Voters To Decide on Electronic Bingo in Alabama

[bingolingo]

New legislation was introduced today by Rep. Marcel Black, D-Tuscumbia that would allow for electronic bingo at ten select destinations in the state of Alabama, one being at the Birmingham dog track.

This proposed constitutional amendment would allow for VictoryLand, Country Crossing in Houston County, Greenetrack and other existing bingo casinos to continue using their electronic bingo machines as well as a few select other places.

This proposal would also create a statewide gaming commission to regulate gambling.

Black has said he favors letting voters decide the issue of electronic bingo once and for all. He said gambling would provide much needed revenue to the cash-strapped state. Black's bill would put a 20 percent tax on gross gambling revenue.

But other legislators -- even some who are pro-gambling -- said the bill has an uncertain future, particularly because legislators are up for election this year.

blog.al.com

I think this is what they should have done long ago. Let the people decide. It should be their choice.

[lucky7]

I agree its our money and we should be able to do with it as we see fit. If I want to play electronic bingo games, then darnit I should have that freedom!!!

To bad this isnt happening in my area, though I still am holding onto the hope that maybe one day it will happen here as well.

[bingolingo]

This bill is getting fast tracked from what I just read.

The Senate Tourism and Marketing Committee voted earlier today (Tuesday) and the outcome of the vote was 6 for and 2 against. The six who voted for are democrats and the two who voted against it are republicans.

The arguments are not just between the dems and repubs either though, it includes leaders of other cities who want their city added to the list of who will get a casino. (bingo)

The 10 locations in the legislation are: the Mobile County greyhound track; Country Crossing in Dothan; two locations in White Hall, which already has one electronic bingo hall; VictoryLand in Shorter; Greenetrack in Eutaw; the Jefferson County dog track; and one location each in the 4th, 5th and 6th congressional districts in north Alabama to be chosen by a state gaming commission.

newsherald.com

If the legislature approves this bingo bill it will then go to the voters in a statewide referendum on Nov. 2.

5,000 people lost their jobs with the forced closures of the bingo halls using electronic bingo machines.