By Gary Lloyd
MONTGOMERY — Attorney General Luther Strange and Jefferson County Sheriff Mike Hale on Tuesday announced a decisive ruling in a Jefferson County case involving so-called “electronic bingo.”
Circuit Judge David Hobdy issued a final ruling Monday that was the culmination of a joint law enforcement effort by the offices of Hale and Strange.
Jefferson County Sheriff Mike Hale
photo courtesy of Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office
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 in 2011. The judge ordered the machines destroyed and the seized monies forfeited pursuant to state law. The decision came after prosecutors from 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,” Strange said. “The court held that the so-called ‘electronic bingo’ machines were in fact illegal slot machines. 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.”
Hale said the Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office appreciates the assistance and support of Strange’s office.
“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,” Hale said.
Contact Gary Lloyd at news@trussvilletribune.com and follow him on Twitter @GaryALloyd.
