Missouri Attorney General Catherine Hanaway has filed lawsuits against five retail shops for operating illegal gambling machines.
The Attorney General’s Office has been working collaboratively with local officials to pursue criminal charges against businesses providing public access to unlicensed and unregulated games in violation of the Missouri Merchandising Practices Act.
The retail shops were found to be operating video lottery terminals (VLTs) and fishing table games, where users insert cash to play and receive a ticket which is cashed by the retail shops when they want to cash out.
“When retail shops turn a blind eye or facilitate a space for illegal gambling, they are not only ignoring the law, they are putting our communities at risk,” said Attorney General Hanaway. “Lawlessness has always been a magnet for organized crime. My Office will hold any business accountable for profiting off of unlawful activity, and we will do everything in our power to shut illegal gaming and gambling machines down.”
The lawsuits have been filed against retail shops in Dunklin County, including Discount Spirits and Tobacco in Kennett; Dixie Package in Malden; Kennett Liquor and Tobacco in Kennett; Laura’s Mini Mart in Kennett; and Swindle’s Quick Shop in Malden.
The Attorney General’s Office is asking the Court for civil penalties and for a permanent injunction prohibiting these establishments from providing gambling services.
In addition to the state’s request for injunctive relief, the Dunklin County Prosecuting Attorney has filed criminal charges, following an investigation by the Missouri State Highway Patrol Division of Drug and Crime Control.
“Promoting gambling is a felony offense that harms our community by taking Missourians’ hard-earned money,” said Dunklin County Prosecuting Attorney Nicholas Jain. “I am proud to work with the Attorney General’s Office to hold those who operate illegal slot machines accountable.
“My office is filing felony charges against these gambling machine operators and will continue collaborating with our leaders to stop these illegal actions.”