Many gamblers equate legal slot machines to be located within a casino, racetrack, or gaming facility.
However, some unregulated slot-style gaming machines have secretly and quietly been popping up at convenience stores, gas stations, and even social halls across the state of Missouri, including in Kansas City’s Northeast neighborhoods.
These games of "no-chance" or "pre-reveal" often imitate casino slot machines and are illegal as they operate outside any kind of state oversight, avoid paying taxes to education, and are often placed and marketed in working-class areas where gambling losses can have a deeper impact, not only on the individual but the community as well.
Two Kansas City Councilmembers in the 6th District — Johnathan Duncan and Andrea Bough — are trying to do something about it.
On Oct. 16, both joined in introducing a measure as the City Council voted to approve the ordinance, amending Chapter 50 of the City Code to prohibit the operation and maintenance of electronic gaming machines that offer cash prizes within city limits. The ordinance directs the City Manager to report back to the Council within 90 days with recommendations for enforcement and public education.
Several Northeast businesses currently hosting these slot machines will be impacted, many of which rely on the revenue they generate. Many community advocates have raised concerns that the games exploit residents in economically vulnerable areas and divert money away from legitimate entertainment and neighborhood investment.
Also last month, a federal jury ruled that Torch Electronics — the state’s most prominent operator of these machines — misled businesses by claiming its machines were legal. The verdict has renewed public debate about whether these machines violate Missouri gambling laws and whether local governments should act where state enforcement has lagged.
The Council will continue discussion on enforcement timelines and compliance strategies in the coming weeks.
September Official Figures
Missouri's 13 riverboat casinos generated more than $156.5 million in revenue for September, a slight 4 percent increase year-on-year compared to the $150 million in 2024.
Legal slots generated $133.5 million, up more than $5.5 million from $128 million. Table games also went up 5 percent producing $22.9 million from $21.8 million a year ago.
