Judge In Alabama Rules All Electronic Bingo Gambling Halls Closed

The gambling debate in Alabama is about to reach a fever pitch. Circuit Judge Robert Vance ruled on Monday that the electronic bingo machines that many establishments offer in Walker County are illegal. The judge ordered all casinos operating the machines in the county closed.

That has set off fireworks in the political community. Governor Bob Riley supported the ruling by Vance, but he will not have much more to do with the issue because he is at his term limit and cannot run again for office.

That left the door open for Ron Sparks, a Gubernatorial candidate, to lash out at the current system that has been put in place by Riley. The governor has set up a task force that he claims is cracking down on illegal gambling establishments, but others believe he is protecting certain individuals with gambling interests.

"Judge Vance's ruling that bingo operations of Walker County are illegal, underscores the urgent need for a statewide approach to address the fastest growing industry in the state, gambling," said Sparks, in a released statement, who is running for office on a pro-gambling platform.

Alabama politics have been mired in what some believe is scandalous behavior when it comes to gambling. Advances to bring casinos to Alabama have been turned away. mainly by individuals with gambling interests already in the state. The thinking is that if casinos are not allowed in, there will be no regulation for the current gambling establishments.

"I am the only candidate, Democrat or Republican, who has pledged to fight for a statewide gaming commission, statewide licensing and regulation, and taxing casinos to fund education and Medicaid," said Sparks, in his statement, "I would allow the voters of each individual county the right to decide if gaming is allowed in their county."

October 27, 2009
Posted By April Gardner
Staff Editor, CasinoGamblingWeb.com
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