Editorial: Take a stand against bingo corruption in Alabama

Wednesday, March 14, 2012  

"Get ready for another bingo boom across Alabama, the same unchecked, unregulated, untaxed patchwork of gambling halls that landed the state in such trouble two years ago. But this time, federal prosecutors — stung by two courtroom failures — may be far less eager to investigate bingo-related corruption. And Gov. Robert Bentley does not appear to have the strong hand of his predecessor.

Greenetrack, nearby in Eutaw, as been in operation for months. Casino baron Milton McGregor, after winning the legal fight of his life, is intent on reopening his VictoryLand casino. You can bet other large bingo halls are dusting off their bingo machines and getting ready to start hiring workers.

The State Attorney General’s Office still has at least a dozen prosecutions languishing in the courts against Greenetrack and other bingo operators.

After McGregor and five other defendants were acquitted last week by a federal jury, Attorney Gen. Luther Strange issued an odd press release asserting electronic bingo is illegal across the state. Does he intend to do anything about that?"

Get the Story:
EDITORIAL: Need for gambling reform calls for Nov. 8 referendum (The Tuscaloosa News 3/14)