Tennessee court rules gambling machines illegal as D.A. cracks down

The district attorney’s office is celebrating after a court panel ruled that a company’s gaming machines are illegal under Tennessee law.

A three-judge panel of the Chancery Court ruled July 14 in favor of the Shelby County District Attorney’s Office in a case against Torch Electronics, the D.A.’s office said.

Missouri-based Torch Electronics manufactures what are called “No Chance Games,” which are similar to slot machines and are often found in gas stations and convenience stores.

The company argued that Tennessee’s gambling statutes are unconstitutionally vague, and its machines were not actually gambling devices. But D.A. Steve Mulroy said the court’s decision affirms that these machines are illegal under Tennessee law.