September 28, 2009

Governor Riley Praises Definitive Federal Court Ruling on Slot Machines in Madison County
Warns counties and communities about getting involved with organized gambling

MONTGOMERY - “The federal judge’s ruling could not be clearer, and it echoes exactly what we have been saying about the illegality of so-called ‘bingo’ machines in Alabama. Machines that look and act like slot machines constitute illegal slot machines, no matter what they’re called.”

That was Governor Bob Riley’s reaction to a ruling by a federal judge in the Northern District of Alabama today in a case involving gambling. In today’s ruling, the judge wrote that the so-called “electronic bingo” machines in question both looked and behaved like traditional slot machines. The judge wrote: “These similarities compel the conclusion that the electronic bingo games at issue in this case constitute illegal slot machines under Alabama law.”

The Governor said local communities that are considering making so-called “electronic bingo” legal should heed the judge’s ruling.

“Organized gambling interests are approaching communities throughout the state trying to entice them into passing ordinances that allow so-called ‘electronic bingo.’ Well, every mayor and city council member should first read the federal judge’s ruling. It exposes the fact that casino bosses, not charities, are operating so-called bingo halls in Alabama.

“The court also makes it clear that the attorney general’s 2004 press release provides no shelter for this illegal activity. As the court states: ‘The governing laws do not authorize the attorney general of the state of Alabama to legalize otherwise illegal activity, or to declare any particular activity to be legal.’

“We hope all owners of these machines throughout the United States are aware of the potential consequences of continuing to operate them in Alabama after this federal judge’s ruling. This opinion is a strong indication that the days of illegal casinos in Alabama are numbered, and manufacturers of these illegal machines act at their own peril in allowing their machines to remain in this state in the wake of this opinion."

“I particularly want to commend Sheriff Dorning for enforcing Alabama law by the book in Madison County.”