Court Backs DA Mulroy in Crackdown of Illegal Gambling Machines

Shelby County, TN — Shelby County District Attorney Steve Mulroy, joined by law enforcement officials, announced today a major legal victory in the fight against illegal gambling operations. A three-judge panel of the Chancery Court ruled on July 14 in favor of the DA’s Office in Torch Electronics v. Mulroy, affirming that the company’s so-called “No Chance Games” (NCGs) are illegal gambling devices under Tennessee law.

The ruling follows a two-day trial in May and rejects Torch Electronics’ claims that its machines do not constitute gambling devices and that Tennessee’s gambling statutes are unconstitutionally vague.

“This is a win for public safety, consumer protection, and the rule of law,” said DA Mulroy. “The court made it clear: these machines are illegal, and we have the authority to go after those who profit from them. These operations are not just about games—they’re often linked to more serious crimes like money laundering and firearms offenses. We will continue to enforce the law to protect our communities.”

Torch Electronics, a Missouri-based company operating in Shelby County, had attempted to legitimize its operations by arguing that the NCGs were not subject to Tennessee’s gambling laws. The court’s ruling affirms that the DA’s Office and law enforcement agencies are well within their rights to crack down on these machines and associated activity.

Ongoing Enforcement Efforts

The DA’s Office and local law enforcement have already taken significant steps to target illegal gambling:

• Operation Casino Royale (July 2022–October 2023) led to:

  • 268 illegal gambling machines seized

  • Over $1 million in cash recovered

  • Multiple arrests and citations

• July 2024 Enforcement Action included:

  • Raids at 5 locations

  • $15,000 in cash seized

  • Ties to firearms and suspected money laundering

These efforts reflect a coordinated, multi-agency commitment to eliminating illegal gambling enterprises that exploit residents and contribute to broader criminal activity.

Next Steps

With the court's decision now on record, the DA’s Office will continue working with Memphis Police and other partners to dismantle operations involving NCGs and similar machines.