ON BEHALF OF THE MISSOURI CASINO INDUSTRY
The Missouri Gaming Association commends Attorney General Catherine Hanaway and the U.S. Attorneys for the Eastern and Western Districts of Missouri for their coordinated action that has led Torch Electronics — the largest operator of illegal gaming devices in our state — to suspend all operations effective April 10, 2026.
As Attorney General Hanaway has made clear, there has never been a gray market. These unregulated slot machines have operated in open defiance of Missouri law for years, bypassing the rigorous background checks, consumer protections and tax obligations that Missourians voted for when they approved licensed casino wagering in 1994. Every dollar run through these illegal devices is a dollar diverted from Missouri’s students, veterans, and communities.
This development is a significant victory, but the work is not done. We urge the Attorney General and law enforcement to continue pursuing other operators, manufacturers and retail establishments that are still facilitating this illegal activity across Missouri.
We also call on the General Assembly to reject any legislative effort to reward years of illegal conduct that Missourians have shown to repeatedly and overwhelmingly reject.
Missouri’s licensed casinos operate under strict oversight and accountability to benefit and protect our communities. It is past time that the same law applies to everyone.
ABOUT THE MISSOURI GAMING ASSOCIATION
The Missouri Gaming Association (MGA) is the statewide trade association of the Missouri casino entertainment industry. Founded in 1993, the Missouri Gaming Association works to promote responsible gaming and increase awareness of the economic benefits of casinos in Missouri. The MGA and its casino company members sponsor year-round responsible gaming programs including the 1-888-BETSOFF crisis line and referral service, Project 21 scholarship competition, and Responsible Gaming Education Month. For more information, visit www.missouricasinos.org.