Chapter 572 – Gambling
Missouri Chapter 572: Gambling Offenses
Chapter 572 of the Missouri Revised Statutes covers illegal gambling activities, including placing bets, running gambling operations, and possessing gambling records or devices. While some forms of gaming are legal and regulated, unlicensed or underground gambling operations can lead to serious misdemeanor or felony charges—especially when money changes hands or records are kept for profit.
What Chapter 572 Covers
- Unlawful gambling by individuals or groups
- Promoting or operating illegal gambling businesses
- Possessing gambling devices, ledgers, or bet records
- Distinctions between first- and second-degree charges
Click any link below for a simplified breakdown of what each law prohibits, what evidence prosecutors may rely on, and what penalties may apply.
Chapter 572 Statutes Explained
- § 572.020 – Gambling
- § 572.030 – Promoting Gambling (First Degree)
- § 572.040 – Promoting Gambling (Second Degree)
- § 572.050 – Possession of Gambling Records (First Degree)
- § 572.060 – Possession of Gambling Records (Second Degree)
- § 572.070 – Possession of a Gambling Device
Charged With Illegal Gambling?
Whether you’ve been caught with gambling records or accused of running a betting operation, you have legal options. At Combs Waterkotte, we help clients fight back against gambling-related charges and protect their freedom and reputation. Contact us today for a free consultation and experienced Missouri criminal defense representation.
572.010. Chapter definitions
What gambling-related terms mean in Missouri law
This section explains important terms used in Missouri’s gambling laws, like what counts as gambling, who’s considered a player, and what makes something illegal.
1. “Advance gambling activity”: Helping with gambling in any way other than playing—like setting up games, running equipment, or allowing it on your property. Running a legal casino boat doesn’t count.
2. “Bookmaking”: Taking bets from the public as a business (not just friendly betting) on future events.
3. “Contest of chance”: A game or contest where chance plays a big role, even if skill also matters.
4. “Gambling”: Betting something valuable on a game of chance or an event you can’t control, hoping to win something. Legal business deals and amusement games that only give free replays don’t count. Licensed gambling (like casinos) isn’t included.
5. “Gambling device”: Any tool or machine used to play gambling games. Lottery tickets and policy slips aren’t included here.
6. “Gambling record”: Any paper or item used to keep track of illegal gambling, like tickets or betting slips.
7. “Lottery” or “policy”: Illegal games where people pay for a chance to win something, and the winner is chosen by chance.
8. “Player”: Someone who gambles just to play and possibly win, without helping run the gambling. Helping friends set up a home game for fun (without pay) doesn’t count as running gambling. Bookmakers aren’t considered players.
9. “Professional player”: A person who gambles as a job or has made at least 20% of their income from gambling in one year during the last five years.
10. “Profit from gambling activity”: Making money from gambling without actually playing—like getting a cut of the profits.
11. “Slot machine”: A machine that works with coins or tokens and may give out prizes based on chance. Even if it’s broken or also sells things, it still counts as a slot machine.
12. “Something of value”: Anything worth money—cash, property, tokens, credit, or the right to play for free.
13. “Unlawful”: Anything not specifically allowed by law.
Contact us online or call (314) 900-HELP to talk with a Missouri criminal defense lawyer.
