Pace-O-Matic’s ‘Dragon’s Ascent’ Legal Battle in Kansas
Gaming machine manufacturer Pace-O-Matic has been embroiled in a legal battle to prove that its dragon-shooting game, ‘Dragon’s Ascent,’ is a game of skill rather than chance. The Kansas Supreme Court recently ruled against Pace-O-Matic’s efforts, leaving the company in a state of uncertainty.
Dragon’s Ascent, a game similar to popular fish-shooting games from Asia but with dragons instead of fish, is currently available in Kansas truck stops and convenience stores. Players must pay a stake for each shot, with prizes awarded for every dragon defeated. Pace-O-Matic insists that the game is based on skill and strategy, not luck, making it legal under Kansas law.
Pace-O-Matic sought clarification from the Kansas Racing and Gaming Commission in 2019, but the commission found that while the game did involve skill, there were also elements of chance present. Attempts to get a definitive answer from the Attorney General’s Office were also unsuccessful.
In a bid to settle the matter, Pace-O-Matic took its case to court, arguing that the game was legal and that Kansas laws on illegal gambling devices were too vague. However, the lower court dismissed the case, stating that Pace-O-Matic had not suffered financial harm as a result of operating the game without interference from law enforcement.
Despite the setback, Pace-O-Matic remains optimistic about its future in Kansas. The Supreme Court justices upheld the lower court’s decision, noting that no legal action had been taken against the company for operating Dragon’s Ascent.
With the legal battle ongoing and uncertainty still looming, Pace-O-Matic continues to operate in Kansas, confident in its compliance with state laws. The company’s chief public affairs officer, Michael Barley, expressed optimism about the future, emphasizing their commitment to legal operations in the state.
Pace-O-Matic’s struggle to prove the legality of ‘Dragon’s Ascent’ highlights the complexities of gaming regulations and the challenges faced by companies in navigating state laws. As the debate continues, the fate of Dragon’s Ascent in Kansas remains uncertain, leaving Pace-O-Matic and its players in suspense.
