Gambling Interests Driving Political Campaigns In Alabama

In Alabama, the gambling debate has reached a level where there seems to be no middle ground. The anti-gambling groups, which include Governor Robert Riley, have taken a hard line stance against gambling.

The pro-gambling groups have attempted to use the court system to show that their establishments are legal, but their efforts have fallen short in many of the cases. The divide between the two groups has led to a major increase in campaign donations for political hopefuls.

Milton McGregor is at the center of the campaign donations. McGregor runs some of the most profitable gaming establishments in Alabama, and his hope is that the authorities will eventually stay out of his businesses. McGregor, through his companies, has contributed $1.9 million to political action committees.

Governor Riley has combated the gambling establishments by creating the Task Force on Illegal Gambling. Although the Task Force has succeeded in shutting down some of the more prominent gaming facilities in Alabama, it also has further divided the state.

"The Task Force is nothing more than the governor trying to impose his will against the very people that voted him into office," said Mark Braylor. "If the governor thinks he is doing the public a favor by shutting down our forms of entertainment, he had better check his approval ratings."

In reality, Governor Riley's approval ratings have never been lower. Even some Alabama residents that are against gambling denounce the way the Task Force has gone about its business. Attorney general Troy King attempted to seize control of the Task Force for that same reason, but the state Supreme Court ruled in favor of Governor Riley.

Ron Sparks is the Democratic nominee to succeed Governor Riley, and Sparks has been outspoken about his pro-gambling stance. Sparks has received much financial support from the PAC's that want to see the gambling laws in Alabama defined more clearly.

July 4, 2010
Posted By Terry Goodwin
Staff Editor, CasinoGamblingWeb.com
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