The state of Alabama is intensifying its efforts to curb the use of electronic bingo machines in casinos, asserting that these devices are essentially unlawful slot machines. Across multiple counties, the office of the Attorney General is pursuing legal action against five separate casinos, alleging violations of state regulations. These lawsuits are not solely directed at the casinos themselves but also encompass the manufacturers and distributors of the machines, subjecting the entire operation to close examination. Attorney General Steve Marshall emphasized that his office is enforcing existing legislation that prohibits illicit gambling activities. This dispute revolves around the ambiguous legal status of electronic bingo. Although traditional casino-style gambling is prohibited, these establishments contend that their machines operate differently. However, the Alabama Supreme Court has consistently ruled against the legality of these machines, maintaining that they contravene state law irrespective of their classification under federal guidelines.
The top legal official in Alabama, Steve Marshall, has initiated legal proceedings against digital bingo establishments in various jurisdictions, including Greene County. He contends that these ventures constitute unlawful gaming activities, referencing recent judgments from the Alabama Supreme Court. Marshall views this litigation as a component of a broader plan to uphold the state’s statutes and curtail illicit gambling.
Greenetrack, a gaming facility in Greene County, intends to challenge the lawsuit. Their chief executive, Luther Winn, expressed their resolve to protect the legal validity of the amendment endorsed by Greene County citizens that sanctioned the casino’s activities. Winn stressed the detrimental consequences of the legal action on the casino’s 115 staff members who will face job and benefit losses. He further underscored that the county’s critical services, such as emergency response and fire departments, heavily reliant on the casino’s income, will also experience adverse effects.