Dozens of illegal gambling machines seized in Dunklin County; felony charges filed against five businesses
FOX23 News at 9 p.m
JEFFERSON CITY, Mo., (KBSI) — The Missouri State Highway Patrol’s Missouri State Highway Patrol Division of Drug and Crime Control announced felony charges following a multi-year illegal gambling investigation in Dunklin County.
According to a news release, the Dunklin County Prosecutor’s Office requested the investigation in 2024 after concerns about illegal gambling involving video lottery terminals. Investigators determined that five businesses were operating illegal video gambling devices to generate revenue.
On March 10, 2025, patrol members executed multiple search warrants at the following businesses: Jay’s Corner Store in Kennett; Swindel’s Quick Shop in Malden; Dixie Package in Malden; Up In Smoke – Clouds in Kennett; and Kennett Liquor and Tobacco in Kennett.
Authorities seized 73 illegal gambling devices and $4,292 in cash during the operation. The case file was later submitted to the Dunklin County Prosecuting Attorney’s Office for review.
On Feb. 10, 2026, the prosecutor’s office charged each business with one count of promoting gambling in the first degree, a Class E felony.
The charge is an accusation, and defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.
