Alabama Governor Avoids Controversy By Turning Down Gambling Bet

Alabama Governor Robert Riley found himself in a controversy when he made a bet with Florida Governor Charlie Crist involving the college football SEC Championship game. For the BCS title game, however, Riley avoided a similar fate.

Riley turned down the offer from Texas Governor Rick Perry to make a bet on the game between the Alabama Crimson Tide and the Texas Longhorns. He instead chose to enjoy the game and the Alabama win without anything riding on the outcome.

The governor of Alabama received criticism from many people in his state after his bet with Crist. If the Crimson Tide lost, Riley was required to send ribs to Crist, but if the Gators lost, Riley would receive oranges from Florida.

The bet was made as a friendly gesture between politicians in support of their state, but Riley was heavily criticized because of his anti-gambling stance. Many residents were concerned that the bet was a conflict of interest for Riley.

Governor Riley has set up a Task Force on Illegal Gambling in 2009, and the task force has been raiding establishments in Alabama that carried what Riley believes are illegal gambling machines. Thanks to that position, the bet between Riley and Crist was examined closely by media in the state.

The governor's office released a statement shortly after the outrage, claiming that he had called Crist and said he would not be collecting after Alabama won the game. Crist had already sent the oranges, however.

For the national title game, Riley chose to steer clear of any controversy by turning down the potential bet. While Riley was in California for the title game, his task force was preparing a raid on the newest entertainment facility in Alabama, Country Crossings.

January 8, 2010
Posted By Tom Jones
Staff Editor, CasinoGamblingWeb.com
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