KRGC Destroys 12 Illegal Gambling Devices in Topeka

For Immediate Release October 30, 2009 For more information contact: Mike Deines, Director of Communications (785) 296-5800 KANSAS RACING AND GAMING COMMISSION DESTROYS ILLEGAL GAMBLING DEVICES Topeka- Agents of the Kansas Racing and Gaming Commission, with the help of a local recycling

company, today destroyed more than a dozen illegal gambling devices commonly referred to as "Quarter Pushers" and "Cherry Master slot machines." Possession and operation of these devices is illegal under Kansas's long-standing criminal statutes and can carry a range of criminal ramifications. All of the machines involve the necessary elements of illegal gambling under Kansas law, including prize, chance and consideration. The limited exceptions to illegal gambling include licensed bingo games, regulated tribal gaming, licensed parimutuel racing and wagering, and the state lottery (including casino gambling). "Since 2008 the KRGC has led a coordinated effort to identify and remove illegal gambling devices," Executive Director Stephen Martino said. "Today's demolition is the result of a strong education effort designed to inform local businesses and suppliers that the State of Kansas will not tolerate these machines. "We have placed particular emphasis on eradicating the state of "Quarter Pushers" because they are placed in locations to entice and prey on children and youth. They are neither fair nor legal and have no place in Kansas communities." These types of illegal machines are often found in convenience stores, truck stops, Laundromats, bars and taverns. Many of the devices destroyed today came from a single supplier that placed machines across Kansas. "Many times these local businesses are duped by a supplier into believing that the machines are legal, other times local businesses are willing to overlook their illegality because of the easy cash the devices bring," Assistant Attorney General Patrick Martin said. "In the vast majority of cases, businesses are willing to have the devices removed." The Kansas Racing and Gaming Commission has also worked closely with local law enforcement and assisted them with their illegal gambling efforts. If the public has questions about what is and is not legal, they can go to the KRGC website at krgc.ks.gov and get detailed analysis on the most common illegal gambling questions. The public can also follow the KRGC's efforts on Twitter at www.twitter.com/KRGC1 . ###