*UPDATE* Dunklin County crackdown: 73 illegal gambling machines seized in coordinated raid *UPDATE*

Dunklin County Sheriff Nick Darter, in a Monday afternoon press release, said his deputies, Malden Department of Public Safety officers, and Kennett Police Department officers assisted Missouri State Highway Patrol Division of Drug and Crime Control agents in executing eight search warrants in efforts to eradicate illegal gambling machines throughout Dunklin County.

"As a result of a coordinated effort, there were 73 machines seized and undisclosed amount of money," Darter said. "These machines are causing not just family problems, but problems around communities."

Four large box trucks for hire were parked outside the Dunklin County Justice Center, and Darter confirmed to the DDD that four trucks were used in Monday's search warrant executions.

"The investigation is still ongoing," Darter's press release stated. "We, along with other law enforcement agencies, are continuing to work to address the situation."

A letter from the Missouri Gaming Commission offered props to Darter and his team for their efforts.

“We commend the Dunklin County Sheriff's Office for taking action to protect their citizens by seizing more than 70 illegal gambling machines operating in their jurisdiction,” the letter read. “Like so many other Missouri communities, Dunklin County is fed up with the negative impacts of these “video lottery terminals (VLTs)” that have illegally spread in convenience stores, gas stations and other community establishments.

“The unpopularity of these machines is echoed in communities across the state,” the commission's letter stated. “Last month the results of a new statewide survey by Public Opinion Strategies revealed that clear majorities of every major demographic group — Republicans, conservatives, frequent churchgoers, Democrats, liberals, independents and African Americans — all oppose VLTs. The bottom line is that Missourians do not want these devices in their communities, and we encourage other communities to follow Dunklin County’s lead and take action on a local level.”

In addition, the commission urged voters to support those politicians who seek to rid the state of illegal gaming.

“We also want voters to know that their voice makes a difference,” the letter stated. “We urge citizens to call their local representatives and also ask their state representatives to vote against bills that seek to legalize video lottery terminals in our state this session.”

Updated at 9:07 a.m. March 12 to include Gaming Commission letter