Alabama Lawmakers Decide To Keep Voters Out Of Gambling Issue

Alabama Democrats were trying to allow the voters of the state to decide the gambling issue that has divided many in Alabama. Republicans, however, blocked the issue from further discussion this session.

Now, Alabamians are upset that the issue that has been dividing many in the state will not be decided by themselves. Instead, they will have to endure the bickering taking place in the state government over gambling.

"For two years now we have watched as these lawmakers use ridiculous amounts of money to raid gambling establishments, and there is nothing we can do about it," said Bryan Walters, "I am against gambling, but I do think that it is us residents that should have the final say."

State Senator Roger Bedford agreed. That is why he proposed the legislation that has stalled. Although some Alabama residents are upset, they still may be the ones to decide the issue.

Several other pieces of legislation have been proposed that would call for a public vote on gambling. These Bills are much simpler than the forty page legislation that Bedford has offered.

In the meantime, Governor Robert Riley has made it clear that he plans on continuing the work of his Task Force on Illegal Gambling. The Task Force has raided several entertainment facilities, and others have voluntarily closed to avoid being raided.

Thousands of Alabama residents are without jobs after the closures at Country Crossings and VictoryLand. the two facilities were among the largest employers in the state.

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