Gov. Rileys Crusade Against Electronic Bingo Machines in Alabama

Governor Robert Riley has utilized every tool available to him to try and rid the state of Alabama of electronic bingo machines. The governor believes that electronic bingo machines are similar to slot machines, which are not allowed in the state. Now, Gov. Riley is being accused by some legislators of pulling federal officials into the issue.

The FBI (Federal Bureau of Investigation) is now investigating about possible corruption surrounding the gaming debacle in Alabama. Specifically, the group is looking into the latest piece of gaming legislation that has been approved in the Senate.

The Alabama Senate voted 21-13 in favor of permitting state voters to decide the fate of electronic bingo gambling on April 3rd, 2010. Immediately after its approval, Governor Robert Riley called the bill "unacceptable". Just days after Gov. Riley's announcement, the inquiry of the FBI was revealed. The gaming issue has become the top issue in Alabama over the past year.

Candidates for the gubernatorial position are evaluating their positions on the issue and current legislators are divided on the issue. Gov. Riley has formed the Task Force on Illegal Gambling and it has attracted criticism for the way the Task Force fulfills its duties.

Monday, 17 May 2010
Kori Woffendin