) “Player” means a person who engages in any form of gambling solely as a contestant or bettor, without receiving or becoming entitled to receive any profit therefrom other than personal gambling winnings, and without otherwise rendering any material assistance to the establishment, conduct or operation of the particular gambling activity. A person who gambles at a social game of chance on equal terms with the other participants therein does not otherwise render material assistance to the establishment, conduct or operation thereof by performing, without fee or remuneration, acts directed toward the arrangement or facilitation of the game, such as inviting persons to play, permitting the use of premises therefor and supplying cards or other equipment used therein. A person who engages in “bookmaking” as defined in subdivision (2) of this section is not a “player“;
(9) “Professional player” means a player who engages in gambling for a livelihood or who has derived at least twenty percent of his income in any one year within the past five years from acting solely as a player;
(10) “Profit from gambling activity“, a person “profits from gambling activity” if, other than as a player, he accepts or receives money or other property pursuant to an agreement or understanding with any person whereby he participates or is to participate in the proceeds of gambling activity;
11) “Slot machine” means a gambling device that as a result of the insertion of a coin or other object operates, either completely automatically or with the aid of some physical act by the player, in such a manner that, depending upon elements of chance, it may eject something of value. A device so constructed or readily adaptable or convertible to such use is no less a slot machine because it is not in working order or because some mechanical act of manipulation or repair is required to accomplish its adaptation, conversion or workability. Nor is it any less a slot machine because apart from its use or adaptability as such it may also sell or deliver something of value on a basis other than chance;
(12) “Something of value” means any money or property, any token, object or article exchangeable for money or property, or any form of credit or promise directly or indirectly contemplating transfer of money or property or of any interest therein or involving extension of a service, entertainment or a privilege of playing at a game or scheme without charge;
(13) “Unlawful” means not specifically authorized by law.
Gambling.
572.020.
1. A person commits the crime of gambling if he knowingly engages in gambling.
2. Gambling is a class C misdemeanor unless:
(1) It is committed by a professional player, in which case it is a class D felony; or
(2) The person knowingly engages in gambling with a minor, in which case it is a class B misdemeanor.
Promoting gambling in the first degree.
572.030.
1. A person commits the crime of promoting gambling in the first degree if he knowingly advances or profits from unlawful gambling or lottery activity by:
(1) Setting up and operating a gambling device to the extent that more than one hundred dollars of money is gambled upon or by means of the device in any one day, or setting up and operating any slot machine; or
(2) Engaging in bookmaking to the extent that he receives or accepts in any one day more than one bet and a total of more than one hundred dollars in bets; or
(3) Receiving in connection with a lottery or policy or enterprise:
(a) Money or written records from a person other than a player whose chances or plays are represented by such money or records; or
(b) More than one hundred dollars in any one day of money played in the scheme or enterprise; or
(c) Something of value played in the scheme or enterprise with a fair market value exceeding one hundred dollars in any one day.
2. Promoting gambling in the first degree is a class D felony.
Promoting gambling in the second degree.
572.040.
1. A person commits the crime of promoting gambling in the second degree if he knowingly advances or profits from unlawful gambling or lottery activity.
2. Promoting gambling in the second degree is a class A misdemeanor.
Possession of gambling records in the first degree.
572.050.
Are Slot Machines Legal In Arkansas
1. A person commits the crime of possession of gambling records in the first degree if, with knowledge of the contents thereof, he possesses any gambling record of a kind used:
(1) In the operation or promotion of a bookmaking scheme or enterprise, and constituting, reflecting or representing more than five bets totaling more than five hundred dollars; or
(2) In the operation, promotion or playing of a lottery or policy scheme or enterprise, and constituting, reflecting or representing more than five hundred plays or chances therein.
2. A person does not commit a crime under subdivision (1) of subsection 1 of this section if the gambling record possessed by the defendant constituted, reflected or represented bets of the defendant himself in a number not exceeding ten.
3. The defendant shall have the burden of injecting the issue under subsection 2.
4. Possession of gambling records in the first degree is a class D felony.
Possession of gambling records in the second degree.
572.060.
1. A person commits the crime of possession of gambling records in the second degree if, with knowledge of the contents thereof, he possesses any gambling record of a kind used:
(1) In the operation or promotion of a bookmaking scheme or enterprise; or
(2) In the operation, promotion or playing of a lottery or policy scheme or enterprise.
2. A person does not commit a crime under subdivision (1) of subsection 1 of this section if the gambling record possessed by the defendant constituted, reflected or represented bets of the defendant himself in a number not exceeding ten.
3. The defendant shall have the burden of injecting the issue under subsection 2.
4. Possession of gambling records in the second degree is a class A misdemeanor.
Possession of a gambling device.
572.070.
1. A person commits the crime of possession of a gambling device if, with knowledge of the character thereof, he manufactures, sells, transports, places or possesses, or conducts or negotiates any transaction affecting or designed to affect ownership, custody or use of:
(1) A slot machine; or
(2) Any other gambling device, knowing or having reason to believe that it is to be used in the state of Missouri in the advancement of unlawful gambling activity.
2. Possession of a gambling device is a class A misdemeanor.
Lottery offenses–no defense.
572.080.
It is no defense under any section of this chapter relating to a lottery that the lottery itself is drawn or conducted outside Missouri and is not in violation of the laws of the jurisdiction in which it is drawn or conducted.
Gambling houses, public nuisances–abatement.
572.090.
