Springfield City Council unanimously approved a bill banning entertainment devices offering monetary prizes. “No-chance” games are proliferating in Springfield and the new ordinance will prohibit their operation due to reported negative impacts on neighborhoods.
Citizens provided nearly an hour-long testimony in reaction to the bill at the public hearing Jan. 22. Video of the testimony and meeting can be found at CityView.Springfieldmo.gov. The Mayor described the testimony as “disturbing” and “while it was not determinative, it was instructive.”
The ordinance leaves undisturbed legitimate arcades that may offer toys and similar items as prizes as well as live games that may offer monetary prizes, such as games offered for fan entertainment during sporting events. These activities are not viewed as creating the same negative impacts on neighborhoods created by no-chance devices.
City officials started seeing these devices appear in locations throughout the community a couple of years ago and Council members have received complaints about the impact this activity has on the surrounding neighborhoods.
“Entertainment devices offering monetary prizes can result in detrimental impacts to the players of such devices, including financial hardships and increased reliance on public assistance,” said Mayor Ken McClure. “This action is necessary for the protection of the public health, safety, and welfare of our community.”