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DA would reject video bingo
AG King asks 18 DAs for opinion on legality of machines
Published Thursday, November 19, 2009
The subject of bingo — specifically electronic bingo — is no stranger to Alabama or the residents of Covington County, and it remains in debate throughout Alabama. Tuesday, Attorney General Troy King asked the state’s district attorneys to determine if bingo operations in their counties are legal, in light of last week’s Supreme Court ruling on bingo.
Alabama’s highest court issued a decision last Friday saying that the machines seized at White Hall Resort and Entertainment Center, in Lowndes County, operate “almost exactly like slot machines,” which are illegal in Alabama.
King has said electronic bingo machines are legal in some counties, if operated properly, but Gov. Bob Riley says they are really illegal slot machines that should be shut down.
King said last Friday he would accept the Supreme Court’s definition of bingo, but he believes the legislature eventually will have to let the people vote in a statewide referendum to determine if electronic bingo is legal.
King has sent a letter to the district attorneys in the 18 counties that operate some form of bingo, asking them to study the “six-part test” the Supreme Court said should be used to determine if bingo is being played legally. After studying the ruling, he said the district attorneys should decide for themselves what legal action to take.
Covington is one of those 18 counties. Currently, only one bingo operation is permitted in Covington County — the American Legion Post 80, who plays paper bingo.
Thursday, Covington County District Attorney Greg Gambril said his reply to King’s request would state that his office does not recognize electronic bingo as an authorized form of bingo in Covington County.
“As for the bingo issue, the recent Alabama Supreme Court only confirmed what my office, the (Alabama Beverage Control) Board and Gov. Riley have been saying all along — electronic bingo is, and remains, an illegal form of gambling (here), and was by no means ratified by our local constitutional amendment that authorizes paper bingo,” Gambril said. “My office will continue to stand ready to prosecute anyone who possesses such a machine or opens a bingo hall such as the one in White Hall.”
Electronic bingo has been in Alabama almost two decades, and earlier this year was a topic of discussion in Covington County as a possible source of revenue for the county.
The machines, which resemble slot machines, started in small storefronts, but they are now becoming the main attraction in Las Vegas-style entertainment centers.
At present, there are two laws on the books in Alabama that regulate gaming in Covington County.
Act No. 93-886, passed by the legislature in 1993, provides for the implementation of a constitutional amendment authorizing the county commission to regulate the operation of bingo in Covington County and states that “a bona fide religious, educational, service, senior citizens, fraternal or veterans organization” which operates without profit may be permitted to conduct bingo. The act sets the annual license fee at $100 and charges the sheriff with licensing bingo. The act also allows charities to get a special permit to conduct bingo on specific occasions.
The second piece of legislation, Constitutional Amendment 565, approved by statewide vote in 1994, gives the county commission the authority to “promulgate rules and regulations for issuing permits or licenses and for operating bingo games within the county.”
To date, the commission has adopted no such rules and regulations, and at present, there are no electronic bingo operations within the county.
Comments
Posted by rlb1940 (anonymous) on November 20, 2009 at 6:54 a.m. (Suggest removal)
This past Veteran's Day I went to my first "Bingo" place in Panama City, Florida, just to see because I'd never been inside one before. It was located in a shopping center, next to a dry cleaners, insurance office, Chinese Restaraunt, laundry-mat, shoe repair shop, travel agency, branch bank, & Christian book store. When I went inside I saw a few Veteran's (retired type), and maybe about 20 women, all over 60, seated in regular folding chairs at tables playing bingo. The price, 25 cents per electronic game with a 'progressive jackpot' that you could possibly Win up to $1000 if you hit the lucky numbers, however the normal Win was about $2 to $4 dollars.
In the rear was a concession stand that served hot dogs, grilled cheese, camp stew, and hamburgers, iced tea, soft drinks, coffee, and seemed to be ran by either high school or college kids.
