Bingo machines on their way out

Bingo machines on their way out
David Goodwin News Editor

With the men in charge at Alabama’s electronic bingo casinos facing trial on federal corruption charges, State Attorney General Luther Strange announced Friday an agreement to expel the machines at the heart of the controversy.

Strange said Friday morning he’d reached an agreement with International Gaming Technology, Bally Technologies and Multimedia Games to remove all of their machines and equipment from VictoryLand, Country Crossing and the White Hall Entertainment Center.

The companies agreed to completely remove their machines within 60 days.

“It is my hope that this action will put an end to the electronic bingo controversy that has engulfed our state for far too long,” Strange said in a press release.

Strange said the deal is the result of a “reasoned legal strategy” that began just after his election in November to “enforce Alabama’s laws against slot machines.”

He met with local law enforcement and district attorneys in Houston, Macon and Lowndes counties, as well as lawyers representing the bingo machine manufacturers. They discussed “the state’s legal position regarding electronic bingo.”

The casinos, he said, were given the opportunity to “have their day in court through a forfeiture action.”

Efforts to pass a bill putting the legality of electronic bingo to a vote last year led to an October federal indictment of gambling kingpins, state senators and lobbyists. The corruption trial of 10 defendants, including VictoryLand’s Milton McGregor and Country Crossing’s Ronnie Gilley, was postponed until June 6.

Earlier this week, Strange also fired a shot at Poarch Creek Indian casino operators, who continue to operate thousands of bingo machines.

“There are other manufacturers with machines in this state, and I hope that they will follow the lead of those who have responsibly agreed to remove their machines,” Strange said, likely referring to the makers of machines in Wetumpka, Montgomery and Atmore.

Additionally, representatives from Cadillac Jack and Hest Technology have notified the Attorney General’s Office that they have already removed their machines and equipment from the state.