Columbia Police Division to suggest ordinance on gaming machines

COLUMBIA, Mo. (KMIZ)

The City of Columbia is seeking to crack down on unregulated gaming machines with a brand new ordinance set to be offered Monday.

“Gray machines” or “no-chance machines” are much like randomized slot machines however characteristic talent components or generally the flexibility to point out the result of the following roll. This requires the participant to decide or skill-based motion to play, making the legality of the video games murky.

The ordinance was initially requested by town council in October 2025 to handle issues about gaming machines. According to metropolis paperwork, greater than a dozen companies function a gaming machine.

The ordinance would make it unlawful to supply the usage of an digital gaming machine, with violations being punishable by as much as a $1,000 nice or 30 days in jail.

The ordinance can be on first studying at Monday’s metropolis council assembly. The legislation requires that an ordinance be learn 3 times for public discover earlier than the Council votes on it, in accordance with town’s web site.

The memo provides that if authorised, CPD may have to regulate arrest and processing procedures, and enforcement of the rule could also be delayed.

On Feb. 10, 2026, Missouri Attorney General Catherine Hanaway additionally targeted on unregulated gaming enforcement by suing 5 companies with gaming machines in Dunklin County.

The Columbia City Council assembly is scheduled for 7 p.m. Monday.