Shelby County's fight against illegal gambling took a decisive turn with the recent court ruling in favor of District Attorney Steve Mulroy. As reported by the Shelby County DA's Office, a Chancery Court three-judge panel has upheld that the video gaming machines operated by Torch Electronics are, in fact, illegal gambling devices under Tennessee law.
The judgment arrived after a trial held in May, effectively dismantling Torch Electronics' stance that their "No Chance Games" (NCGs) did not constitute gambling and that the state's statutes were unconstitutionally vague. As part of their systematic crackdown, the DA's Office has managed to not only capture hundreds of these machines but also significantly disrupt activities that could well be intertwined with more serious offences. "This is a win for public safety, consumer protection, and the rule of law," DA Mulroy told the official DA's News Release.
The Missouri-based company, Torch Electronics, previously tried to argue that their operations were outside the jurisdiction of Tennessee's gambling laws. The recent court decision clearly states otherwise, giving local law enforcement the necessary backing to continue to somewhat aggressively enforce these laws.
Noteworthy successes include Operation Casino Royale which, from July 2022 to October 2023, led to the confiscation of 268 illegal gambling machines and the recovery of over $1 million in cash. Additionally, enforcement action in July 2024 saw raids at five locations and the seizure of $15,000 in cash. These actions reveal a pattern of gambling linked to firearms possession and suspected money laundering, further stressing the importance of these continued sweeps. "We will continue to enforce the law to protect our communities," DA Mulroy underscored in a statement obtained by the Shelby County DA's website.