Are Slot Machines Legal In Missouri
1. Any room, building or other structure regularly used for any unlawful gambling activity prohibited by this chapter is a public nuisance.
2. The attorney general, circuit attorney or prosecuting attorney may, in addition to all criminal sanctions, prosecute a suit in equity to enjoin the nuisance. If the court finds that the owner of the room, building or structure knew or had reason to believe that the premises were being used regularly for unlawful gambling activity, the court may order that the premises shall not be occupied or used for such period as the court may determine, not to exceed one year.
3. Appeals shall be allowed from the judgment of the court as in other civil actions.
Preemption–exclusions.
572.100.
The general assembly by enacting this chapter intends to preempt any other regulation of the area covered by this chapter. No governmental subdivision or agency may enact or enforce a law that regulates or makes any conduct in the area covered by this chapter an offense, or the subject of a criminal or civil penalty or sanction of any kind. The term “gambling”, as used in this chapter, does not include licensed activities under sections 313.800 to 313.840, RSMo.
Duties of prosecuting attorneys.
572.110.
It shall be the duty of the circuit attorneys and prosecuting attorneys in their respective jurisdictions to enforce the provisions of this chapter, and the attorney general shall have a concurrent duty to enforce the provisions of this chapter.
Forfeiture of gambling devices, records and money.
572.120.
Are Slot Machines Legal In Missouri
Any gambling device or gambling record, or any money used as bets or stakes in unlawful gambling activity, possessed or used in violation of this chapter may be seized by any peace officer and is forfeited to the state. Forfeiture procedures shall be conducted as provided by rule of court. Forfeited money and the proceeds from the sale of forfeited property shall be paid into the school fund of the county. Any forfeited gambling device or record not needed in connection with any proceedings under this chapter and which has no legitimate use shall be ordered publicly destroyed.
Antique slot machines exempt from section 572.120, when.
572.125.
1. It shall be an affirmative defense to any prosecution under this chapter relating to slot machines, if the defendant shows that the slot machine is an antique slot machine and was not operated for gambling purposes while in the defendant’s possession. For the purposes of this section, an antique slot machine is one which is over thirty years old.
2. Notwithstanding section 572.120, whenever the defense provided by subsection 1 of this section is offered, no slot machine seized from any defendant shall be destroyed or otherwise altered until after a final court determination that such defense is not applicable. If the defense is applicable, any such slot machine shall be returned pursuant to provisions of law providing for the return of property
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Missouri is home to 13 riverboat casinos that collectively feature 19,000 slot machines and 500 table games. But Missourians don’t need to venture to a licensed and regulated gambling vessel to test their luck.
Missouri gaming machines that come with “no chance” warnings are being challenged by several county prosecutors. (Image: Troy Stolt/St. Louis Post-Dispatch)
Walk into a convenience store, truck stop, or watering hole and there’s a chance you’ll find what’s dubbed a “no chance” video gaming terminal. The unregulated and untaxed machines have become the subject of nearly 100 complaints filed with the Missouri Gaming Commission, and prosecutors in several counties are challenging their legality.
Governor Mike Parson (R), however, is holding off on taking a side.
We first need to clarify what machines constitute gambling and what machines are video games,” Parson told the St. Louis Post-Dispatch. “The distinction between chance and skill determining the outcome of a game is fundamental to the legal analysis of whether operation of a machine violates state law.”
Parson continued, “Games of chance are subject to gaming laws, and if the people want to change the gaming laws, they have the ability to do so using the legislative process, through a ballot initiative, or constitutional amendment.”
Defining Gambling
The Missouri Gaming Commission said last year that the types of machines distributed by Missouri-based manufacturer Torch Eectronics are “gambling devices.” Torch rejected that opinion, saying their products “fall outside the definition of a ‘gambling device’ under Missouri law and are entirely legal.”
Torch spokesperson Gregg Keller says the machines have predetermined outcomes, and unlike slot machines, come with no element of chance. A slot machine uses random number generators to produce outcomes.
“We’re confident that as we continue to discuss our no-chance game machines with policy makers, they’ll come to agree with scores of local prosecutors and law enforcement officials that our No-Chance Game Machines do not violate Missouri law,” Keller explained.
The state defines gambling as “a contest of chance.” The machines in question feature labels that tell players, “No contest/no chance amusement device.”
The sticker adds, “This amusement device is designed to offer no contest of chance, as the outcome is known by players before any amusement game is initiated.”
Great Lakes Amusement, a Wisconsin manufacturer of “no chance games,” explains, “Each and every prize to be awarded is predetermined and placed in the list of prizes before the software is loaded into the machine. Since the user may view the entire list of prize outcomes that will occur at their balance, in the order in which they will occur, every outcome which may entitle the user to a prize is entirely predictable by the user.”
Governor Connections
Platte County Prosecuting Attorney Eric Zahnd filed a lawsuit in June against Kansas-based gaming manufacturer Integrity Gaming LLC for providing local businesses with the no chance video gaming terminals.
Several other country prosecutors are challenging the gaming machines.
Missouri Slot Machine Bill
Polk County Prosecuting Attorney Ken Ashlock is one, and he says because the terminals aren’t unregulated and therefore not required to pay out at a minimum rate as slots do, “People are just getting cheated on and they don’t know it.”
Parson might be slow to go after the machines because of his relationship with Torch. The company contributed $20,000 to the governor’s 2020 campaign, and its lobbyist Steve Tilley is a long-time political friend of Parson.
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