Gambling Halls in Alabama Under Fire by Governor's Task Force

May 8, 2009 - Written by Glen

Gambling halls in Alabama are under fire by a task force built to stop "illegal" gambling machine operations in the state. The task force, formed and commanded by the Governer, Bob Riley, has raided several existing bingo halls. Despite a judges ruling this unconstitutional, it still continues unabated. Governor Riley appealed to a higher court and had ths initial unconstitutional judgement overturned.

Lobbyists have been repeatedly trying to sway public policy toward expanding the states gambling hall options. Despite their best efforts and campaign contributions, Riley remains vigilant in his assault on gambling halls around the state. Current owners of existing gambling halls have been lobbying to keep things as they were before the raids and indeed still are regardless of the law enforcement interaction.

Special interest groups and the governer received good news this week when lawmakers who were sponsering the up and coming Alabama gambling bill decided it would be shelved for the time being. The Bill would remain on the back burner until the next legislative session on the grounds that they would noth ave enough votes right now to pass the bill through the Senate. The Bill is aimed at taxing, regulating, and expanding electronic bingo and Online Gambling, which already exists in the state.

A similar situation took place in Florida. Lawmakers receieved an inordinate amount of campaign donations from groups with gambling interests. The Republicans in the state legislature are holding out so they can shower in another years worth of campaign contributions made by interest groups to further their agenda.