Missouri Attorney General Catherine Hanaway is under fire due to her harsh stance on video gaming terminals (VGTs), facing lawsuits alleging that she doesn’t allow bars and gas stations to defend themselves. Hanaway, however, reiterated her stance that money games where players cannot affect the outcome are illegal and that action is needed.
Lawsuits Allege the Crackdown Doesn’t Allow Venues to Defend Themselves
A few weeks ago, two separate lawsuits targeted AG Hanaway and her strict stance on VGTs. One was launched by a local bar owner and was followed by a separate lawsuit by the Missouri Licensing Advocacy Group (MOLAG).
Both lawsuits alleged that Hanaway’s crackdown on VGTs has not given bars, restaurants and gas stations the chance to fight back. They argued that the gaming machine matter must be decided by the state legislature and not by the AG. For reference, Missouri lawmakers have not explicitly banned or regulated VGTs.
In a recent interview with KY3 reporter Hannah Falcon, Hanaway addressed the matter and reaffirmed her anti-VGT stance.
The AG Says Illegal Gambling Is a Crime in Missouri
Hanaway emphasized that any gaming machine where there’s money on the line and players cannot affect the outcome offers what is practically a “game of chance.” Per Missouri law, such games are illegal.
When asked whether she would be going after the machines or the vendors, she said that her team is “working it from both ends.” According to her, her office has already reached agreements with some of the biggest owners and distributors of VGTs.
At the same time, Hanaway noted that authorities have also been granted search warrants, allowing them to seize machines from certain venues across 10 counties.
Falcon also addressed the ongoing lawsuits, which allege that the AG office is using threats of prosecution and license pressure to “force bars and gas stations to shut these machines off without due process.” The interviewer asked Hanaway what warnings and what processes retailers get before the AG office escalates the matter.
Hanaway explained that the venues in question are first investigated, “just like they would if they were committing any other crime.”
And let’s be clear: It is a crime in Missouri to offer and to promote illegal gambling.
Catherine Hanaway
One of the lawsuits is set for a hearing next month.