After the operation of video lottery terminals essentially was made illegal in Springfield in February, businesses that still house and give the public the opportunity to win money from the devices are facing consequences.
According to a Springfield Police Department news release, 36 citations have been issued to various businesses around the city for violating the ordinance. ktp400
The ordinance, approved by Springfield City Council on Feb. 12, bans any device that offers a monetary prize regardless of the odds of receiving the prize, focusing on the reward aspect of the game rather than the gameplay or rules of play. In addition to prohibiting the use of devices offering monetary prizes, the new city ordinance sets minimum penalties for violations. Each device would constitute a separate offense, and with each offense the punishment becomes harsher. A first offense results in a minimum $500 fine, the second with a minimum $1,000 fine and a third carries a $1,000 fine and 30 days in jail.
Esports facilities and arcades do not fall under this ordinance, according to previous testimony from city attorneys.
The following businesses have received at least one citation, according to the release. SPD Public Affairs Officer Cris Swaters said the citations are issued to whomever is in charge of the business at the time of enforcement, whether that be a manager, clerk or other employee. They include:
More:Torch Electronics sues city of Springfield over video lottery terminals ban
Less than a month after the ordinance was approved, Torch Electronics, one of the largest owners of VLT machines in the state, filed a lawsuit against the city. In the lawsuit, the company claims the ordinance does not apply to their machines and is an impairment to lease contracts Torch has with the stores where the machines are found.
Torch has instructed the stores with which they have agreements to keep the machines on.
The lawsuit filed argues that Torch devices do not offer "prizes" but rather "they give the customer exactly what they pay for and what the customer will get is known to the customer and predetermined." Citing a definition of "prize" from the Merriam-Webster dictionary as something offered in a competition or contest of chance, the lawsuit notes neither apply to the devices.
The machines operate all across the state through a loophole in state gambling statute that bans chance games. Torch games are "no-chance games," as they allow the player to view the outcome of a given play, though not the outcome of a subsequent play.
mdx61b0014 Marta Mieze covers local government at the News-Leader. Have feedback, tips or story ideas? Contact her at mmieze@news-leader.com.