Columbia Police Department to propose ordinance on gaming machines
COLUMBIA, Mo. (KMIZ)
The City of Columbia is looking to crack down on unregulated gaming machines with a new ordinance set to be presented Monday.
"Gray machines" or "no-chance machines" are similar to randomized slot machines but feature skill elements or sometimes the ability to show the outcome of the next roll. This requires the player to make a decision or skill-based action to play, making the legality of the games murky.
The ordinance was initially requested by the city council in October 2025 to address concerns about gaming machines. According to city documents, more than a dozen businesses operate a gaming machine.
The ordinance would make it illegal to offer the use of an electronic gaming machine, with violations being punishable by up to a $1,000 fine or 30 days in jail.
The ordinance will be on first reading at Monday's city council meeting. The law requires that an ordinance be read three times for public notice before the Council votes on it, according to the city's website.
The memo adds that if approved, CPD may need to adjust arrest and processing procedures, and enforcement of the rule may be delayed.
On Feb. 10, 2026, Missouri Attorney General Catherine Hanaway also focused on unregulated gaming enforcement by suing five businesses with gaming machines in Dunklin County.
The Columbia City Council meeting is scheduled for 7 p.m. Monday.
