Summary:
- Sparks says acting as security is a conflict of interest.
- Unregulated operators are offering gambling machines in gas stations and truck stops.
- Concern has arisen that off-duty police officers are working for companies like Torch.
Torch Electronics is a company operating out of the St. Louis area that is accused of offering unregulated slot machines at bars, truck stops, and gas stations. The company already faces several lawsuits, and now it is believed that off-duty police officers are helping run security at venues where the games are offered. Representative Justin Sparks says this needs to stop now.
Sparks says that if cops provide security for unregulated games, they should stop immediately. Cops shouldn’t be providing this service at all, as it is a conflict of interest. The representative said it may even be illegal.
The Rep should know what he is talking about as he was a sergeant within the Special Response Unit of the St. Louis County Police Department. This unit is responsible for the enforcement of street-level crimes.
The comments by the representative come as Torch and another company named Wildwood face legal action for their unregulated games.
An Unregulated and Unsafe Market
The unregulated machines operate in an unsafe environment. Because the games are not under a supervisory role with the state gaming board, the companies are not forced to pay out winnings or pay taxes. The money from gaming in Missouri goes towards school funding and military veterans. Money is also used to help with gambling addiction.
The state has sued Torch for its operations, and they are suing back, claiming harassment. Torch filed the lawsuit after the state Highway Patrol started investigating illegal gambling claims.
The company will not comment on whether they use police officers as security to collect money from machines and deposit it into banks. Concern arose involving police officers and gaming operations after Governor Mike Parson signed a bill in early July that added more grounds for police officer discipline.
The law takes effect in late August and allows discipline if an officer commits an act that is connected to moral turpitude or reckless disregard for public safety. Gross misconduct is also considered. Sparks is concerned that police are working for such companies when they are also the ones who may be asked to investigate complaints about gaming machines.
Establishing New Rules
The state and local police departments have set new rules regarding personnel and secondary employment. The Missouri Highway Patrol does not allow its troopers to work for any business that uses gambling as its principal income. The Maplewood police department has said its employees are banned from working with Torch.
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