Missouri Attorney General Cracks Down on Illegal Gambling Machines in Greene County
Missouri Attorney General Takes Legal Action Against Illegal Gaming
On Wednesday, March 18, Missouri Attorney General Catherine Hanaway announced that the state has leveled two felony charges of first-degree promoting gambling against a convenience store in Greene County. The accusations involve the presence of 12 slot machine-style games, which have recently been declared illegal under Missouri state law.
Charges Filed Against Store Manager in Brookline
These charges form part of a wider campaign launched since Hanaway assumed office in September to eliminate illegal video lottery terminals (VLTs) across Missouri. Previously, VLTs operated in a legal gray area, but recent legislative changes and a federal judge’s ruling in February have made their use unlawful.
Himanshu Patel, the manager of Briarwood One Stop in Brookline near Springfield, faces the felony counts. Conviction could lead to a prison sentence of up to four years. In addition to the criminal charges, the attorney general’s office has filed a civil lawsuit against the store, seeking a permanent injunction to prevent future gambling activities and a penalty of $1,000 for each violation under the Merchandising Practices Act.
Authorities confiscated 12 gambling machines along with over $30,000 in cash, which included proceeds from a redemption machine. These machines were operated by Torch Electronics, a company based in Wildwood responsible for most VLTs statewide.
Enhanced Enforcement Against Video Lottery Terminals
Attorney General Hanaway has adopted a firm approach, urging all businesses to remove VLTs immediately. She highlighted the issue as a high priority, especially due to the machines’ widespread placement, often in economically disadvantaged neighborhoods. She stressed that despite any claims made by vendors, these machines are illegal.
Hanaway advised that store owners can avoid legal complications by unplugging, deactivating, or returning the VLTs to suppliers. Removing these devices is crucial, as they may contribute to the expansion of organized crime in vulnerable communities.
Greene County Prosecutor Dan Patterson praised the attorney general’s comprehensive enforcement strategy, emphasizing the importance of collaboration to tackle the issue effectively. Currently, this case is the only criminal proceeding involving VLTs in Greene County.
Elsewhere in Missouri, other local prosecutors are preparing similar enforcement actions. For instance, Charles County Prosecutor Joseph McCulloch has given businesses until April 1, 2026, to remove VLTs. Failure to comply will result in forcible removal by authorities and may lead to legal repercussions for the owners.
