Alabama ’s anti-gambling laws have been described as a ‘patchwork’ that provides advantageous loopholes for gambling operators. In December 2008 the Task Force on Illegal Gambling was created in order to support and promote the uniform enforcement of the state’s anti-gambling law and one year ago Governor Bob Riley wrote to gambling machine manufacturers to warn them of possible prosecution.

“I am deeply concerned that many manufacturers, providers, and business operators may have a mistaken impression about the legality of certain activities. It is out of this concern that I provide you this notice of the law and a fair opportunity to withdraw from any business activity in Alabama which could be determined to constitute unlawful gambling activity or use of illegal gambling devices. So that there is no misunderstanding, I fully intend to carry out my constitutional duty to faithfully execute the laws of Alabama.”

Yesterday the Governor’s Task Force on Illegal Gambling was thwarted by a judge in its attempt to close the bingo and country music entertainment centre recently opened in Houston County . The middle of the night court order was issued banning the planned pre-dawn raid and around 40 Alabama state troopers had to stand down. The Houston County Commissioner, who personally delivered the restraining order, declared that the county was doing everything possible to protect 1,300 jobs in a community hard hit by the economic downturn.

The US$87 million entertainment centre at Country Crossing has 1,700 electronic bingo machines. Houston County approved the construction in 2008 and contends that bingo machines are allowed under state law. Governor Riley and state Attorney General Troy King are at odds over the issue. Pro-gambling lobbies are expected to push for legal clarification of electronic bingo under Alabama law in the next Legislative session. (E-01.07.10)

© Copyright 2010 CasinoCompendium



>>> return to archives
>>> return to frontpage