Missouri Federal Judge Declares Certain Gambling Machines Illegal

Federal Judge Rules Missouri Gambling Machines Illegal

A significant legal decision has emerged from Missouri’s federal court as US District Judge John A. Ross delivered a ruling on a case that has impacted business owners, gambling machine manufacturers, and lawmakers alike. Judge Ross determined that certain gambling machines, including those distributed by Torch Electronics, are classified as “gambling devices” rather than “games of skill.” As a result, these machines are subject to Missouri’s gambling regulations.

Legal Battle Over Gambling Machines in Missouri

The ongoing dispute centered on whether gambling machines could lawfully operate in venues other than casinos. This issue carries great importance not only for Torch Electronics but also for many small businesses that rely on revenue generated by these machines. Previously claimed to be games based on skill, the judge’s ruling shifts their status closer to games of chance, thereby requiring stricter regulatory oversight.

As a consequence, Missouri regulators are now empowered to enforce gambling laws more effectively and to take action against locations that host these machines. The litigation, which began in 2019, was initiated by TNT Amusements—a company specializing in coin-operated arcade games—against Torch Electronics.

TNT Amusements accused Torch Electronics of persuading the state to replace arcade games with these newly classified gambling machines, which they argued constituted illegal gambling. The case advanced to federal court in 2023 and saw a pivotal decision in 2025 when a jury concluded that the company’s claims about the absence of chance in their machines were inaccurate.

This outcome led to TNT Amusements being awarded $500,000 in damages. More importantly, it prompted the court to reconsider the regulatory status of Torch Electronics’ gambling devices, resulting in Judge Ross’s latest ruling.

Judge Ross Clarifies Legal Status Without Assigning Specific Labels

In his ruling, Judge Ross highlighted that the evidence demonstrated the presence of multiple chance elements within the machines. He referenced a similar case from Tennessee in July 2025, where a court similarly rejected claims that such games lack elements of chance.

However, Judge Ross made an important distinction by refraining from labeling these machines as “slot machines,” stating that such classification was beyond his judicial authority. This nuanced approach leaves room for further legal clarification on specific device categorization.

With Missouri intensifying efforts to regulate and control illegal gambling activities, Judge Ross’s decision provides a clearer legal foundation for state authorities to act against unauthorized gambling machines.