Torch Electronics Shuts Down Slot Machines in Missouri Stores

Dr. Annelies De Vos · 2026-04-11

A week after a Missouri convenience store chain pulled video gaming terminals from its locations, the company behind those machines decided to pull the plug across the whole state. On Friday, Torch Electronics turned off its machines at every retailer in Missouri, facing serious legal pressure from state Attorney General Catherine Hanaway. This move comes after years of operating in a legal gray area. But now, the heat is on, and the company is backing down to protect its business partners. ### The Legal Pressure Mounts Torch Electronics sent a letter to retailers on Monday explaining their decision. The company said both the U.S. Attorney's office and the Missouri Attorney General are moving forward with criminal investigations and proceedings. "While we are confident in our position, criminal proceedings create real uncertainty for our business -- and more importantly, they create risk for all of you," the letter stated. "We take that seriously, and we want to do everything we can to protect you." According to the Missouri Independent, Torch told retailers they'd remove the machines if asked. It's a big shift for a company that's been fighting to keep its devices in stores for years.  ### The Pre-Reveal Workaround Explained Here's where things get interesting. Missouri allows some forms of gambling like riverboat casinos and the state lottery. But slot machines in convenience stores and bars? Totally illegal. Torch found a clever loophole though. They added what they call a "pre-reveal" feature to their games. On a regular slot machine, you spin and hope for the best. Pure chance. But on Torch machines, the screen shows you if the next spin will be a winner before you even play. So according to Torch, there's no luck involved. You know the outcome ahead of time, which means their products aren't gambling machines. Critics argue that chance still determines the result, even if you see it coming. And knowing the result just pushes the randomness to two spins away. In February, a judge ruled against one of Torch's competitors, saying these machines "meet the statutory definition of 'gambling device' and are therefore illegal under Missouri law when played outside a licensed casino." ### Why the Crackdown Is Happening Now Video gaming terminals have survived in Missouri despite legal challenges for years. But the state is finally cracking down. In March, Briarwood One Stop owner Himanshu Patel faced two counts of promoting gambling for having these machines in his store. Attorney General Hanaway made her position crystal clear at a press conference: "The message we want to communicate to the stores that have these machines in them is, no matter what you've been told by the vendors trying to place these machines in your stores, they're illegal. The best way to stay out of trouble is to unplug them, shut them down, perhaps even return them to whoever delivered them to your store." This enforcement action already caused Rapid Roberts, a convenience store and gas station chain with 34 locations in Missouri, to remove all Torch machines from its stores. ### What This Means for the Industry Torch's decision to shut down machines voluntarily could set a precedent. Other companies operating similar devices might now face the same scrutiny. For retailers, the message is clear: hosting these machines isn't worth the legal risk. The whole situation highlights how gambling laws struggle to keep up with technology. Companies find creative workarounds, but eventually, the law catches up. For now, Missouri's convenience stores and bars will have to find other ways to attract customers. - Torch Electronics turned off machines statewide on Friday - Legal pressure from state and federal authorities drove the decision - The pre-reveal feature didn't hold up in court - Retailers face criminal charges for hosting these machines It's a tough lesson for everyone involved. But for Missouri residents, it means fewer unregulated gambling options in their neighborhoods.