Gambling Advocate Sparks Awaits Alabama Republican Runoff

The gambling debate is heating up once again in Alabama. The Republican runoff between gubernatorial candidates Bradley Byrne and Robert Bentley takes place on Tuesday, and the future of the gambling industry in the state may be at stake.

On the Democratic side, Ron Sparks will be the candidate to become the next governor. Sparks is on record as supporting the gambling industry and regulations in Alabama, and regardless of who his opponent is after Tuesday, the Republicans have held firm to their belief that all gambling is illegal in the state.

Outgoing Governor Robert Riley is ending his second term, and the governor is facing declining approval ratings over the past couple of years. The approval ratings numbers are derived mainly from the governor's stance on gambling.

Gov. Riley has created the Task Force on Illegal Gambling to combat what he believes is an illegal gambling industry. The pro-gambling groups claim that the electronic bingo machines that some of the states largest employers are offering are legal. The state Supreme Court has ruled in favor of Riley in several cases, but has not gone as far as to say the electronic machines are illegal.

Attorney General Troy King, who was appointed by Riley, attempted to take control of the Task Force earlier this year. His efforts, however, were blocked when the Supreme Court handed control back over to the governor and Task Force leader John Tyson.

The Task Force has caused several facilities to close, and other have closed voluntarily until a decision is made on whether their gambling operations are legal. Thousands of residents have lost their jobs after the Task Force raids.

Lawmakers attempted to pass legislation that would have allowed voters to decide the gambling issue in Alabama, but the legislation was blocked. Now, voters will get their say in November when the Republican and Democratic candidates will have strong opposing views on the issue.

July 10, 2010
Posted By April Gardner
Staff Editor, CasinoGamblingWeb.com
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