Alabama Supreme Court Again Aids Gambling Task Force

VictoryLand. one of Alabama's biggest employers, will have to keep employees out of work after the Alabama state Supreme Court refused to re-consider an earlier ruling regarding the Task Force on Illegal Gambling's attempt to raid the facility.

The Supreme Court ruled against a request from Macon County officials to re-consider an order issued back in late July. The Task Force has been unable to raid VictoryLand while the appeals process was being carried out, but now the door is open to a future raid.

VictoryLand has done their best to ensure that no raid will be forthcoming by sealing off all view of the electronic bingo machines in their establishment. Despite these efforts, and the thousands of people who are without jobs after the facility closed, the Task Force appears prepared to continue their assault on the gaming industry.

Task Force Commander John Tyson Jr. has acknowledged that a raid could be coming in the near future, although he stopped short of saying when the raid would occur. Tyson has asserted that although VictoryLand has done their best to conceal the bingo machines, it is illegal to possess the machines, and therefore a raid may be necessary.

"I think the governor and his task force have a personal vendetta they are carrying out," said Marlon Berow. "This place (VictoryLand) has already closed their doors and laid off employees that have families to feed. Why is it so important that the governor and his allies continue to drive the knife into the backs of these gaming employees and their employers."

That sentiment is shared by many Alabama residents who have grown tired of the gambling battle in the state. The issue has divided lawmakers, and has caused the gubernatorial candidates to proclaim their stance on the future of the gaming industry in Alabama.

Democratic candidate Ron Sparks has indicated that he would be open to regulating the electronic bingo machines that Governor Riley and the Task Force have criminalized. Several of Sparks' opponents have voiced their opposition to such legislation. The issue could be a deal breaker in Alabama come the November elections.

September 3, 2010
Posted By Terry Goodwin
Staff Editor, CasinoGamblingWeb.com
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