In its fourth unanimous ruling against casino owners – who have operated under the guise of “charity bingo” – the Alabama Supreme Court said Gov. Bob Riley’s Task Force on Illegal Gambling could continue to execute statewide raids on illegal gambling facilities.
Each of the court’s four rulings has addressed separate constitutional amendments passed by localities, attempting to circumvent the state’s constitutional ban on gambling.
Dr. Joe Godfrey, executive director of the Alabama Citizens Action Program, applauded the ruling and the governor’s efforts to enforce the law.
“Big-time gambling bosses – and Las Vegas slot manufacturers – have relentlessly tried to redefine our state and its constitution since the 1950s,” said Godfrey.
Godfrey alluded to a casino cartel from Las Vegas that infiltrated Phenix City, Ala., in the 1950s. Once established, the cartel was able to bribe local officials until it ran the city. Eventually, the cartel’s reach extended to the state Legislature in Montgomery.
The murder of Attorney General-elect Albert Patterson, by none other than the mob-backed sheriff, caught Hollywood’s attention. Movies like “The Phenix City Story” and “Wicked City” still run on Turner Classic Movies.
“It’s ironic that casino cartels are trying – once again – to redefine our state’s ethical, legal and legislative landscape,” said Godfrey, “all under the guise of ‘economic development,’ jobs, etc.”
Irrespective of a very public FBI bribery probe of numerous state elected officials, both gubernatorial candidates are calling for a vote of the people on the issue of gambling in the state. The Democratic nominee wants to vote to allow full-fledged casino gambling and a wide-open lottery, while the Republican nominee wants to eliminate all forms of gambling.
FOR MORE INFORMATION
Learn more about the social costs of gambling.
Read about state victories against gambling.
Read more about the “The Phenix City Story” on Turner Classic Movies.
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