Missouri Attorney General forces Torch Electronics to suspend illegal gambling operations

Torch Electronics was the largest provider of unlawful slot machines in the state.

Apr. 8, 2026 at 7:20pm

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An extreme close-up photograph of a broken slot machine component, such as a coin slot or LED display, lit by a harsh, direct camera flash against a pitch-black background, conveying a stark, gritty, and investigative aesthetic without depicting any violence or victims.The suspension of Torch Electronics' illegal gambling operations signals a crackdown on unregulated machines profiting from unlawful activity in Missouri.Springfield Today

The Missouri Attorney General's Office announced that Torch Electronics, the largest provider of illegal gambling devices in the state, has agreed to suspend all operations effective Friday, April 10. This action follows an ongoing joint criminal investigation by the U.S. Attorney's Offices and the Attorney General's Office.

Why it matters

Illegal gambling operations can enable money laundering, organized crime, and other illicit activities that undermine public safety and the rule of law. By taking enforcement action against Torch Electronics, the Attorney General is sending a strong message that there will be consequences for profiting from unlawful gambling in Missouri.

The details

Torch Electronics had been providing unregulated slot machines and other illegal gambling devices to customers across Missouri. The Attorney General's Office worked with federal prosecutors to investigate the company's activities and force it to cease operations. Torch has notified its customers to stop using the illegal machines by the April 10 deadline.

  • The Attorney General's announcement came on Tuesday, April 8, 2026.
  • Torch Electronics has agreed to suspend all operations effective Friday, April 10, 2026.

The players

Catherine Hanaway

The Attorney General of Missouri who announced the enforcement action against Torch Electronics.

Torch Electronics

The largest provider of illegal gambling devices in Missouri, which has agreed to suspend all operations.

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What they’re saying

“I am pleased to announce Torch Electronics has suspended all operations involving illegal gambling devices, effective this Friday, as a result of a coordinated investigation by my office and the U.S. Attorneys. Torch's agreement to proactively halt these operations signals clearly that there has never been a gray market.”

— Catherine Hanaway, Attorney General of Missouri

What’s next

The Attorney General's Office and the U.S. Attorneys continue to seek a permanent resolution between all parties, and will investigate and seek enforcement action against other operators, manufacturers, and retail stores that facilitate illegal gambling activity.

The takeaway

This enforcement action against Torch Electronics demonstrates the state's commitment to cracking down on illegal gambling operations that enable criminal activity and undermine public safety. It sends a clear message that profiting from unlawful gambling will not be tolerated in Missouri.