Court Rules Against “No Chance” Gambling Machines in TN

The Shelby County District Attorney’s Office is claiming a big win after a court ruling declared certain gaming machines illegal under Tennessee law.

A three-judge panel from the Chancery Court ruled earlier this week for the District Attorney’s office in its lawsuit against Missouri-based manufacturer of so-called “no chance games”,  Torch Electronics.

At the start of the year, a new Missouri bill called for removing the controversial machines that mimic slot machines and replacing them with regulated Video Lottery Terminals.

Not Just About the Games

The devices, which are frequently found in gas stations and convenience stores across the region, should not be classified as gambling devices at all, believes Torch Electronics. 

The company, which has been involved in a number of lawsuits concerning the legality of its machines, says the gambling laws in the state are not clear enough. 

However, according to District Attorney Steve Mulroy, the judges’ latest decision has finally put the debate to rest.

In a statement, Mulroy emphasized the clear stance of the court on the “illegal” machines, adding they possess the authority “to go after those who profit from them”.

He added that these machines are often tied to much more than just gambling, pointing out they’re frequently linked to “more serious crimes like money laundering and firearms offenses,” especially in vulnerable communities.

“When the drug task force did a sweep last summer, we found evidence of money laundering at some of the locations,” he noted.

“You Need to Get Rid of Them or They Will Be Seized”

Mulroy also had a clear warning for store owners still housing the machines. “If you are a proprietor of one of these stores, be on notice. They’re not legal, you need to get rid of them or they will be seized.”

He also acknowledged there are still “many of these machines in Shelby County, amid some uncertainty or at least claimed uncertainty as to its exact legal status.”

The District Attorney further acknowledged that opinions can differ on whether gambling should be allowed. 

“It is possible reasonable people can disagree on the policy behind this — some state legislators decided to legalize gambling. This type or other types of gambling. They will tax it heavily, they will regulate it heavily,” he said. 

“But we don’t have that situation in Tennessee.”, Mulroy added, making it clear his office intends to keep enforcing the current law.

In October 2023, “Operation Casino Royale” helped seize 268 gaming machines and $1 million in cash, while also leading to several arrests and citations. 

A similar operation last week resulted in raids at five other locations.