Alabama Lawmakers Fumbling Over Gambling Debate

In Alabama, Democrats and Republicans are not seeing eye to eye on the gambling issues in their state. It has caused a concern that if not resolved, the gambling issue could take up much needed time in the new legislative session.

At issue is electronic gambling in the state and whether or not it is legal. The governor of the state seems to have taken the law into his own hands with recent actions.

Last week, Governor Bob Riley appointed a task force to help seek out and bust illegal gambling operations in Alabama. That did not sit well with politicians who were hoping to have taxes placed on these gambling establishments.

The governor appears to be on his own in this debate. Some of the most influential people in the state come from the gambling industry, and politicians were set to solidify the legality of electronic gambling machine halls by taxing the establishments.

The governor, on the other hand, does not want the halls taxed, he wants them eliminated. He claims they are illegal and should not be allowed under any circumstances in his state.

With the new legislative session ready to get under way, the issue is causing negative feelings even before lawmakers walk into the meeting rooms. Politicians on both sides are holding resentment, which could cause the issue to go on longer than expected.

Attorney General Troy King is particularly concerned that there are some other pressing issues that may be put to the side if the gambling issue is not resolved. His resolution would be for the parties not to debate the issue, but to let voters of the state have their say. That would clear time for what he believes are more pressing issues.

January 8, 2009
Posted By April Gardner
Staff Editor, CasinoGamblingWeb.com
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