VictoryLand Jobs At Stake As Supreme Court Rules On Gambling Order

The Alabama gambling debate is heading to the states highest court after the Task Force on Illegal Gambling filed papers to have a lower court ruling thrown out. If successful, the Task Force is preparing for the opportunity to shut down the VictoryLand gambling establishment.

A Macon County judge has issued a restraining order that prevents the Task Force from conducting raids in the county. The judge ruled that Task Force head John Tyson Jr. did not have authority in Macon County.

The Task Force has argued that they have the right to shut down all illegal gambling operations, regardless of what part of the state they are in. Attorney general Troy King has announced plans to take over control of the Task Force, but Governor Robert Riley is ignoring the orders of King.

VictoryLand, one of the biggest employers in Alabama, reopened after the restraining order was issued. Thousands of people went back to work, but the threat of a Task Force raid may once again threaten to shut down the establishment.

The Supreme Court will now rule on the restraining order, which was granted on March 5th. The Supreme Court has steered clear of giving a blanket ruling on electronic bingo machines, although many in the state are looking for clarification into the law.

Lawmakers, meanwhile, are pushing forward with legislation that would allow voters in Alabama to decide the future of gambling in the state. Governor Riley has been heavily opposed to the Bill that would give residents a voice in the issue.

April 20, 2010
Posted By Terry Goodwin
Staff Editor, CasinoGamblingWeb.com
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