Alabama Governor Race May Be Decided By Gambling Issue

Current lawmakers in Alabama have had their legacy defined by recent events dealing with the gambling issue in the state. Now, future leaders are drawing their lines in the stand on the gambling issue.

Agriculture Commissioner Ron Sparks has been one of the leading voices for the gambling expansion movement in Alabama. Sparks has admitted that expanding gambling would be one of his first orders of business if he became the next governor.

"If the people of Alabama want to expand gambling in Alabama, then I'm the governor that would do that," said Sparks, speaking at a news conference outlining what his legislative agenda would look like. Sparks was speaking about electronic bingo machines, a source of controversy in the state.

Sparks is also looking to bring the lottery to Alabama. With many states expanding their casino options, Sparks believes the time is now for Alabamians to enjoy the same luxuries that are afforded to residents in other states. The lottery would be one of those luxuries.

Many of the other candidates to follow current Governor Robert Riley are against video bingo gambling regulations. Other candidates, such as U.S. Representative Artur Davis, are in favor of a simple yes or no vote on video gambling, with no strings attached.

Governor Riley ruffled the feathers of many Alabamians when he created the Task Force on Illegal Gambling. For over a year, the Task Force has been raiding gambling establishments. Earlier this year, however, Attorney General Troy King seized control of the Task Force, although the governor has not officially given in to King's orders.

April 27, 2010
Posted By April Gardner
Staff Editor, CasinoGamblingWeb.com
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