Alabama Gambling Bill Fails To Launch

Gambling News - March 5th, 2010 - Written By Glen

Unfortunately, the legislation that would push forth legal gambling in Alabama has failed. Having fallen short of the 21 required votes for formal introduction, the Democrats in Alabama will have to put the issue aside - for now.

Governor Bob Riley and his Task Force on Illegal Gambling have been shutting down the bingo halls around the state, citing that these machines are not protected under the current laws, citing the claim that they too closely resemble slot machines.

The issue has been beaten back and forth by legislators, the courts, and law enforcement officials.

Over the last few months we have watched as the task force has systematically closed down many of the bingo halls in the state, which subsequently put hundreds out of the job. Not only are taxes no longer being collected on gambling revenue, but the state has also picked up the tab to pay unemployment for those who were displaced by the closure of these bingo halls.

"I really don't get gambling laws," said Dan T. of Dothan. "Honestly, let people do what they want, it is all in good fun."

Joe Godfrey, executive director of the Alabama Citizens Action Program, has a different opinion. He stated that he is "cautiously optimistic that we have been able to stop it, but anything can happen," said Godfrey. This was said in response to the fact that there is less than two weeks time until the current legislative session is over.

In order to preclude any raids from occurring, many of the casinos have already voluntarily shut down. If Alabamians are to continue gambling legally outside of Alabama Online Gambling, it is suggested that they contact their legislators and push for legalized gambling.

The Montgomery Advertiser contributed to this Article.