I really saw nothing out of order, it was calm, peaceful, and seemed a 'quite' type of fun and recreation for the older generation. I thought about back home and I talked with the young lady running the place and she told me this was much the same type patrons that were here that day everyday, retired folks just getting out of the house for a while. I played for a while just for fun, had a hot dog and a cup of coffee,..my entire visit including the meal cost me $5.
Posted by ToldYouSo (anonymous) on November 20, 2009 at 7:12 a.m. (Suggest removal)
AGAIN and AGAIN and AGAIN, The County Commission need NOT adopt any regulations involving Bingo.
Everyone knows how it's played and its not on a slot machine! Judge Jerry Stokes, very plainly, explained it to our Commission, who were poised to pass "regulations" on something that was clearly illegal! Even they understood, finally. Duh!!!
Posted by bamafootball (anonymous) on November 20, 2009 at 8:13 a.m. (Suggest removal)
Typical for Alabama. Trying to tell people how to live their own lives. I say if you want to gamble, then gamble. It's your life, it should be your choice, not other people's choice. You need to be responsible for your own actions. Just like the lottery, it got voted on, and to no surprise to me, it was rejected. Again, typical for Alabama. Some of the same people that voted against it, don't mind picking up a ticket once they hit the Florida line. That is so ridiculous. Not to mention all the money that supposively goes to the schools from lottery winnings. Even if that didn't happen, you should still have the right to walk in the convienence store and buy yourself a ticket if you wanted to. It's no-one else's business. But, we live in Alabama (which I love) but just hate being forced to do things that's not my choice.
Posted by Naviddousel (anonymous) on November 20, 2009 at 8:36 a.m. (Suggest removal)
Regardless of the Governor's efforts, new legislation passed by the Legislature, or any state court ruling, Casino gambling is coming to our state. The Creek will eventually get clearance from the federal government and the issue will become moot. What will arise in the place of this old argument is the loss of potential tax revenue that the Creeks don't pay the state.
The Creeks have tried to work out an agreement with Governor Riley to pay a percentage of revenue to the state. Riley has rejected any efforts to do this. Instead, the Creeks will be able to keep all the revenue. The effects will be felt in places like Macon County which cannot compete with full casinos. McGregor will push for full casino gaming at Victoryland, and likely get it. This will arise without any compact with the Creeks nor will the state be prepared to regulate the industry because the present leadership has resisted establishing a regulatory gaming commission and accompanying legislation.
While the county leadership wraps itself in moral tinfoil trying to resist a changing culture that views gaming as a form of family entertainment, large numbers of Covington county, & Alabama, residents will continue to fill tour buses headed to Biloxi casinos. The only change will be that those same buses will be going to Atmore or Wetumpka, staying in Creek hotels, buying merchandise from Creek businesses, and spending money at Creek blackjack & poker tables, all with little or no tax revenue going to benefit Alabama citizens.
Posted by biscuitsandhoovergravy (anonymous) on November 20, 2009 at 9:08 a.m. (Suggest removal)
Well after reading some of the posts here I have had a fundemental change of heart on the gaming issue. I am ready to open an electronic bingo palace here in Andalusia.
As soon as I get it up and running...I think I'll just make it a full blown casino. I'll serve moonshine and have marijuana for sale too. I can increase my business by serving minors too. Why not have custom slots built with video screens so I can offer porn videos to my customers while they are gambling...dang I'm smart! As a part of my all inclusive service I am gonna offer welfare check cashing and payday loans and title loans at a nominal rate of say...20% weekly.
I can give money to local charities and schools...say 000.1% of my annual profits...to insure I will be held in high esteem among the community and get my picture in the paper every week and lauded as a leader and philanthropist.
It is amazing how good you can feel once you shuck all of your moral beliefs and just chase the almighty dollar!
Posted by bevnbama (anonymous) on November 20, 2009 at 9:24 a.m. (Suggest removal)
Why should the county commission tell me just how and where I can spend my hard earned money? If I want to "play bingo" then its my business. I don't understand with the schools in need of funds, why can't we have an education lottery like Florida and Georgia? As far as it is immoral, I've seen all those good "christian" women the other day in the old wal-mart parking lot waiting on that bus. You all know that bus...............the one that takes the good "christian " ladies to Atmore to play bingo. But thats all ok right. They were giving their money to the other county in taxes. They were not in covington county and their pastors and other church elders couldn't see them so its all just fine. As long as they go out of town and can't be seen.
