(MONTGOMERY)— Attorney General Luther Strange and Jefferson County Sheriff Mike Hale today announced a decisive ruling in a Jefferson County case involving so-called “electronic bingo.” Circuit Judge David Hobdy issued a final ruling yesterday afternoon that was the culmination of a joint law enforcement effort by the offices of Sheriff Hale and Attorney General Strange.
Law enforcement officers seized more than 500 illegal slot machines and gambling devices and $69,240.25 in cash proceeds from the Anchor Club casino in Brighton, AL, in 2011. The Judge ordered the machines destroyed and the seized monies forfeited pursuant to state law. Today’s decision came after prosecutors from Attorney General Strange’s Office presented evidence in Jefferson County Circuit Court.
“Today’s decision from Judge Hobdy marks a good day for the rule of law. The Court held that the so-called ‘electronic bingo’ machines were in fact illegal slot machines,” said Attorney General Strange. “Since taking office, I have said that I will resolve the debate over electronic bingo in the courts. Today, another court has spoken and I hope this ruling will serve as a warning for those contemplating operating slot machines in Jefferson County and throughout the State.”
Sheriff Hale said, “We appreciate very much the assistance and support we have gotten from the Attorney General’s Office under Luther Strange’s leadership. I hope this proper ruling in regard to illegal electronic gambling will send the message loud and clear that the laws of the State of Alabama do not allow this illegal activity and the laws in regard to this or any other illegal enterprise are going to be enforced, not sometimes but every time.”
