Alabama Gambling Task Force Moves On Despite Resignation

Gambling News - January 21st, 2010 - Written By Glen

Last week, the director of the Governor's Task Force on Illegal Gambling had tendered his resignation. This came when it was revealed that the director, David Barber, had won $2,300 dollars in a casino in Mississippi, a Choctaw Indian Casino in Philadelphia.

No details had been released until now, which were details brought to light by Governor Riley himself. Riley stated that Barber thought that the winnings would serve as a distraction. Riley agreed with Barber's choice of action.

When Barber had won the money was a fact that Riley had not been able to discern, but he claims it was won when Barber and his wife had gone to Mississippi for a special occasion, perhaps a birthday or an anniversary.

The Task Force had been responsible for cracking down on illegal gambling ventures, particularly those casinos with bingo machines. The task force's work had culminated in the seizure of some machines, as well as revamping of laws that oversee the way that these bingo machines operate. The earlier renditions of the machines had been declared too similar to slot machines, and thus illegal under Alabama state law. Alabama online gambling still offers players a chance to legally enjoy slot machines, however.

Riley has made it a point to let Alabamians know that the task force would continue its job, investigating gambling operations to ensure that they all adhere to the law.

On a side note, legislation is being considered that would legalize different forms of gambling in the state, though the tenants of this bill are purely speculation.

The Associated Press Contributed to this article.