§ 572.030 RSMo – Promoting Gambling in the First Degree

Posted by Christopher Combs on July 22, 2025

572.030. Promoting gambling in the first degree — penalty

If someone helps run illegal gambling or makes money from it—especially when large amounts of money are involved—they can be charged with a felony.

1. A person commits the offense of promoting gambling in the first degree if they knowingly help or profit from illegal gambling or lottery activity by:

(1) Running a gambling device where more than $100 is bet in one day, or running a slot machine;
(2) Taking bets as a bookmaker, accepting more than one bet and over $100 in a day;
(3) In connection with a lottery or similar scheme, they:
- (a) Take money or betting records from someone other than the player;
- (b) Receive over $100 in money bet in one day; or
- (c) Receive something worth over $100 bet in one day.

2. Promoting gambling in the first degree is a class E felony.