Missouri VLTs Under Fire as AG Launches Investigation

Catherine Hanaway, Missouri’s Attorney General, confirmed the launch of sweeping investigations into the controversial video lottery terminals (VLGs) in the state. While Hanaway said that she doesn’t mind if the machines get legalized, she vowed to take appropriate action until they are.

Missouri Launches Investigation into VLTs

VLTs are a controversial gray area form of gaming that has been the point of contention in several states for years. Despite being similar to slot games, such machines usually have key differences that leverage loopholes to avoid being classified as gambling.

VLTs can be commonly found in shops, restaurants, and gas stations, making them very accessible. This very accessibility has been one of regulators’ biggest gripes with the vertical, arguing that it undermines existing casinos and exposes players to harm.

In Missouri, Hanaway just confirmed launching action against Torch Electronics-operated VLTs shortly after they were declared illegal by a local civil court. The attorney general explained that authorities will now examine the games, their locations, the number of terminals, and the flow of money to determine appropriate enforcement action.  

According to estimates, there are roughly 25,000 VLTs in Missouri.

VLTs May Become a Legal Form of Gaming in Missouri

In the meantime, Missouri lawmakers are pushing for a bill that would officially legalize VLTs, creating a new ruleset for how such machines should be regulated. Hanaway said that she doesn’t mind if this measure passes and that she will accept any changes. However, until they happen, she will continue to enforce the law.

Hanaway explained that her objections to the VLT sector come from a purely legal standpoint. As these machines remain unregulated, they drain potentially billions of dollars from the state and could potentially foster the creation of organized crime.

So far, efforts to crack down on Missouri’s VLTs have failed. Torch Electronics has spared no effort in securing itself strong allies via lobbying and tipping the scales in its favor. Hanaway admitted that Torch have always had strong lawyers and have been putting sufficient resources into defending themselves in court when needed.

However, most efforts to legalize VLTs so far have also failed, resulting in a sort of stalemate between the VLT sector and state authorities.

In the meantime, Gregg Keller, a spokesperson for Torch, said that his team has not been contacted by investigators yet. If they do, however, he expressed readiness to cooperate fully.