Bingo Crackdown Taking Place in Tuscaloosa, Alabama

The game of bingo is best remembered as a game that was played in churches, lodges, and other facilities where people liked to gather and have fun. It never was looked upon as a gambling option.

That is until recently. The city of Tuscaloosa, Alabama, has served notice that bingo is indeed gambling, and they are cracking down on anyone playing the game illegally.

The game of bingo can no longer be played at veterans' organizations, social clubs, or fraternal lodges. Authorities have decided the game is gambling, and gambling is illegal, so there fore the games had to end.

"If you risk something of value and it's a game of chance and you are trying to win something of value, which is cash, it's gambling," said Senior Associate City Attorney James Woodson.

Others are outraged that the city has decided to crack down on the bingo games. "People like to socialize, talk and have fun. I don't consider it (bingo) gambling,' said Dina Beard, a bingo player since 1990.

Although authorities are stopping the games and ruling that they are illegal, they have yet to go as far as arresting anyone or giving the players or club owners citations.

"We have to enforce it even for the best of circumstances. We advised them that, even though the intent of their bingo game is for charity, they still need an exception carved out of the state code. We've urged them to work with the local legislative delegation,' said Mayor Walt Maddox.

October 13, 2008
Posted By Larry Rutherford
Staff Editor, CasinoGamblingWeb.com
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