Missouri AG sues five businesses over alleged illegal gambling machines
Missouri Attorney General Catherine Hanaway has launched legal action against five Dunklin County businesses. The lawsuit targets shops accused of hosting unregulated gambling machines. Hanaway insists these venues are profiting from illegal activity and must be held accountable.
The affected businesses include Discount Spirits and Tobacco, Kennett Liquor and Tobacco, Laura's Mini Mart, Dixie Package, and Swindle's Quick Shop. Both civil and criminal charges have now been filed against them.
The dispute centres on gambling machines supplied by Torch Electronics. A federal jury previously ruled that these devices meet the legal definition of gambling. Despite this, their status in Missouri remains unclear due to inconsistent enforcement.
Dunklin County Prosecuting Attorney Nicholas Jain has added criminal charges to the civil penalties sought by Hanaway's office. The AG argues that the shops have allowed illegal gambling to continue unchecked on their premises. Public opinion in Missouri is divided over how to handle the issue. Some residents support strong legal action, while others question the need for stricter enforcement. Authorities themselves appear hesitant, with prosecutors often reluctant to pursue similar cases in the past.
The lawsuit marks a push by Hanaway to shut down what she calls unlawful gambling operations. If successful, the action could force these businesses to remove the machines or face further penalties. The outcome may also influence how other Missouri counties handle similar cases in the future.
