– A civil lawsuit questioning the legality of video games offering cash rewards as gambling devices has been dismissed
– Judge Daniel Green of the Cole County Circuit made the dismissal decision, just a day before the trial was to start
– The lawsuit sought to prevent the Missouri State Highway Patrol from investigating gambling allegations related to these games
Video Game Gambling Matters Hold Off in Missouri Courts
In what could have been a pioneering case determining the legal status of cash-awarding video games as gambling devices, Missouri courts have reluctantly hit the pause button. The suit, which was intended to thwart subsequent inquiries from the Missouri State Highway Patrol into gambling associations, was abruptly benched by Judge Daniel Green of the Cole County Circuit just a day before the trial was to commence.
Judge Green Puts a Lid on Lawsuit
This legal matter, which unquestionably had an enormous stake in the video gaming and law enforcement communities, has taken a sudden turn. Just before the jury was to arrive and tackle the dicey legal questions, Judge Green made a move that essentially suspended the entire process.
His decision went against a lawsuit aiming to halt the ongoing Highway Patrol investigations into various video games that allow players to win cash prizes, effectively labelling these games as gambling devices. This indicates that the Missouri State Highway Patrol can continue on their path, investigating the legality of these games.
The Breezy Take
Leaving the courtroom with more questions than answers, Judge Green’s decision throws a veil of uncertainty over the issue of cash rewarding video games in Missouri. In a climate where video gaming continually blurs the lines with gambling, it seems we’ll have to wait a little longer for some clear-cut legislation. Nevertheless, with the Highway Patrol given the green light to continue their investigations, we might not have to wait long for some substantial developments on this front.
Original article: https://missouriindependent.com/2023/10/02/judge-tosses-torch-lawsuit-seeking-to-block-missouri-highway-patrol-gambling-investigations/