Alabama Gambling Task Force Eliminates More Jobs With Latest Raid

Residents in the state of Alabama may soon be forced to seek greener pastures in other states. The Task Force on Illegal Gambling continued their assault on what Governor Robert Riley believes are illegal gambling operations, and in the process, thousands of jobs may have been lost.

Greenetrack is considered to be the biggest employer in Greene County, and on Tuesday the facility was raided by the Task Force. After seizing hundreds of electronic bingo machines, the Task Force raid was then shut down by Judge Eddie Hardaway. By afternoon, the state had already appealed to the Supreme Court to lift the injunction.

Meanwhile, thousands of Alabama residents have lost their jobs since the Task Force began their raids earlier this year. The economic recession had Alabama looking for ways to bridge budget gaps, and it now looks as though that gap will grow without the help of taxes paid from gaming industry employees.

"I challenge Gov. Riley to bring some industry or jobs to Greene County that provides some of the same benefits that Greenetrack provides," said Curtis Travers of Tuscaloosa, as reported by The Birmingham News. "...I challenge him (Riley) and his so-righteous ways to close down the bingo facilities in Montgomery and Wetumpka in his own back yard."

The criticism of Riley has been growing in recent months, and the gambling issue could determine who succeeds Riley as governor. The gubernatorial candidates have been pressing their stance on the gambling issue, and voters will vote in the candidate that best fits their personal views.

Attorney General Troy King has already attempted to seize control of the Task Force, but the Supreme Court ruled that Riley was within his jurisdiction by creating the Task Force. The Supreme Court has ruled in favor of the governor on several different cases involving the operation of the Task Force.

June 29, 2010
Posted By April Gardner
Staff Editor, CasinoGamblingWeb.com
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