Posted by Naviddousel (anonymous) on November 20, 2009 at 12:01 p.m. (Suggest removal)
As an addendum to the above comment, I don't foresee the gambling industry becoming part of the Covington county economy. People that go to casinos view it as a traditional vacation excursion: See the sights, take in a show, relax by the pool, and play some games of chance. It is often a family vacation. The image of Phenix City is not what the industry is about.
In Alabama, gaming will concentrate in the spots it has taken hold; Victoryland, Wetumpka, Atmore, Birmingham and probably Dothan. A small place like Andalusia has little to offer. Gambling that takes place in our county will continue unabated as it always has. There will be the various mid-level stakes poker games, cockfighting in rural areas, betting on games through the local bookie, and kids pitching quarters during break. None of these things will disappear regardless of what's available elsewhere. Most people engage in gambling activities at some level whether it is the occasional lottery ticket, a small wager on the Iron Bowl or Opp/Andy game, bets on the Golf course, Bowling, etc for sport. Most don't risk there families, careers, and homes in doing so. People with a gambling addiction usually have an addictive personality that would manifest itself in other endeavors. There is no law that forces one to gamble but there is also no law available that will eradicate the practice.
Posted by lookeyhere (anonymous) on November 20, 2009 at 2:07 p.m. (Suggest removal)
biscuits I think you have it all wrong.The casinos that I have been in are nothing like they were in the 70's or 80's.
Posted by gasman (anonymous) on November 20, 2009 at 2:47 p.m. (Suggest removal)
the DA has made it clear how he feels it is a shame his convictions wasn't the same when his buddy Sheri got caught wonder if he like BOB RILEY got any money from MISSISSIPPI,do you think MR DA is any of the football clubs who picks their picks with a chance of winning cash heck what about all those people who lost their jobs because MR RILEY
Posted by nmewarlok (anonymous) on November 20, 2009 at 6:02 p.m. (Suggest removal)
So instead we should let our (Alabamian) money funnel to Mississippi, Florida, Georgia, and Tennessee. I mean what is the PROBLEM with a state sponsored LOTTERY. Sure, you can spend your life savings if you’re a complete moron with wishful thinking’s and dreaming of hitting it big. MOST people are responsible with their gambling. Want to help solve this "education deficit" we are currently facing? I would take a guess several thousand a week flow from Covington county alone to Florida lottery tickets. Let’s say 2K a week goes across the border from our county. times 52 = 104K. Take all 27 border counties and multiply that by 104K, that’s 2.8 Million. Sure it’s not a complete solution, and you would not have that much profit (think payoffs, etc) however I’d be willing to bet half the people who has read this article, has purchased Florida lottery tickets (me included). OUR MONEY IS GOING TO OTHER STATES THAT COULD BE BETTER SPENT IN OUR OWN STATE SOLVING OUR OWN PROBLEMS, NOT OUR BORDER STATES.
Posted by DarrylDavis (anonymous) on November 21, 2009 at 5 a.m. (Suggest removal)
If it were not for district attorneys , judges, police, and polyticians telling the people what ,how when and where in their lives the people would wonder around aimlessly. We are supposed to be a Consitutional Republic but it is so evident that we are being governed as a Democracy (We in positions of power know what is best for you sheep). I personally do not gamble as I have no extra money for this activity but I will say If people knew what was going on behind the scenes in Montgomery and even with local policticians most folks would vomit, especially when these leaders are dictating rule and law from their own viewpoint.
Posted by SouthernAttitude1 (anonymous) on November 21, 2009 at 8:48 a.m. (Suggest removal)
DarrylDavis, so true, can we get an Amen?!
Posted by fredburpel (anonymous) on November 21, 2009 at 10:58 p.m. (Suggest removal)
AMEN
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