Missouri authorities say they confiscated 35 illegal gambling machines and nearly $60,000 during a coordinated enforcement operation that stretched across four counties and targeted five separate businesses.
Attorney General Catherine Hanaway announced the raids alongside the Missouri State Highway Patrol and local law enforcement agencies. Investigators carried out searches in Boone, Dallas, Jefferson and Miller counties, leading to criminal cases connected to alleged illegal gaming activity.
Officials said authorities recovered $58,815 that investigators believe came from unlawful gambling operations. Prosecutors later filed 21 felony counts of first-degree promoting gambling tied to four businesses and five misdemeanor counts of second-degree promoting gambling connected to another location. Authorities stressed that the allegations have not been proven in court and that all defendants are presumed innocent.
“The era of Missouri’s illegal gaming industry hiding behind a so-called ‘gray market’ is over,” Hanaway said in a press release. “Illegal gaming has formed nuisance centers across our state, and this billion-dollar industry has put paved the way for violent and organized crime. We are proud to have partnered with local law enforcement in a sting operation that marks the start of our next phase of enforcement. My office remains committed to dismantling illegal gaming manufacturers, distributors, and retail stores that continue to defy law enforcement.”
Missouri State Highway Patrol Colonel Michael A. Turner said the operation reflected cooperation between state and local agencies.
“This sting operation reflects our shared commitment with the Attorney General’s Office and local law enforcement partners to enforce the law, hold violators accountable and protect lawful business practices throughout Missouri,” Turner said.
According to investigators, Eagle Stop North Providence in Columbia was found with four gaming devices and $16,973 in cash. At Woody’s Pub and Grub in Ashland, officers seized six machines and $8,072.
Authorities said Buffalo Eagle Stop in Dallas County contained eight illegal gaming devices along with $15,638. In Lake Ozark, investigators recovered four devices and $15,985 from Bagnell Eagle Stop.
At Tenbrook Station Lounge in Arnold, authorities said they discovered seven illegal gambling devices and seized $2,147. Investigators added that more money inside a payment kiosk remained inaccessible until specialized drilling tools could be used.
Court records show prosecutors filed one felony count for each alleged slot machine tied to several locations. Charges were filed against Jenna A. Gier in Dallas County, Keith Allen Winscott in Boone County and Anthony Gier in Miller County. Prosecutors also charged Tonia Lynn Twardowski in Jefferson County with five misdemeanor gambling counts.
Hanaway’s office also said it plans to pursue civil forfeiture proceedings for all money seized during the raids under Missouri’s Criminal Activity Forfeiture Act. State law allows law enforcement agencies to confiscate property tied to criminal activity, including funds allegedly derived from illegal gambling operations.
The crackdown follows a statewide effort targeting gaming machines operating outside Missouri’s regulated casino industry. Hanaway’s office has recently warned businesses and distributors that so-called gray market machines could face increased enforcement actions, while several operators have already suspended or scaled back machine operations amid growing legal pressure from state officials.
Featured image: Attorney General Catherine L. Hanaway via Flickr / CC BY-SA 4.0
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