Gambling Arrests Made In Alabama, But Not By Task Force

There has been much debate in Alabama as to the legality of electronic bingo machines being played at casinos in the state. What is not debatable, however, is that gambling machines in the bars of Alabama are illegal.

On early Sunday morning, members of the Gulf Shore Police Department and the Alabama Alcohol Beverage Control Board, raided the 19th Hole Bar in Fairhope Alabama. The Fairhope police were also on hand for the raid, that had to do with both gambling and drugs.

Undercover officers allege that they have been buying cocaine in the lounge of the bar for over a month. While investigating the drug activity, officers also found six gambling machines that were indirectly paying out cash to customers.

The customers would play the gambling machines, then receive a printed ticket. They then brought that ticket to the bar and were given the cash amount on the ticket. It is illegal for those machines to pay out cash in Alabama.

The state has been in the news recently for the ongoing battle over electronic bingo machines that are being played at casinos such as VictoryLand and Country Crossings. The two facilities had shut down voluntarily for fear of being raided by the Task Force on Illegal Gambling.

The Task Force was created last year by Governor Robert Riley, and it has caused much controversy. The debate has become so heated, that some lawmakers are now proposing that voters have the final say in the legality of gambling in the state.

In the raid on Sunday, four men were arrested. James McKay was charged with possession of a gambling device. The other three arrested were all charged with offenses related to drug possession.

March 7, 2010
Posted By April Gardner
Staff Editor, CasinoGamblingWeb.com
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