Torch Electronics Turns Off Machines in Missouri Amid Legal Pressures

Torch Electronics, a leading video gaming terminal (VGT) manufacturer, has decided to halt its business in Missouri. This drastic decision comes as a response to continued legal pressures in the state.

Torch Electronics Shuts Down Its Machines in Missouri

Last Friday, Torch Electronics made the difficult decision to turn off its machines across Missouri. The company, which supplies VGT machines to various retailers in the state, has been under intense pressure from Attorney General Catherine Hanaway, who has threatened the VGT business with criminal proceedings.

For context, Missouri lawmakers agreed to crack down on the gray market VGT sector earlier this year. The measure was the culmination of a conflict between VGT companies and state regulators that ran for years.

In its official announcement, Torch Electronics noted that the US Attorney’s office and the Missouri AG have both indicated that they are planning legal action against its business. The company emphasized that it adamantly believes that it is in the right, but noted that it has decided to halt its operations in the state due to the blow that lengthy proceedings could deal to its business.

“While we are confident in our position, criminal proceedings create real uncertainty for our business – and more importantly, they create risk for all of you. We take that seriously, and we want to do everything we can to protect you,” the company said in a letter to retailers.

While the company will only turn off its machines across the state, it will not remove the machines themselves, unless retailers specifically request it.

Missouri Boosts Its Efforts Against the VGT Sector

Torch Electronics’ VGT products have operated in Missouri for years, offering entertainment that is in many ways similar to slot games. However, the major difference separating VGTs from slots is the fact that such products allow players to see the outcome of the next spin. According to proponents of this vertical, this eliminates the element of chance, making VGTs a non-gambling product.

However, many have begged to differ, saying that this format simply pushes the element of luck two spins away, instead of one. Additionally, industry critics have expressed concerns about the fact that VGT machines are available across convenience stores and restaurants, potentially exposing communities to gaming harm.

While the VGT sector has remained resilient, Missouri has intensified its efforts to put a stop to such gray area gaming. AG Hanaway has been an avid enemy of VGTs, emphasizing that they are illegal, no matter what suppliers may claim.