Attorney General Hanaway Announces Successful Illegal Gaming Seizure In Washington County
JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. – Today, Missouri Attorney General Catherine Hanaway announced that her office, alongside the Missouri State Highway Patrol (MSHP) Division of Drug and Crime Control (DDCC), the Washington County Sheriff’s Office, and the Potosi Police Department, successfully seized nine illegal electronic gambling devices from an illegal gaming operation in Washington County.
“Missouri’s crackdown on illegal gaming is not letting up,” said Attorney General Hanaway. “Working alongside local law enforcement, we will continue to enforce the law relentlessly in every county, dismantle illegal gaming operations, and protect our neighborhoods from the crime and disorder these gambling halls bring.”
On August 20, 2026, law enforcement executed a search warrant at Potosi Discount Liquor in Washington County. Officers seized nine gambling devices and more than $27,000 in cash—one of MSHP’s largest single‑location cash seizures. According to investigators, the money represented roughly a two‑week payout from machines operating at the location.
“This investigation represents another coordinated law enforcement effort to address illegal gambling activity,” said MSHP DDCC Sergeant Bradley Germann. “From small towns to large metropolitan areas, these illicit gambling devices present significant challenges for both communities and law enforcement. We are appreciative of the strong interagency partnership with the Missouri Attorney General’s Office and our local law enforcement partners. DDCC will continue its investigative efforts to combat illegal gambling activity across the state.”
“These machines are not harmless—they exploit our citizens and can fuel other criminal activity,” said Washington County Sheriff Dwayne Reed. “Working with the Attorney General’s Office and our law‑enforcement partners, we’re committed to removing illegal gaming from Washington County.”
In February 2026, a judge declared that so-called “no chance” machines “meet the statutory definition of ‘gambling device’ and are therefore illegal under Missouri law when played outside a licensed casino.” More recently, a court dismissed the lawsuit that sought to enjoin General Hanaway’s enforcement of Missouri’s gambling laws against these gaming machines.
“The Potosi Police Department is proud to partner with the Attorney General’s Office and our law enforcement partners. I share Sheriff Reed’s sentiments and agree these illegal gaming devices need to be removed from our community,” said Potosi Chief of Police Michael Gum.
To any business currently hosting or operating illegal gaming devices, Attorney General Hanaway demands that you cease operation and remove the devices immediately. The Attorney General’s Office will continue working with law enforcement partners statewide to identify and stop illegal gaming operations wherever they occur.
The Attorney General’s Office reminds the public that, as in all criminal matters, any defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty in a court of law.
Photos from the Potosi Discount Liquor store and the evidence seized are available on the Missouri Attorney General’s Flickr page here.
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