Missouri’s Attorney General is intensifying efforts against illegal gambling machines, with felony charges now filed against a Greene County store manager. This action marks a key step in a broader statewide enforcement strategy.
Key Takeaways
* Two felony counts of first-degree promoting gambling have been filed against Himanshu Patel, manager of Briarwood One Stop in Brookline.
* The charges are part of a statewide initiative by Attorney General Hanaway to eliminate video lottery terminals (VLTs) following a federal judge’s ruling deeming them illegal.
* Authorities seized 12 gambling machines and over $30,000 in cash from the store, with the machines reportedly operated by Torch Electronics.
Felony Charges Filed in Greene County
Missouri Attorney General Catherine Hanaway announced on Wednesday, March 18, that the state has filed two felony counts of first-degree promoting gambling against a convenience store in Greene County. The charges allege the store contained 12 slot machine-style games, which are now considered illegal under state law. Himanshu Patel, the managing officer of Briarwood One Stop in Brookline, southwest of Springfield, faces these charges.
If convicted, Patel could face up to four years in prison. Additionally, the Attorney General’s office has initiated a civil lawsuit against Briarwood One Stop. This suit seeks a permanent injunction to prevent the store from offering gambling services and demands a $1,000 penalty for each violation of the Merchandising Practices Act.
Authorities seized 12 gambling machines from the store, along with more than $30,000 in cash, which included funds from a redemption machine. Attorney General Hanaway stated that Torch Electronics, a Wildwood-based company, operated these machines, which are responsible for a majority of VLTs in the state.
Statewide Enforcement Against VLTs
These charges are part of a broader statewide effort to remove such machines, an initiative that began when Attorney General Hanaway took office in September. Historically, video lottery terminals (VLTs) operated in what was often considered a legal gray area under state law. However, recent weeks have seen legislators tighten regulations, especially after a Missouri federal judge deemed gambling machines illegal in February.
Attorney General Hanaway has adopted a more assertive stance than her predecessors, explicitly advising businesses to remove VLTs immediately. She emphasized that the issue is a priority, citing concerns about the widespread presence of these machines across Missouri. Hanaway clarified that, regardless of vendor assurances, these machines are illegal. She advised businesses to unplug and shut down the devices, potentially returning them to their suppliers, to avoid legal issues. Hanaway also highlighted that removing VLTs is particularly important due to their frequent location in lower-income neighborhoods and their potential link to organized crime.
Greene County Prosecutor Dan Patterson commended Attorney General Hanaway’s statewide enforcement strategy, noting that a coordinated effort is essential to address these machines. He confirmed that this is currently the only criminal case involving VLTs pending in Greene County.
Other prosecutors across Missouri are also preparing to implement these new measures against VLTs. For instance, Charles County Prosecutor Joseph McCulloch recently gave businesses until April 1, 2026, to comply with the new regulations by removing VLTs from their properties. Failure to meet this deadline could result in authorities forcibly removing the devices and potential legal consequences for the owners.
I remember the first time I saw Kai Tak, Hong Kong’s gambling city, I thought I was in a fairy tale. All the lights blinking, the music and the monumental buildings, what 9-year-old wouldn’t think they’ve come to a magical place? It was my father who brought me, dragging me along and when inside I was hit by the smell of frying duck. As soon as I hit 21 I returned to Kai Tak, A bit nervous to see if my mind had embellished the memory, but it hadn’t. Kai Tak was still a magical place. I decided I wanted to spend as much time as I could at this place, so I did.
