Alabama Intensifies Efforts Against Unlawful Gaming Activities
The office of the Alabama Attorney General is taking action against what they deem illicit gambling throughout the state. They have initiated legal proceedings against gaming venues in five counties, claiming these enterprises are running unlawful slot machines disguised as bingo games. The lawsuits are directed not only at the businesses themselves but also at the manufacturers and suppliers of the machines, and even governmental bodies tasked with granting permits and overseeing these so-called “electronic bingo” operations.
Attorney General Steve Marshall affirmed that his office is dedicated to enforcing the law, particularly those statutes prohibiting illegal wagering. This initiative arises amidst ongoing discussions regarding the definition of legal gaming in Alabama. Although conventional casino-style gambling is forbidden, numerous establishments have been operating electronic bingo machines. These devices closely resemble slot machines, which are presently unlawful. The businesses contend that their games differ from traditional slot machines, but the state disagrees.
Further complicating matters, while federal law categorizes electronic bingo machines as a form of lawful gaming, the Alabama Supreme Court has issued rulings declaring that these machines breach state law and should be eliminated. This crackdown indicates a clear effort by Alabama officials to resolve the legal ambiguity surrounding gambling and enforce the state’s existing statutes.
Marshall stated that the Alabama High Court has, in the past few years, firmly established through multiple judgments that electronic bingo and slot machines are unlawful in all counties within the state. Consequently, they have initiated measures to ensure accountability for those who breach state regulations. These legal actions represent a comprehensive legal approach, formulated by the Attorney General with support from experts within his department, aimed at definitively halting illicit gambling activities.
Luther Winn Jr., the head of Greenetrack and a defendant in the Greene County case, released a statement indicating that while they haven’t fully examined the lawsuit, they intend to mount a strong defense to uphold the constitutional amendment endorsed by Greene County citizens, which permits this form of gaming within their jurisdiction.
Marshall’s endeavors have led to the displacement of 115 diligent parents and grandparents from their positions, jobs that provided decent wages, insurance coverage, and retirement plans. His legal challenges also endanger Greene County’s emergency response system and fire services throughout the county, both of which significantly depend on bingo-generated income.