A recent ruling from a three-judge Chancery Court panel has marked a legal victory for the Shelby County District Attorney’s Office, confirming that gaming machines produced by Torch Electronics violate Tennessee gambling laws.
The decision, issued on July 14, supports the argument brought forward by the D.A.’s office, which challenged the legality of machines branded as “No Chance Games.” These devices, manufactured by Missouri-based Torch Electronics, resemble traditional slot machines and are commonly installed in convenience stores and gas stations across the Mid-South region.
Legal Arguments Rejected in Court
Torch Electronics had defended the legality of its machines by claiming that Tennessee’s gambling laws are “unconstitutionally vague,” asserting that the devices do not constitute gambling equipment. However, the court disagreed, siding with prosecutors and affirming that these machines are indeed unlawful under current state statutes.
Shelby County District Attorney Steve Mulroy welcomed the court’s decision, emphasizing that it legitimizes continued enforcement efforts. “The court made it clear: these machines are illegal, and we have the authority to go after those who profit from them. These operations are not just about games—they’re often linked to more serious crimes like money laundering and firearms offenses. We will continue to enforce the law to protect our communities,” Mulroy said in an official statement.
Wider Crackdown on Illegal Gambling Machines
The ruling comes amid an ongoing campaign by the Shelby County D.A.’s office to clamp down on unlicensed gaming activity. Over the last several years, Mulroy’s team has been working closely with local law enforcement agencies to eliminate these machines from the region. One of the major efforts, dubbed “Operation Casino Royale,” ran from 2022 into 2023 and resulted in the seizure of 268 illegal gambling devices, along with several arrests and citations.
More recently, enforcement actions continued into 2024, with five additional locations raided in July. Despite the recent court ruling, Mulroy noted that many of these devices remain in operation, particularly in Shelby County. “We still have many of these machines in Shelby County, amid some uncertainty or at least claimed uncertainty as to its exact legal status,” he said.
Community Impact and Ongoing Enforcement
Beyond legal considerations, the D.A. underscored the broader societal consequences of these unregulated gambling machines. According to Mulroy, their presence is often associated with increased criminal activity, particularly in economically disadvantaged neighborhoods.
“When the drug task force did a sweep last summer, we found evidence of money laundering at some of the locations,” Mulroy said, highlighting the risks these machines pose beyond simple gaming violations.
Mulroy also addressed broader debates surrounding gambling policy, noting that while some states have moved to legalize and regulate certain forms of gambling, Tennessee has not chosen that path. “It is possible reasonable people can disagree on the policy behind this — some state legislators decided to legalize gambling. This type or other types of gambling. They will tax it heavily, they will regulate it heavily,” he explained. “But we don’t have that situation in Tennessee. The legislature has not made that decision.”
Clear Message to Business Owners
With the court’s decision now reinforcing the legal stance against these devices, Mulroy delivered a pointed message to store owners operating them: “If you are a proprietor of one of these stores, be on notice. They’re not legal, you need to get rid of them or they will be seized.”
The Shelby County D.A.’s office intends to continue pursuing cases involving illegal gambling and supporting broader law enforcement efforts across the region.
Source:
‘’Court rules gambling machines illegal as D.A.’s office cracks down’’, wreg.com, July 16, 2025.
The post Tennessee Court Sides with Prosecutors in Torch Electronics Case first appeared on RealMoneyAction.com.