STATE lawmakers are banning a gas station staple: gambling machines.
A panel of three judges have ruled that popular gaming machines, typically found in gas stations or convenience stores, are illegal under state law after a manufacturer got into a legal spat with a district attorney.
Officials in Memphis seized over 200 machines between 2022 to 2023[/caption]
The district attorney promised more seizures if business owners kept the machines out for customers[/caption]
The abolition – implemented across the entirety of Tennessee – is supposed to stop “more serious” offenses like money laundering, according to Tennessee District Attorney Steve Mulroy.
“This is a win for public safety, consumer protection, and the rule of law,” Mulroy said after the ruling.
“We will continue to enforce the law to protect our communities.”
He sent a stark warning to business owners who run the machines, too: “You need to get rid of them or they will be seized.”
Torch Electronics got into a legal battle with Mulroy after they claimed the law on gambling devices wasn’t clear enough.
But the panel decided that was not the case.
“If you are a proprietor of one of these stores, be on notice,” Mulroy said, according to CBS affiliate WREG.
“[T]hese machines are illegal, and we have the authority to go after those who profit from them.”
“You are not to have them in your stores.”
Cops in the state have already seized hundreds of the devices.
From 2022 to 2023, Memphis Police seized 268 illegal machines under the name “Operation Casino Royale,” which resulted in 65 criminal investigations.
The DA claimed that, through the operation, multiple arrests and citations were handed out, and more than $1 million was seized.
“You are to get rid of these machines and we reserve the right to seize them and do prosecutions.”
High gas tax states
Here is a list of the states with the highest gas taxes (including local fees and federal excise taxes) in the US:
- 1. California: $0.86 per gallon
- 2. Illinois: $0.84 per gallon
- 3. Pennsylvania: $0.80 per gallon
- 4. Indiana: $0.74 per gallon
- 5. Washington: $0.70 per gallon
- 6. Michigan: $0.66 per gallon
- 7. Maryland: $0.65 per gallon
- 8. New Jersey: $0.60 per gallon
- 9. North Carolina: $0.59 per gallon
- 10. Virginia: $0.57 per gallon
Per Visualizing Energy.
During the press conference, Mulroy said that law enforcement plans to continue to crack down on businesses who keep the machines up and running.
Just last week, a Tennessee police department raided one location after it claimed was presented as an arcade.
The agency told ABC affiliate WKRN-TV it was a “full-scale casino.”
State-to-state, rules on gambling change drastically.
Tennessee does have a state lottery, but restricts most other gambling.
In two states, Utah and Hawaii, gambling is entirely banned.
Remember to gamble responsibly
A responsible gambler is someone who:
- Establishes time and monetary limits before playing
- Only gambles with money they can afford to lose
- Never chase their losses
- Doesn’t gamble if they’re upset, angry, or depressed
If you or someone you know is struggling with gambling addiction, call the National Gambling Helpline at 1-800-522-4700 or visit the National Council on Problem Gambling online.
The gaming machines are commonly found in gas stations and convenience stores[/caption]
