ST. LOUIS, Mo. (First Alert 4) – A federal judge has ruled that gaming machines found in gas stations across Missouri are illegal gambling devices, potentially opening the door to criminal prosecution and the removal of machines that have generated hundreds of millions of dollars in revenue.
The ruling targets machines manufactured by Wildwood-based Torch Electronics, which had argued for years that their devices were games of skill rather than slot machines. Gambling is illegal in Missouri outside of licensed casinos.
The federal judge’s ruling states the machines are gambling devices and therefore illegal in the state. Legal experts say the decision creates opportunities for broader criminal prosecution.
Missouri Attorney General Catherine Hanaway has told investigators she will prioritize enforcement action against the machines.
“My message to local prosecutors and to the public is, hey, we’ve got the resources at the Attorney General’s office to go up against these very well-funded owners of these machines, and we’re going to do it,” the attorney general said. “So we’ll do it arm in arm with local prosecutors, or we’ll do it on our own if we have to.”
The gaming machines have been installed throughout the region for years, collecting cash revenue. Lawsuits against Torch Electronics argued the machines are untaxed, unregulated and accessible to children and vulnerable people.
The ruling could result in machines disappearing from gas stations. Businesses that allow the machines and players could face liability or prosecution, though enforcement is more likely to target manufacturers.
Torch Electronics said in a statement they remain confident their games adhere to the letter and spirit of the law and intend to appeal the ruling.
Copyright 2026 KMOV. All rights reserved.