Kentucky Cracks Down on ‘Risk-Free’ Gambling Machines
Kentucky Attorney General Russell Coleman has issued a strong warning to local prosecutors about the legality of new ‘risk-free’ gambling machines appearing across the state. These devices, which resemble casino slots but claim to be risk-free, are under scrutiny as part of Kentucky’s broader crackdown on illegal gambling.
Clarifying the Legal Landscape:
While Kentucky allows some forms of gambling, such as horse racing and lotteries, it remains strict on gambling devices. Coleman stressed that there is no exemption for these ‘risk-free’ machines under Kentucky law. Over 600 of these devices have been found in gas stations and other locations. Previous legislation aimed to limit similar “gray machines,” but manufacturers like Pace-O-Matic and Prominent Technologies challenged the law, with Prominent Technologies introducing these new devices to bypass the restrictions.
Coleman’s recent advisory declares these new machines illegal, likening them to the banned gray machines. He argued that the element of chance in these games qualifies them as illegal gambling devices. Prominent Technologies has stated it will comply by disconnecting the machines by a specified deadline.
Legal Challenges and Community Impact:
The debate over these machines is ongoing. Prominent Technologies dropped its legal challenge against the 2023 ban, but Pace-O-Matic’s lawsuit is still active. This dispute reflects the conflict between regulatory measures and business interests, with significant lobbying efforts reported. Kentucky Public Radio notes that the enforcement by the Department of Alcoholic Beverage Control has been limited, raising concerns about the consistency of regulatory actions.
These regulatory and legal challenges have far-reaching implications for Kentucky’s gambling laws and economic development. The resolution of these issues will likely shape the future landscape of gambling and business in the state.
