Alabama Casino Debate Ignites After Court Ruling

Casino News - November 19th, 2009 - Written by Glen

Governor Bob Riley of Alabama has been on quest to remove bingo machines from Alabama, and the issue has grown to such proportions that the Alabama Supreme Court had heard the case. After their ruling, however, the issue remained one writhe with confusion.

On December 1st, a project valued at almost $90 million dollars is scheduled to open. This project will feature restaurants, an RV park, an amphitheater, and, despite the gambling debate, almost 1,700 gambling machines. Another such venue is scheduled to open 15 miles east of Montgomery, this time a luxury hotel that will feature an 80,000 square foot conference center in the future. The latter venue will be near Alabama's largest gambling hall, an establishment that holds 6,000 bingo machines.

The court ruling said, in a nutshell, that these bingo machines "resemble slot machines," which are outlawed in Alabama. Though not definitive, this ruling may send the bingo issue into a calamity, thus causing these venues that host hundreds or even thousands of electronic bingo machines into a state of anarchy. Despite the remaining trials on the horizon, the projects that will entail bingo machines have not ceased their actions.

Ron Sparks, the state Agricultural Commissioner, has expressed contempt for the ruling, stating that "this ruling puts at jeopardy an industry that brings hundreds of millions of dollars to both state and local governments in Alabama."

According to the Associated Press, Sparks intends on running for governor.

Though Governor Riley is actively pursuing the complete ban on these bingo machines, the Alabama Supreme Court is left to decide on the issue. The Top USA Online Casinos will remain active and legal for Alabama residents to enjoy."

The Associated Press Contributed to this Article

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