Undercover Officer Claims Country Crossings Gambling Is Illegal

The debate is raging on in Alabama and the divide between the pro-gambling and anti-gambling forces has never been greater. Monday was a day filled with opponents lining up in the Alabama court system for a chance to prove their opinion is the correct one.

First, there was attorneys for Country Crossings that were asking US District Judge Myron Thompson to block a raid at the facility. The Task Force on Illegal Gambling argued that the raid should be allowed because the machines being used at the establishment are illegal under Alabama law.

Lt. Mike Reese was the undercover officer that was inside Country Crossings and he claims the machines are illegal because there is no player interaction outside of pushing a button to start the game.

"In fact, once money is inserted, the game can be played blindfolded or with the eyes closed by simply pressing the button three times," said Reese, in an affidavit, "and can be played without ever looking at the bingo card."

This was just one of the developments that occurred on Monday. VictoryLand attorneys were in court trying to have a restraining order upheld that was issued on Friday. VictoryLand secured the restraining order just hours before a planned raid by the Task Force.

The Task Force is seeking permission from the state Supreme Court to carry out the raid. This all happens at a time when the head of the Task Force, John Tyson, is under fire for alleged campaign donations he received from groups associated with gambling interests.

February 1, 2010
Posted By Tom Jones
Staff Editor, CasinoGamblingWeb.com
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