To Gamble, or Not To Gamble, Alabama’s Continuing Dilemma
Posted: Sunday, March 28, 2010
by Joel Hendon
http://hebronics.org/index.html
Alabama is notorious for it's differing factions. And for the bellicosity of their stance on matters. In football, you are either Auburn, or Alabama...staunchly. There have even been killings over which is the best team! In politics, you are either conservative or liberal...staunchly. But the big issue now is gambling or no gambling...staunchly.
Many on both sides, have been hesitant to push for an additional referendum since the state still seems closely divided pro and con. But every other scheme imaginable has been introduced, tried and mostly failed. They finally received a court opinion that they could hold for profit Bingo games for charitable purposes. This ruling arose from the fact that certain churches and other charitable organizations were having their own games, where all were losers except the organization. The courts correctly ruled that these were legitimate and not considered gambling.
But the language of the law was ambiguous enough that individuals began to create bingo halls in collusion with some "charity" where the owners were keeping the majority of the funds, and if the charity was legitimate, only receiving a pittance. The law remains unchanged, but strict adherence to the legality of the operations have been strengthened.
A few years ago, the internet cafes' made their debut around the state. These were declared by their owners to be non-gambling. The patrons simply bought time on their computers to be allowed to play their games, with the possibility of receiving cash prizes, some quite large. Their legality was challenged and the courts ruled that they were indeed a form of gambling.
Then several of the state wide bingo halls still existing began to introduce the electronic Bingo machines, built on the order of slot machines and again, the legality of the operations came into question. Governor Bob Riley became involved and after the Alabama Supreme Court ruled against the operations with the machines under certain conditions, he formed a task force to find out if each of the operations were proceeding legally or illegally. Some of the businesses have secured court orders to keep the task force from removing the machines.
There has become legal disagreements between the governor and the attorney general, which is now to be decided by the courts.
A few weeks ago, a group of anti-gambling activists applied for and arranged to hold a demonstration on the steps of the state house. It was to be a quiet and orderly demonstration. But a group of pro-gamblers brought in several busloads who came and intermingled, yelling and even shoving. It became so unruly that state police had to be called in to restore order.
The resolutions for all of this are now in the hands of the courts and everyone should simply hold on until their rulings are made.
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Top-level comments on this article: (1 total)Earn your living by the sweat of your brow....too bad they can't give their money to the needy.... Thanks Joel.Yeah, I just learned today the Alabama Supreme court ruled that the ban on raiding the Victoryland complex could continue until further notice. Also, the Alabama Senate overwhelminghly passed legislation to hold a referendum to legalize the electronic bingo machines. Of course, it will have to pass the house and then have to pass the voters in a referendum this November. Thanks for commenting
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