Alabama Judge Protects Bingo Machines From Gambling Inspection

Gateway Gaming is contending that the bingo machines that were seized in a raid of an American Legion bingo hall are legal. They have filed a suit against the city of Bessemer claiming that police seized machines that are legal.

In the suit, the company wants to protect the machines from being inspected by Bessemer officials. On Friday, Jefferson County Circuit Court Judge Eugene Verin ordered the machines to be stored until the legal case is complete.

The machines are being stored in an air conditioned and secured space, according to the Bessemer Police Department. The condemnation hearing has not yet been set in the case, and the gaming company believes that their machines will eventually be cleared.

"All the judge did today was ensure that the machines are not going to be tampered with before the lawsuit is settled," said observer Max Cruler, "even with the vague laws in Alabama, it would be difficult to decide whether or not the machines are illegal with an inspection."

Bingo machines have been a main target of Governor Robert Riley and his newly created Gambling Task Force. The governor has instructed the task force to shut down the entertainment facilities where he believes illegal gambling is taking place.

Whether or not the machines are legal in the state depends on who is asked the question. There are varying thoughts as to the legality of the bingo machines, but the governor has taken it upon himself to rule all of the machines illegal.

September 4, 2009
Posted By Tom Jones
Staff Editor, CasinoGamblingWeb.com
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