{"id":131487,"date":"2020-03-29T09:34:05","date_gmt":"2020-03-29T16:34:05","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.casino.org\/news\/?p=131487"},"modified":"2020-03-29T14:08:40","modified_gmt":"2020-03-29T21:08:40","slug":"coronavirus-risk-cited-as-latest-reason-to-ban-slot-like-machines-in-missouri","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.casino.org\/news\/coronavirus-risk-cited-as-latest-reason-to-ban-slot-like-machines-in-missouri\/","title":{"rendered":"Coronavirus Risk Cited as Latest Reason to Ban Slot-Like Machines in Missouri"},"content":{"rendered":"

UPDATE: The Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services has banned using slot-like machines and other coin-operated devices located in gas stations and similar venues, according to the St. Louis Post-Dispatch<\/em>. The Missouri ban started this weekend and will be in place for an indefinite period.<\/strong><\/p>\n

The Missouri Gaming Association, which represents the state\u2019s casinos, is using the coronavirus outbreak to boost a long-held argument: the state should stop play on the estimated 14,000 unregulated slot-like machines found scattered throughout Missouri in locations such as gas stations and bars, news reports said.<\/p>\n

\"\"
Missouri Gov. Mike Parson closed the state’s legal casinos and a casino trade association wants slot-like machines banned in the state, especially with the coronavirus outbreak. (Image: St. Louis Post-Dispatch)<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

The association told local and state health departments the machines are a health risk since they might be dirty, the Associated Press reported.<\/p>\n

Some of the unregulated gaming devices still were in use last week as the state discourages public gatherings to the prevent the spread of COVID-19, the St. Louis Post-Dispatch<\/em> reported.<\/p>\n

Licensed Casinos Closed<\/h2>\n

The request comes after Missouri Gov. Mike Parson ordered the state\u2019s 13 licensed casinos to close at least through Monday.<\/p>\n

Even before the outbreak, the state\u2019s gaming association worked to \u201celiminate illegal slot machines altogether.<\/p>\n

Often lined up one right next to the other in gas stations and other establishments, the cleanliness of these illegal and unregulated slot machines is questionable,\u201d Mike Winter, executive director of the association, claimed in a statement. \u201cWe believe the state should shut down these illegal slot machines, for the safety of our residents.\u201d<\/p><\/blockquote>\n

There is no specific scientific data on how long the coronavirus could last on slot machines or similar devices. More generally, a National Institutes of Health study said coronavirus was detectable for up to two to three days on plastic and stainless steel.<\/p>\n

But Gregg Keller<\/a>, a spokesman for Torch Electronics [which operates the slot-like devices in Missouri], said they \u201ccontinue to be enjoyed by Missourians,\u201d the Post-Dispatch<\/em> reported.<\/p>\n

Platte County Case Could Set Precedent<\/h2>\n

The Missouri Gaming Commission has ruled the controversial gaming devices found in gas stations, bars, and clubs are illegal. The Highway Patrol forwarded dozens of illegal gambling cases to local prosecutors.<\/p>\n

But prosecutors often do not proceed with cases. They are awaiting the adjudication of a case in Platte County, the Post-Dispatch<\/em> said.<\/p>\n

The Platte County case involves Integrity Gaming, a Kansas-based supplier of video poker-like machines, the Post-Dispatch<\/em> said. Its outcome could impact the legality of the no-chance gaming machines.<\/p>\n

In January, Linn County<\/a> Prosecuting Attorney Shiante McMahon charged Torch with first-degree promoting gambling, according to the Post-Dispatch<\/em>. The charge comes after Brookfield police officers last September seized three machines from a local convenience store. The devices allegedly belonged to Torch Electronics.<\/p>\n

If found guilty, the company could be forced to pay a $10,000 fine. But company officials are \u201cconfident\u201d they will be victorious in court.<\/p>\n

Torch terminals closely resemble slot machines. A player puts in money, selects a game to play, and then selects a wager, the Post-Dispatch <\/em>said. Winners get paid by a cashier at the store where terminals are located.<\/p>\n

However, last year the Missouri Gaming Commission concluded the Torch machines are \u201cgambling devices.\u201d That makes them illegal unless they are in licensed casinos.<\/p>\n

So far, the recent push to halt the use of the unlicensed machines has failed to generate action by state health officials.<\/p>\n

No businesses have been closed and no machines have been targeted by the state,\u201d Lisa Cox, spokeswoman for the Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services, was quoted in the Post-Dispatch<\/em> report. \u201cRight now, we are focused on promoting social distancing and good hygiene. This would be more easily enforceable by local health departments.\u201d<\/p><\/blockquote>\n

The Missouri Gaming Association also opposes any future legalization of video lottery terminals, which they call \u201cin essence, slot machines.\u201d<\/p>\n

The unlicensed gaming devices in Missouri have diverted some $50 million in tax revenue, based on statements by Missouri Lottery officials, the association said.<\/p>\n

In Missouri, taxes on regulated casinos are the state\u2019s fifth-largest source of revenue. In 2018, the legal gaming properties generated $369.7 million in tax revenue to the state, the association said. Another $76.4 million was paid in taxes to towns and cities.<\/p>\n

Elsewhere, the Illinois Gaming Board ordered the public to no longer play video games through Monday.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

UPDATE: The Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services has banned using slot-like machines and other coin-operated devices located in gas stations and similar venues, according to the St. Louis Post-Dispatch. The Missouri ban started this weekend and will be in place for an indefinite period. The Missouri Gaming Association, which represents the state\u2019s casinos, […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":44,"featured_media":131492,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[60],"tags":[],"acf":[],"yoast_head":"\nCoronavirus Risk Latest Reason to Ban Slot-Like Machines in Missouri<\/title>\n<meta name=\"description\" content=\"The Missouri Gaming Association says the coronavirus outbreak should stop the use of some 14,000 unregulated slot-like machines. 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