Bingo Raid Halted But Not Over

Alabama Gov. Bob Riley’s anti-gambling task force was stopped for the second time Jan. 29 from raiding the $187 million Country Crossing entertainment complex in Dothan to remove allegedly illegal electronic bingo machines.

State troopers were reportedly stopped in their tracks by attorneys for Country Crossing and the Houston Economic Development Association on the grounds the troopers didn’t have a search warrant and were trespassing on private property, the Dothan Eagle reported.

Country Crossing developer Ronnie Gilley reportedly told the paper he believes the task force raids won’t end there because the complex is competition for Mississippi gambling venues.

“I am confident about our legal position here but I am disgusted, too. I am disgusted that our governor is spending millions of dollars to eliminate competition for Native American facilities,” Gilley told the Eagle. “There are a lot more pertinent issues out there. Our state is flat busted, and our governor, as opposed to supporting legislation to tax, limit and regulate bingo in this state, is spending millions of dollars to eliminate the industry that could help bail our state out.”

Riley is accused of accepting money from Mississippi gambling interests during his election campaign. He has denied doing so.

Country Crossing closed voluntarily while the complex’s legal reps work out legalities to reopen, putting hundreds out of work in the meantime, the Eagle said.

The ongoing feud comes from the governor’s claims that Country Crossing’s electronic bingo games are illegal because they don’t require any interaction by a player aside from pushing a button.

Country Crossing officials deny their bingo games are illegal and say state officials are nitpicking.