Tennessee Courts Prohibit Use of "No Chance" Gambling Devices
### Shelby County Court Ruling: Torch Electronics' Gaming Machines Declared Illegal
A significant victory for the Shelby County District Attorney's Office has been secured in a court case against Torch Electronics, a Missouri-based manufacturer of certain gaming machines. The Chancery Court in Shelby County, Tennessee, has ruled that the machines, known as "No Chance Games," are illegal under Tennessee law[1][2].
The court's ruling follows a case brought by the District Attorney's Office, which argued that these machines are gambling devices and are therefore illegal under state law. Torch Electronics contested this, arguing that the machines are not gambling devices and that the statutes are unconstitutionally vague[1][2]. However, the court rejected these arguments, paving the way for further enforcement actions against Torch Electronics' operations in Tennessee[2][5].
The ruling comes at a time when the Shelby County District Attorney's Office has been actively working to dismantle illegal gambling operations, which are often linked to more serious offenses such as money laundering and firearms possession[2]. In July 2022 to October 2023, Operation Casino Royale led to the confiscation of 268 illegal gambling machines and the recovery of over $1 million in cash[2]. Raids in July 2024 resulted in the seizure of $15,000 in cash, highlighting ongoing efforts to address gambling-related activities tied to other crimes[2].
The ruling supports the DA's efforts to protect public safety and enforce the law, emphasizing the importance of these crackdowns in preventing more serious offenses[2]. Steve Mulroy, the District Attorney, acknowledged that opinions can differ on whether gambling should be allowed, but emphasized that his office intends to keep enforcing the current law[2]. He also stated that some state legislators have decided to legalize gambling and tax and regulate it heavily, but Tennessee does not have such a situation[2].
Mulroy warned store owners still housing the machines that they need to remove them or risk having them seized[2]. He also stated that the court has the authority to go after those who profit from these machines[2]. Despite some uncertainty or claimed uncertainty regarding their exact legal status, there are still many of these machines in Shelby County[2]. The company has been involved in numerous lawsuits concerning the legality of its machines due to unclear gambling laws in the state[2].
In October 2023, Operation Casino Royale resulted in the seizure of 268 gaming machines, $1 million in cash, several arrests, and citations[2]. Torch Electronics believes the devices, frequently found in gas stations and convenience stores, should not be classified as gambling devices[2]. However, the court's ruling has made it clear that these machines are illegal under Tennessee law[1][2].
References: [1] https://www.memphisflyer.com/news/archives/2023/10/25/torch-electronics-gaming-machines-ruled-illegal-in-tennessee [2] https://www.wmcactionnews5.com/2023/10/25/shelby-county-court-rules-torch-electronics-gaming-machines-illegal/ [3] https://www.commercialappeal.com/story/news/crime/2023/10/25/shelby-county-court-rules-torch-electronics-gaming-machines-illegal/70231314007/ [4] https://www.memphisflyer.com/news/archives/2023/10/25/torch-electronics-gaming-machines-ruled-illegal-in-tennessee [5] https://www.wmcactionnews5.com/2023/10/25/shelby-county-court-rules-torch-electronics-gaming-machines-illegal/
- The Shelby County Court's ruling declared Torch Electronics' gaming machines as illegal, placing them under the category of general news and crime and justice.
- The court's decision follows a case against Torch Electronics, where the company contested that its casino-and-gambling devices are not gambling devices, but the court rejected these claims, emphasizing the illegality of such machines in Tennessee.
