The Missouri State Highway Patrol’s Division of Drug and Crime Control (DDCC) announces charges involving illegal gambling activity in Dunklin County, MO. DDCC investigators conducted an investigation encompassing several businesses over several years. This operation was a collaborative effort involving the DDCC investigators, Patrol uniformed members, Malden Department of Public Safety, Kennett Police Department, and members of the Dunklin County Sheriff's Office.

In 2024, the Dunklin County Prosecutor’s Office requested DDCC investigate several businesses for illegal gambling activity involving video lottery terminals (VLT). During the undercover investigation, it was determined five area businesses utilized illegal video gambling devices to generate illicit revenue. DDCC investigators developed probable cause and filed and obtained several search warrants.

On March 10, 2025, members of the Patrol executed the search warrants and seized evidence associated with illegal gambling. The searches included the following business: Jays Corner Store (Kennett, MO), Swindel’s Quick Shop (Malden, MO), Dixie Package (Malden, MO), Up In Smoke - Clouds (Kennett, MO), and Kennett Liquor and Tobacco (Kennett, MO). During the operation, investigators seized a total of 73 illegal gambling devices throughout Dunklin County. These seized VLT devices contained a total of $4,292.00 in U.S. currency. At the conclusion of the investigation, the case file was forwarded to the Dunklin County Prosecutor for review.

On February 10, 2026, the Dunklin County Prosecuting Attorney’s Office formally charged each previously mentioned business with one count of promoting gambling in the first degree (Class E felony).

The above charge is a mere accusation and is not evidence of guilt. Evidence in support of this charge must be presented before a court of competent jurisdiction whose duty is to determine guilt or innocence.

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