Bally's Interactive's Bally Bet Sportsbook had its debut in Tennessee, making it the 10th state to suggest its offerings.Bally’s is an American gambling, betting, and...
Tennessee court rules video lottery terminals illegal
The Tennessee Chancery Court ruled that video lottery terminals, or “no chance” machines, are illegal under state law, prompting immediate enforcement actions.
The Chancery Court upheld the constitutionality of Tennessee’s gambling statute on July 14, siding with the Shelby County District Attorney’s office in a legal challenge brought by Torch Electronics, a machine manufacturer in Missouri.
Shelby County District Attorney Steve Mulroy stated:
“The court made it clear: these machines are illegal, and we have the authority to go after those who profit from them.”
The decision ends the long-term legal gray area surrounding the machines, which resemble slot machines but use preset outcomes.
Torch Electronics filed suit in July 2024, claiming that the state’s gambling laws were vague and the machines were not games of chance. The claim was rejected, affirming the state’s ability to regulate such devices.
Mulroy’s statement said:
“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. 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.”
Past initiatives have included Operation Casino Royale (2022-2023), which resulted in the seizure of 268 illegal gambling machines, and 5 enforcement raids in July 2024.
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