Alabama Senate Delays Gambling Bill; King May Shut Down Task Force

What was supposed to be a big day for proponents of casino gambling in the state of Alabama turned out to be bittersweet. The Senate delayed a vote on a bill that would legalize video gambling, but Attorney General Troy King appears ready to intervene with the Task Force on Illegal Gambling.

The Senate was expected to vote on the gambling bill Tuesday, but the vote was delayed when Senator Kim Benefield failed to show up because her husband was in the hospital. Benefield was one of the senators who's vote was being counted on to pass the bill.

In order to pass, twenty-one of the thirty-five senators must vote in favor of the legislation. The vote was going to be close, and every vote would count, so Senate Rules Committee Chairman Lowell Brown announced the vote would be delayed until proponents had secured enough votes to pass the legislation.

There was, however, some good news for those who have grown tired of Governor Robert Riley's attack on the gaming industry in the state. Attorney General Troy King has called a news conference for Wednesday at which he is expected to intervene with the Task Force.

King's office did not confirm nor deny that King would intervene, but they have stated that the reason for the news conference is to discuss the Task Force. King has been urged to shut the Task Force down because the raids are costing many Alabamians their paychecks.

VictoryLand and Country Crossings, two of the establishments targeted in the raids, have both closed voluntarily and thousands of people have been out of work since the closures. The facilities may soon re-open should King shut down the Task Force.

February 17, 2010
Posted By Tom Jones
Staff Editor, CasinoGamblingWeb.com
Submit News!

Kentucky Lawmakers Stumbo And Williams React To Gambling Letter
Senate Democrats Looking Towards Key Gambling Vote In Alabama
Kakavas Ordered To Pay Gambling Marker In The Bahamas
European Union Calls Out Gambling Tax Laws In Spain
Gubernatorial Candidate Sparks Criticizes Alabama Gambling Raids