Indian Gaming > Alabama a battleground for electronic machines

November 12, 2009

Alabama a battleground for electronic machines

A case before the Alabama Supreme Court could lead to the closure of dozens of non-Indian gaming halls across the state.

Bingo is legal in Alabama. But Gov. Bob Riley (R) and some state prosecutors have cracked down on electronic versions of the game.

The bingo hall operators say they are following the law. They dedicate a portion of the proceeds to charities and use other revenues to help cash-strapped local government.

"It has been a very welcome development for us," Vincent Smith, a city council member in Fairfield, told The New York Times.

The Poarch Band of Creek Indians operates Class II machines at its gaming facilities. Riley and his predecessors have refused to negotiate for Class III games.

Get the Story:
Video Bingo Has Alabamians Yelling Everything But (The New York Times 11/12)
Lawmakers propose statewide gambling vote (WBRC 11/11)