Slot machines are not legal in Alabama.
Unfortunately, in Alabama and other states, game designers often create
games that too closely resemble slot machines. This leaves it up to the
interpretation of the state as to whether these games are operating
legally. Most of the time these slot machine like games lose. That is
the case for a particular set of bingo machines in Alabama.
The Alabama governor has waged an all out war on
eliminating illegal gambling machines and unauthorized slot machines
from the state. Governor Riley has assembled a task force just for that
purpose.
Recently the task force raided the White Hall
Resort and Entertainment Center. This establishment is run by a not for
profit charity organization. During the raid the Riley task force
seized several bingo machines operating on the premises. Riley believes
these bingo machines were a lot like slot machines, too much like slot
machine in fact.
The legality of the machines was decided on by
Supreme Court Justices a while ago. Unfortunately the Justices failed
to reach a unanimous ruling. That means several of the judges have not
made up their minds as to whether the device is a bingo machine or
closer to the family of slot machines.
The seizure case will move forward. A judge
ordered the return of the White House Resort and Entertainment Center
gambling devices, but the state is not obligated to honor the order.
“We respectfully disagree with the decision, but it is nothing more than
a preliminary decision,” explained White Hall attorney Bobby Segall.