Gas stations defy Springfield's gambling machine ban
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SPRINGFIELD, Mo. – KOLR 10 Investigates at least two gas stations that are gambling with the city of Springfield’s new rule banning slot machine-style games that pay out cash prizes.
According to the ordinance, it took effect upon passage Monday night. KOLR 10 Investigates visited multiple Fast ‘N Friendly convenience store supervisors who claim this rule doesn’t apply to them and they don’t plan to comply.
We talked to one man who’s a regular at the location on Chestnut Expressway and Main Street.
“Yeah I heard about [the ordinance] and figured I would come to the store and try to play one last time,” he said. “I just won $2,000 a few weeks ago.”
On Monday, city council voted unanimously to ban the so-called “no chance” game machines in Springfield, citing concerns from neighbors who say the machines attract crime.
Managers at two Fast ‘N Friendly locations told KOLR 10 Investigates they knew the city banned the games, but they’re following orders from Torch Electronics, who owns the machines, to leave them on.
One manager showed us a letter from an attorney representing Torch Electronics claiming the ordinance doesn’t apply to their machines.
On its website, Torch Electronics claims to be an industry leader in no-chance game machines. That’s exactly the type of machines named in the new ordinance.
In an interview Tuesday, Springfield Police Chief Paul Williams said enforcement to shut the gaming machines down would begin immediately. But when we checked with SPD Thursday, a spokesperson said they’re still in the notification process and have not issued any citations.
Other gaming businesses in the Plaza Shopping Center closed Tuesday and stayed closed. Neighboring tenants noticed a difference immediately.
“It seems like pretty much overnight like a light switch as soon as they passed that ordinance and those types of businesses were shutting down, everything got noticeably more quiet and peaceful,” said Jason Short, who’s opening The Flying Lap, a flight simulation and virutal reality center in the Plaza Shopping Center.
Once Springfield police start enforcement, the first two violations could result in a $500 fine followed by a $1,000 fine. The third violation is punishable by up to 30 days in jail.
