Alabama Attorney General Steve Marshall is feeling vindicated following a recent Supreme Court of Alabama ruling banning "electronic bingo" in Lowndes and Macon counties.
In State v. Epic Tech, LLC, the Court unanimously agreed with the state of Alabama that the Southern Star, White Hall and Victoryland casinos are illegal gambling enterprises, granting the state's request to prohibit the casinos from offering "electronic bingo."
Marshall said in a statement that "electronic bingo" is a "misnomer used by the casinos to mean 'video-slot-machine gambling'—at their respective facilities."
"The Alabama Supreme Court's opinion makes clear what my office has maintained from the start: these gambling enterprises are not only patently illegal under Alabama law but also a menace to public health, morals, safety and welfare," said Marshall in a statement. “[Friday's] decision will forbid the Southern Star, White Hall and Victoryland casinos from offering their slot-machine gambling to the public."
According to the opinion written by Alabama Supreme Court Justice Greg Shaw, "the Macon Circuit Court and the Lowndes Circuit Court erroneously denied or exceeded their discretion in denying the State's request in each case for injunctive relief prohibiting" casinos in Lowndes and Macon counties "from continuing to engage in the illegal gambling activities at issue."
Marshall's separate lawsuit against the Greenetrack casino in Greene County continues to be adjudicated in court.
The Supreme Court of Alabama ruled in July that Greenetrack must pay $76 million in unpaid taxes.
Luther Winn Jr, Greenetrack CEO, called the July ruling a "political, financial lynching" and announced that the track would cease its electronic bingo machines until further notice.
To connect with the author of this story, or to comment, email caleb.taylor@1819News.com.
Don't miss out! Subscribe to our newsletter and get our top stories every weekday morning.
