Missouri Attorney General Catherine Hanaway has stood firm in her office's efforts to eliminate slot-style gaming machines from bars and gas stations, despite facing legal challenges regarding this enforcement initiative.
In a recent interview with Gray Media's Missouri Capitol Bureau, Hanaway discussed two lawsuits that have emerged in response to the state's campaign to eradicate these machines from local businesses.
The lawsuits claim that her office has coerced retailers into removing the machines by threatening legal action and revoking licenses, all without allowing operators a chance to defend themselves.
Hanaway argued that these machines breach Missouri law, as they function as games of chance where players cannot influence the results. She stated, “If you go and you play this machine and you can’t affect the outcome, then it’s a game of chance, and it’s illegal in Missouri.”
Her office has reportedly reached agreements with some of the state's major machine operators to withdraw the devices and has collaborated with the Missouri Highway Patrol to confiscate machines via search warrants in approximately ten counties.
Furthermore, Hanaway emphasized that businesses being investigated are treated like any other criminal case, highlighting that the promotion or provision of illegal gambling is considered a crime under Missouri law.
A court hearing for one of the lawsuits is set for August 12 in the Cole County Circuit Court.